What does that leave? Education is the No. 2 issue for voters, and while an assault on the governor's position on post-Labor Day school starts might not be the stuff of a winning campaign, there is a major conversation to be had about our vision for Maryland's schools. The Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education is due to make its report by the end of the year, and that affords candidates the opportunity to stake out strong positions on issues of equity and funding. Transportation makes the list of top issues, and Democrats can and should question the details and general wisdom of Governor Hogan's plan for $9 billion in public-private partnerships to add lanes to the Capital Beltway, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and I-270. There is a counter-argument to be made; whether it will resonate with voters — particularly in the Washington region that is crucial for Democrats — remains to be seen.