from Red Maryland

I read with interest Kevin Spradlin’s Cumberland Times News piece about Delegate Wendell Beitzel’s (R-Garrett & Allegany) bill to to set standards for wind energy projects in Maryland.

The bill, introduced Friday, does not attempt to indicate what those performance standards might be. Instead, Beitzel said the bill would require the state Public Service Commission and the Department of Natural Resources to jointly develop standards to regulate tower height, number and size of blades, rotor diameter, noise, lighting on and near turbines, and setbacks.

Even though the story reports that after failing to get out of committee last year, it is “gaining support” with 22 co-sponsors. Don’t bet on it. Why?

Because Maryland’s wind developers are so politically connected.
Case in point this 2007 Washington Post piece on how Wayne L. Rogers, head of Synergics Wind Energy LLC, former chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, and “prolific donor to a who’s who of Democrats,” used his connections to circumvent PSC regulatory authority for his wind project in Western Maryland.

Rogers’s business interests effectively decided the debate among environmentalists over what takes precedence: developing wind power or protecting nature.
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from Red Maryland

The Maryland Democratic Party is using an interesting if highly cynical tactic this election season. What happened to hope and change and the new politics? But I digress.

The Dems are trying to create a wedge between the tea party movement (vessel for voter the general angst against them) and Martin O’Malley’s presumptive Republican challenger—Bob Ehrlich—arguing that he is exploiting their outrage.

The clever little deceit in this ploy is that they would have us forget elections are referendums on incumbents and they and Martin O’Malley have exactly bupkis to run on. Pay no attention to the leprechaun behind the curtain!

So let’s talk about O’Malley the incumbent.

Speaking of exploitation, where is that roll back of the BGE rate increase O’Malley cynically exploited in 2006? O’Malley increased electricity rates by 85% and that’s not counting the unnecessary fee increase from RGGI, and the indirect regulatory increases sure to come from the state’s version of cap and trade. We could no more about this, but the O’Malley administration doesn’t want you to know who is writing the regulations.

Speaking of transparency, O’Malley’s rhetoric about accountability is just that because his vaunted State Stat is joke. Furthermore, he is refusing to implement the state’s transparency law.

O’Malley increased spending by the same amount he enacted in the largest tax increase in state history he enacted in 2007? That tax increase was supposed to solve the state’s structural deficit. It hasn’t. O’Malley’s reckless spending has only exacerbated it. Indeed even under the rosiest of estimates O’Malley’s 2011 budget saddles the state with 8.3 Billion in deficits in out years.

Democrats in the General Assembly have proposed for the 2010 session even more spending for their own pet interests.

O’Malley’s so called “progressive” tax policies have increasingly fallen on the backs of the middle class and millionaires aren’t the only folks fleeing Maryland.

Now O’Malley is claiming to be a jobs, jobs, jobs governor. Really?
Under O’Malley’s march Hilton Hotels chose Virginia over Maryland for it’s corporate headquarters, lost Black and Decker, is on the verge of losing Northrop Grumman and the state ranks 45th in business climate by the Tax Foundation. In fact, the evidence suggests—no disrespect to Bob McDonnell—that O’Malley is Virginia’s jobs governor.

Actually I’m being a bit unfair to the governor. O’Malley has made Maryland friendly to business—if it is aligned with his political agenda—his former apparatchiks are poised to grease the wheels for you. Moreover his economic development commission is stocked with Democratic donors who are little more than rent seekers and know nothing about creating real economic growth.

Yep, Maryland Democrats are indeed scared. Their latest stunt just merely confirms that they know that we know the state’s current economic and budgetary mess is a shabingus of their own making.

from Red Maryland

A reported one to two thousand tea party protestors packed Lawyers Mall Wednesday night. People from all over the state descended on the state house to tell Governor O’Malley and the Democratic majority: enough is enough.

The march, organized by AFP Maryland, the Institute for Liberty and others to protest O’Malley’s fiscal mismanagement of state finances, his reckless spending, and expansion of government.

At the height of the event, Lawyers Mall was packed end to end with protestors–from the Legislative Services Building to Government House and from the College Ave. to State Circle.

To our rulers: You would do well to to recognize the the gathering storm that awaits you. The rally in Annapolis Wednesday is but a taste of what is to come in next year.

To our friends and allies: I will remind you of my colleague Brian Griffith’s exhortation that it’s not merely enough to protest. We must roll up our sleeves and do the grunt work of supporting candidates who will fight for our values in Annapolis. The path is steep but we can scale the mountain.

Here is a quick video I shot from the rally

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From the PVRC blog.

Our County Auditor, Mary Allen, released a budget analysis last Friday, and the results were not good. It seems we’ve managed to create a $138 million dollar gap. Bryan Sears explains more in a recent article, and below you’ll find Steve’s response. Well put, Steve. This is why we need you.

“Unfortunately, the public has become accustomed to terms like budget deficits, excessive spending, and prospects of furloughs and layoffs. Many Baltimore County residents and employees are very disappointed to hear about the $152 million budget gap for 2010. When one considers our county’s annual operating budget is $1.6 billion, a $152 million shortfall is a 9.5% budget gap. Although County Spokesman, Don Mohler, says that the administration is not in a panic, they should have specific answers ready now for how they will address this important issue.

Citizens should be troubled about a recent statement to a reporter by Council Chairman John Olszewski who said, “I know about as much as you do … I’m wondering how this is going to be addressed.” He should be embarrassed to suggest that a news reporter knows about as much as he does on how to address such a large budget shortfall. Although the County Executive is charged to create the budget, the Council is responsible to prioritize and cut unnecessary items. The Council leader’s comments may leave some to suggest that he and his Progressive colleagues are asleep at the wheel.

He and others on the Council must exercise oversight of the county budget, challenge the County Executive and Department Heads to be efficient and innovative, and eliminate unnecessary spending. Citizens elect Council members to be good stewards of our taxes and have reasonable plans in place to ensure government reacts swiftly to challenging environmental variables. Perhaps I am relying too much upon my background as a retired naval officer and business executive, but our officials should have contingency plans ready for such a crisis.

One can understand a local or state government’s slow reaction to unpredictable circumstances, but Maryland and Baltimore County have been in a recession with extraordinarily high unemployment for over a year. The Council leadership should have some idea how to address a 9.5% budget gap. The problem may be that leaders do not want to make such tough choices during an election year.
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from Red Maryland

Sheila Dixon took an Alford plea and copped to taking “thousands of dollars in cash, fur coats, travel and other gifts from Ronald H. Lipscomb, a prominent developer who received tax breaks from the city.” Lipscomb also paid her American Express credit card bill after an extravagant Chicago shopping spree.

As part of the plea bargain Dixon will receive probation before judgment, pay $45,000 to a charity, perform 500 hours of community service and resign her office next month. However, Dixon will still keep her (tax payer funded) $83,000 a year pension and is barred from running for elective office for a mere two years. Although out of power, with that kind of scratch she still may be able to “buy quality.”

In a teary, self-serving statement Dixon did not apologize for her crimes and breach of public trust.

Thus ends pathetic epoch of Sheila Dixon.

However, as I wrote late last month, it’s easy to dislike the arrogant and self-entitled Dixon she’s but a symptom of a larger problem. Dixon may be on her way out, but the development-political complex—the system by which developers pay tribute i.e., campaign cash, in Lipscomb’s case satiating Dixon’s shopping jones—in return for lavish tax breaks for their über development projects—remains.

It is the planned, controlled, subsidized failure of the city. (more…)

Submitted by Reform Baltimore County

2010 could be a very good year for local Republicans

By Richard J. Cross III

Anyone wishing to gain insight into the 2010 election season should pay special attention to Baltimore County.

Baltimore County is a bellwether for three reasons. First, like Maryland, Democrats enjoy a better than 2 to 1 advantage in voter registration. Second, Republicans run competitively at the local, legislative and congressional levels. Third, the proper alignment of circumstances occasionally produces surprising results.

In 1990, voter unhappiness toward Democratic County Executive Dennis Rasmussen resulted in the election of Roger Hayden, the first Republican to hold that position since Spiro Agnew, as well as the election of three GOP councilmen.

Looking ahead, there are compelling reasons to believe that 2010 may be another high-water year for Baltimore County Republicans. First, the political landscape favors the GOP.

The sputtering economy feeds anti-incumbent sentiment, as does anger over the Baltimore County Council’s handling of the pensions issues. Factor in the negative publicity received recently by Democratic councilmen Stephen G. Samuel Moxley (1st District), Kenneth Oliver (3rd District), and Vince Gardina (5th District), and you have a compelling case for change.

Second, an unusual number of contested elections are occurring next year.
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from the PVRC blog

I just don’t get it. Why people choose to support Democrats is beyond me. There all about the money and the power. Sure they preach about the little people, feeding the poor, taking care of the disabled, but look at how they run their campaigns. They appeal only to the rich and deep pocketed. In an article today on ExploreBaltimoreCounty.com, Bryan Sears pointed out how three Democrat contenders in Baltimore County were filling their war chests. How, you ask? Well, that would be with $1000 a plate fundraisers and a committee headed up by none other than a couple development lawyers. Michael Paul Smith, who also happens to be Executive Smith’s son, and David Gildea (also highly connected to Exec. Smith) have pledged their undying support to County Council candidates Tom Quirk (running against Steve Whisler), Gardon Harden (District 5), and Cathy Bevins (District 6).

Of course these candidates have made a pledge of their own. They’ll accept these guys help and money, but would never return any special favors. Sure, like these men are doing this out of the kindness of their hearts. When business owners and developers show up at a $1000 a plate fundraiser, they mean business. They’re in it for themselves. They want these people to win because it means something for them. Why else would they care?

Democrats in Maryland have proven that they are not pro-business, just look at our employment tax, property tax assessments, and all-around hostile tax environment they’ve created. The one benefit to being the underdog in a completely blue state means that, for once, they can’t point fingers and blame the elephant in the room. So if these big developers are showing up at these fundraisers, then it means that there is something in it for them. And on a side note, I’d ask how many of these deep pockets are even from within these districts. Of course, I have no idea, but it certainly begs the question.

Bryan wrote, “Some community activists say they are concerned over the attorneys’ fundraising for candidates because of the council’s role in zoning and development.” Activists? I’d be interested to hear what everyday people walking down Frederick Ave would think about this. “Whose call do you think they will return first? The developer who gave them $1,000 or the attorney who raised them $50,000?” Donna Spicer, a Loch Raven activist shared with Mr. Sears (how do you define activist anyways?). What about the housewife looking for a sidewalk for her kids to walk to school on? When do you think her call will be answered.
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From Red Maryland

–Richard E. Vatz

“The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who in time of great moral crises maintain their neutrality” — Dante Alighieri in The Inferno

Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated by the popularity of people who are unusually personally attractive due to their intelligence, accomplishments, humor and/or kindnesses, but who are gutless when it comes to challenging the ethical outrages of their friends or supporters.

Such challenges, when made seriously, are known by the words “political courage;” their absence is known by the word “cowardice.”

Examples of the cowardly avoidance of the responsibility to publicly deal with issues of right and wrong occur throughout life: the school principal who tolerates bullying of small children; the cop who winks at the brutal behavior of his or her colleague; and the politician who looks the other way when his or her party compatriots commit financial corruption or racial bigotry.

This list is certainly not all-inclusive, as examples are inexhaustible.

In Maryland and particularly in Baltimore – perhaps because their party is so dominant – the Democrats are the conspicuous moral cowards. Two issues demonstrate this beyond question: the first, about which this writer has previously published, is the just appalling Democratic silence when Michael Steele was depicted as “Simple Sambo” in a Democratic blog by the late Steve Gilliard or when state Sen. Lisa A. Gladden supported using vicious racist slurs against Mr. Steele since “party trumps race,” or, more offensively, then-Democratic Del. Salima S. Marriott’s horrifying statement that comparisons of Mr. Steele to a slave were deserved because he’s a conservative. If Republicans did any of these things to a prominent Democratic politician, not to mention the lack of reaction to the 2002 racist attacks by The Baltimore Sun or the use of Oreo cookies to imply Steele was “white on the inside” at the 2002 Maryland gubernatorial debate, Democrats would have been apoplectic with indignant rage.

What Democrats did speak out against the reprehensible racial attacks on Michael Steele? To my knowledge, only then-NAACP President Kweisi Mfume and then-Rep. Al Wynn. The rest were content to let Michael Steele twist in the wind — for what crime? For being a conservative and Republican African-American.

The second issue revealing Maryland Democrats’ — or at least Baltimore City Democrats’ — lack of ethical concerns is their toleration, without a peep, of the behaviors of Mayor Sheila Dixon until her conviction on one count of misappropriation of funds for taking gift cards for her own use that had been donated upon her request by Developer Patrick Turner for the needy.

Mayor Dixon’s crossing the line of financial propriety is a serial affair. It includes, but is not limited to, her machinations relating to not revealing her sister’s employment with the city to her failure to report her relationship to Ronald Lipscomb and receipt of furs and other gifts on the heels of forging tax breaks for him.

When Mayor Dixon’s defense team made their closing remarks in her trial, the Mayor’s political cronies applauded and walked out of the courtroom derisively. Until her conviction on that one count of misappropriation of funds, no major (or minor, I believe)Democratic politician in Maryland openly criticized any of her ethically questionable behaviors of the last few years.

Do you like one-party rule of Baltimore City? Do you like political corruption?

Your answer must be “yes” or “no” to both questions.

Written by: Reform Baltimore County

Political reporter Bryan Sears delivered a doozy of a story late Friday afternoon, exposing the “slate” of candidates that Jim Smith’s allies are trying to install on the Baltimore County Council in 2010. The story can be read here:

http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/news/103476/councilhopefuls/

“Two Baltimore County development attorneys — one the son of County Executive Jim Smith — have picked a trio of County Council candidates for 2010 and are working to create large campaign war chests for the three,” Sears writes. “Michael Paul Smith, the executive’s son, and David Gildea, a former law clerk for Jim Smith when he was a Circuit Court judge, are raising money for candidates in three council districts where there will likely be open seats in the 2010 election.”

“The attorneys have hosted fundraisers for hopefuls Tom Quirk in the 1st District, which includes Catonsville and Arbutus; Gordon Harden in the 5th District, which includes Perry Hall and Towson, and Cathy Bevins in the 6th District, which includes Middle River, Fullerton and Parkville. The suggested donation to attend each fundraiser was $1,000.”

The story details how Smith and Gildea have apparently handpicked candidates to win three open County Council seats.

The reactions from the candidates are quite illuminating. “I know it’s unprecedented,” Quirk says of the $1,000 per ticket price tag. “It’s never been done before. But this is an important election, and there will be a lot of change in the council, and it’s more important than ever to elect the right people.” Apparently, the “right people” are puppets of the development industry and other special interests.
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from the Examiner

If one actually needs further proof of the corruption inherent in the Democrat Party in Maryland, look no further than how it protects its criminal elected officials. In just 2009 alone, the monopoly party has seen three of its elected officials convicted of crimes, with another pending.

Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon was just found guilty earlier this month of misappropriation of funds, for stealing gift cards intended for needy children. Per an article in the Christian Science Monitor: “At City Hall, council members expressed sadness today, giving praise to the embattled Dixon.” $2 million of taxpayer money later, she is still on the job.
county council, DUI, DWI, PBJ, Baltimore County

In September, Baltimore County Councilman Samuel Moxley was found guilty of his second DUI offense in four years. Per an article by Bryan Sears: “Don Mohler, a spokesman for County Executive Jim Smith, said, ‘This is a personal matter between the councilman and his family’”. He is still on the job, and looking at running for Clerk of the Court in 2010.

In July, Baltimore County Councilman Ken Oliver was found guilty of two counts of theft in campaign finance violations. Per Bryan Sears article: “[Councilman] Kamenetz said, ‘I think if Councilman Oliver made a mistake, I’m positive he’ll rectify it.’” Indeed, rectification came through the court system at taxpayer expense. Councilman Oliver still serves on the council, and apparently is still having campaign finance irregularities.

City Councilman Helen Holton was charged in January for accepting a bribe, perjury, misuse of her office and, later after the original charges were dropped, campaign finance violations. Her trial which had been scheduled for December 7 has been postponed. The Baltimore Sun reported: “She’s holding up very well,” said Mayor Sheila Dixon. “She’s right now intending to stay focused and continue serving the citizens of Baltimore.”

Not a word from the Democrats about any of these representatives of the people resigning. Before or after conviction.

In contrast, the last Republican to be convicted of a crime was Delegate Robert McKee of Washington County, who was found guilty of possessing child pornography in September of 2008. He resigned from office even before charges were filed and was not supported by Maryland Republicans. Before the conviction, House Republican Leader Anthony O’Donnell said, “”It’s troubling. But look, in this country, we afford our citizens the right to hear details.” According to an article: “Under his plea agreement, McKee is expected to serve 37 to 41 months in prison, register as a sex offender, and will never be able to hold public office or own a handgun.”

Sheila Dixon indictment press conference

Why doesn’t the public demand accountability for the criminal actions of Maryland Democrats? Will they do it at the ballot box next year?

also:

The Baltimore County Republican Party denounced efforts by two prominent Democrat powerbrokers, Michael Paul Smith and David Gildea, in their efforts to pack the next Baltimore County Council with politicians sympathetic to over development of our County. The story was first reported by Bryan Sears of Patuxent Publishing.
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From Red Maryland

It appears that former Republican Delegate Rick Weldon may be resigning his seat in the General Assembly to take a job with the City of Frederick. If he does, a very interesting decision will have to be made by the Frederick County Republican Central Committee (H/T Mike Netherland). The choice of Weldon’s replacement by these party elites has the potential to be a miniature version of the debacle in NY-23 (which seems appropriate as Maryland is “America in Miniature”).

While the die is far from cast, sources close to the committee tell me that there are two primary candidates seeking the job if it becomes available.

The first is central committee member and long time conservative activist Mike Hough. Mike is the former leader of the Maryland Republican Assembly which seeks to elect conservative Republicans to office. Mike is also a declared candidate for the District 3B seat and has reported approximately $30,000 raised and sources close to his campaign say that he expects to have over $50,000 cash in hand in his January report, a handsome sum for a single member district nearly a year before the election.

Given his background and active campaigning in conservative Frederick County, District 3B comprises arguably the most conservative part of Senator Alex Mooney’s conservative District 3, Mr. Hough would seem to be the natural selection for any opening.

Surprisingly, however, another member of the central committee, Katie Nash, has been quietly attempting to get the job for herself. Little is known about Ms. Nash as she lacks the experience or track record of even the 30ish Mr. Hough. What makes some cast Ms. Nash in the Dede Scozzafava role, however, is not her youth but her views on the issues. She is widely reported to be pro-choice and has on multiple occasions posted on her facebook wall comments which seem to show great sympathy for the gay marriage movement, even to the point of praising Equality Maryland for pushing Obama to do more. Without a record of achievement or public positions, these few public statements seem the only clues about what a Delegate Nash may do in the General Assembly.

Which begs the question, if the situation would arise, why would any central committee consider putting a political unknown into the House of Delegates? (more…)

Jury acquits mayor of felony theft charge, but guilty finding could force her from office; ‘the city will still continue to move forward’; prosecutor calls it ’sad day’ for Baltimore

From the Sun:

Jurors in the theft trial of Sheila Dixon convicted the Baltimore mayor Tuesday on a single charge of taking gift cards intended for the city’s poor.

Although Dixon was acquitted of a felony theft charge, her misdemeanor conviction could force her from office.

Jurors deliberated more than six days after hearing the Democrat was accused of using or keeping $630 worth of gift cards. She allegedly solicited most of the cards from a wealthy developer and then bought electronics at Best Buy, clothes at Old Navy and other items at Target.

The jury convicted her on one count of fraudulent misappropriation by a fiduciary and acquitted her on two counts of felony theft and one count of misconduct in office. Jurors failed to reach a verdict on another count of fraudulent misappropriation by a fiduciary. The conviction carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, but prosecutors have not decided whether they will seek jail time.

from the PVRC blog

While we’re at it, can we point out that Fred Homan, a senior county official, admits that the Personnel and Salary Board violated the Open Meetings Act. Of course, he only admitted this after Bryan Sears, Patuxent Publishing, starting asking questions. Here’s what he found.

“A salary advisory board violated the state Open Meetings Act, a senior county official said today.

The Baltimore County Personnel and Salary Advisory Board met Nov. 18 to recommend pay increases for the county executive and members of the County Council but did not open to the public an earlier unannounced meeting during which the particulars of their recommendations were discussed.

County Administrative Officer Fred Homan acknowledged in a brief phone call made to a reporter late Friday afternoon that the board violated the act by not opening the unannounced meeting.

Salary advisory board violated Open Meeting Act

By Bryan Sears

“We do believe that, in fact, they did (violate the law) and we’re going to institute some training,” Homan said.

The county Office of Law began a review of the lawfulness of not making public the unannounced meeting after Patuxent Publishing Co., publisher of this Web site, raised questions with a county attorney.
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From Red Maryland

Governor O’Malley is fudging the truth on his campaign site and fund-raising appeals claiming Governing Magazine named him “Governor of the Year.” The magazine didn’t name him governor of the year. It named him one of eight “Public Officials of the Year” for 2009. But then again we already know O’Malley likes to fudge things, then—naturally—blame others for his problems.

O’Malley’s flexible standards of truth aside, the laughable part of Governing Magazine’s selection of O’Malley for State Stat and “specifically for his work on measuring government performance.” Of course, as we’ve noted, in reality State Stat falls far short of O’Malley’s used-car salesman promise to provide Marylanders with “open, transparent, and timely information and data on state government agencies.” In fact, O’Malley’s administration is refusing to implement the state’s transparency law.

Call me crazy, but touting a failure on your own website isn’t the best campaign strategy.

I’m not sure what kind of Douchewellian™ alchemy goes into that formulation, but it’s kind of like promising to lower electricity rates, then doing everything in your power to raise them.

Poll: Anyone But O’Malley in 2010

Clarus has very interesting polling results on Governor O’Malley’s job performance.
The most telling was finding was this:

“39 percent of voters polled say they want to see Gov. O’Malley re-elected, but 48 percent say they would like for someone new to win.”

True the poll also indicated that O’Malley would best Bob Ehrlich by seven percentage points (47-40) in a rematch. However O’Malley won in 2006 with 53% of the vote, and is running 6% below that level. Also telling is that O’Malley trails Ehrlich among independents 48-34.

According to Clarus, “Governor O’Malley is now below 50 percent across-the-board in the triple crown of re-election poll metrics: trial heat, generic re-elect, and job approval.” Furthermore, O’Malley tested below 40% on seven of the eleven issues tested holding down state taxes, bringing new jobs to Maryland, managing the state budget, bringing people together to solve problems, putting Maryland’s interest above partisan politics, keeping in touch with average citizens, and protecting consumers against high electric utility rates.

This just makes Governing magazine look even more silly and out of touch for naming O’Malley as one of it’s 2009 Public Officials of the Year.
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From Red Maryland

Late this afternoon Mike Pappas dropped his nearly yearlong bid to become Maryland’s next Governor and threw his support behind fellow Republican Larry Hogan.

In his announcement, Pappas noted, “(a)fter considering all the challenges ahead and my personal requirements at home and in my law practice, I have determined that the best interest of my family and business requires that I stop my run for Governor effective immediately.” He cited both family reasons and the need to attend to clients of his legal practice as the two key reasons for withdrawing.

Pappas concluded that:

Some may question the timing of this decision given the tremendous victories Republicans won in elections this week. However, those victories exemplify the kind of results we can achieve as Republicans with good candidates. Although I believe that I personally make an excellent candidate, the realities of a State-wide race require more time than I can provide at this time, and I will not run such a race at anything less than 100%.

Moreover, I have spent a considerable amount of time getting to know Larry Hogan since he entered the Governor’s race this Summer. Larry and I share many of the same beliefs and ideas on how to rescue Maryland from the devastation caused by the failed policies of the Democrats in Annapolis. Larry brings a great perspective to the race and has the qualities and resources necessary to mount a successful run for Governor. With my withdrawal, Larry can focus his efforts on winning the general election and build on the momentum that started this week.

Therefore, I am proud to also announce that I am endorsing Larry Hogan for Governor in 2010 and am asking all of my supporters and members of Team Pappas to also support Larry in every way that they can. I will be working hard for Larry, and I hope you all will do the same.

I am deeply grateful to every person that joined our team, attended our events, contributed to the campaign, offered a word of encouragement, and challenged me to hold myself to a higher standard as a candidate and a citizen.

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Job ratings, re-election vote below 50%

The results of a new statewide poll of Maryland voters reveal that Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley may be vulnerable when he seeks re-election next year. The poll, conducted by the nonpartisan Clarus Research Group Oct. 30-Nov. 2, also shows that economic and state fiscal issues are damaging O’Malley’s political prospects in this heavily Democratic state.

Findings from the Clarus Poll:

* 39 percent of voters polled say they want to see Gov. O’Malley re-elected, but 48 percent say they would like for someone new to win.

* A year before the 2010 election, 48 percent of Maryland voters approve of the job O’Malley is doing and 40 percent disapprove.

* O’Malley scores majority support on only one of 11 key state issues tested: 54 percent approval for “living up to high standards of ethics.”

* On seven of the 11 issues tested, O’Malley scored less than 40 percent approval: holding down state taxes, bringing new jobs to Maryland, managing the state budget, bringing people together to solve problems, putting Maryland’s interest above partisan politics, keeping in touch with average citizens, and protecting consumers against high electric utility rates.

* In a trial heat against former Republican Gov. Bob Ehrlich, the man O’Malley defeated in 2006, O’Malley leads his former GOP rival by a 47-40 percent margin. (In the 2006 election, O’Malley won by a 53-46 percent margin. Ehrlich has not yet announced his intentions for the 2010 election.)

* In the 2010 trial heat, Ehrlich leads O’Malley in the state’s western counties (by 22 percent) and in Eastern Shore/southern counties (by 13 percent). They are tied in the Baltimore area. O’Malley’s statewide lead is attributable to his strong 42-point lead in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. In the 2006 election, according to exit polls, O’Malley won 70 percent in the Washington suburbs, 52 percent in the Baltimore area and 39 percent in the rest of the state.

* O’Malley scored a 21-point lead among women voters and a 66-point advantage among African Americans, but Ehrlich carried men by 9 points and whites by 14 points. Ehrlich leads independents by 14 points.

“Governor O’Malley is now below 50 percent across-the-board in the triple crown of re-election poll metrics: trial heat, generic re-elect, and job approval,” said Ron Faucheux (pron: foe-shay), president of Clarus Research Group. “O’Malley faces two major problems that are dragging him down. First, his issue ratings are lackluster, especially on economic and fiscal matters. Second, he’s polling only 34 percent of independents against Ehrlich. In the 2006 election, he received 47 percent of independents. That’s a big drop, one that represents opportunity for a 2010 challenger,” Faucheux said.

“O’Malley is favored for re-election because of Maryland’s strong Democratic tilt,” Faucheux said, “but if the state’s current economic and fiscal troubles persist, he could be vulnerable to a strong opponent.”
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I got this from a pro-single payer organization. Remember: What does single payer mean? One Choice and one choice only. And remember my article from a previous post….

* Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development data show that the U.K.’s 2005 heart-attack fatality rate was 19.5 percent higher than America’s. This may correspond to angioplasties, which were only 21.3 percent as common there as here.

* The U.K.’s National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) just announced plans to cut its 60,000 annual steroid injections for severe back-pain sufferers to just 3,000. This should save the government 33 million pounds (about $55 million). “The consequences of the NICE decision will be devastating for thousands of patients,” Dr. Jonathan Richardson of Bradford Hospitals Trust told London’s Daily Telegraph. “It will mean more people on opiates, which are addictive, and kill 2,000 a year. It will mean more people having spinal surgery, which is incredibly risky, and has a 50 per cent failure rate.”
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From Red Maryland

Who else is stunned by this development?

A union representing more than 30,000 Maryland state employees asked Gov. Martin O’Malley on Thursday to tap into the state’s $750 million rainy day fund to help avoid deeper cuts to state services. Patrick Moran, executive director of the Maryland chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, held a news conference Thursday with dozens of union members, who held up signs that read: “It’s Raining.” State officials avoid using the fund, fearing the state would to lose its Triple-A bond rating, which enables Maryland to borrow money at a more favorable rate.

I am glad that the Union at least can acknowledge when it’s raining, but this is one of those metaphorical time when somebody is trying to piss on your head and tell you it’s raining.

The rainy day fund exists when the state is short on money. This is true. However, financial mismanagement and incompetence by Governor O’Malley and his allies in the State House is no excuse to dip into the rainy day fund. It’s very easy for AFSCME to call for O’Malley to take money out of the rainy day fund because it’s other people’s money; money that was collected in taxes at a time in which the state was collecting more money from the taxpayers than it was spending. The money was put aside for an emergency; a real emergency.

AFSCME trying to protect its flank in order to save union jobs in a bloated state government? That’s not an emergency…

Governor O’Malley would be right to refute calls to dip into the rainy day fund in an order to cover the costs of his own mistakes. But there is an opportunity in this, but only if Governor O’Malley learns the lessons from his prior mistakes, reduces state spending, and reduces the size of Maryland state government. However, I’m sure the political pressures from his union allies to spend other people’s money to protect their hide will take precedence over such common sense ideas… (more…)

From the PVRC

“Incumbents will increase Baltimore County’s debt 25% in five years – $752M in 2005 to $942M in 2010. Authorities forecast our debt to reach $1.36B in 2014! Staggering figures considering our annual General Fund is about $1.6B. In 2010, we’l…l spend 5.6 percent ($90.7M) of the General Fund just to pay our debt’s interest. Incumbent mentality: “Spend lots now and worry about repayment later!” Steve Whisler via Facebook

So I did a google search this afternoon after reading an email questioning Steve’s number for the $1 BILLION debt of Baltimore County. Guess what? Not one single mention of it. In fact, every article I found spoke of the county’s apparent surplus. Even a local reporter had no idea the debt existed. To be honest, I don’t think much in terms of debts and deficits. I’ve become so desensitized to the very terminology; I have a hard time grasping what exactly the numbers mean. The more I get involved in politics locally, the more I begin to understand that those numbers mean my money, my hard earned dollars at work. At work, huh? Doing what? Paying interest on a debt? Can I just say that, in my life, I make it point to not pay interest, outside of my mortgage of course? Credit card companies hate me because I pay my balance off every month and reap the rewards. Basically they pay me to have their cards. So why would I want to pay interest on debt I didn’t incur, I have no idea what it paid for in the first place, and it does absolutely nothing for me or my family? Of course, apparently, Baltimore County has done a pretty good job of covering up the fact that they have debt. I’m not saying it’s a conspiracy or anything, just that in all I’ve read about Baltimore County’s budget, it’s all roses and teddy bears. I wonder if they got the same guys to do their “math” that the O’Malley administration got to do theirs when they said they inherited a deficit (try a surplus, peeps).

Can you blame them though? Our federal government doesn’t seem to mind pounding on the IOU’s, why should the local governments? The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. The problem is that when that apple falls, it rots on the ground, exposes it’s seed, and sprout up a whole other tree. Debt is like a weed. Once you lose control, you’ve lost it completely. Seriously, they’re only paying the interest? That’s like us paying the “minimum” on our credit cards. Quick math lesson for all politicians: debt does not get smaller unless you pay down the principal, not just the interest.
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Apparently the NAACP practices the very thing it protests against. Can you imagine what the outcry would be if we said the same thing? These people should be ashamed of themselves, but they are all liberal Dems, so they don’t even see the hypocrisy, and nor will the clueless Sun point it out.

NAACP fears appointment of white or Republican mayor if Dixon is convicted

Leaders of the Maryland NAACP, worried that a Baltimore mayor’s criminal conviction could result in the appointment of a white or Republican leader who may not fully represent the majority black and Democratic city, are asking state lawmakers to strip the governor of authority to permanently fill the office.

The request, made in a resolution adopted at a state meeting of the civil rights group last weekend, marks the first time a mainstream organization has raised questions about succession should Baltimore Mayor Dixon be convicted of any of the nine charges she faces. Dixon has been indicted for theft and perjury and the first of two trials is scheduled for early next month.

“There is that possibility of a conviction, and we want to know those protocols that are in place,” said Elbridge James, the political action chairman of the state National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. “If it looks like it is going to rain, I am going to buy an umbrella.”

Still, it is not clear that the resolution or a law change is warranted. According to Dan Friedman, an assistant attorney general who is counsel to the General Assembly, the governor does not have the authority to make an appointment.

Instead, the state constitution defers to the city’s charter, he said, which elevates the city council president to be mayor in case of a vacancy. That’s how Dixon became mayor in 2007 after Martin O’Malley, her predecessor, was elected governor.

Marvin L. Cheatham, the president of the Baltimore Chapter of the NAACP, introduced the resolution because he heard an attorney on a radio program discussing a lack of clarity on succession if Dixon were to be convicted and sentenced.

“Our concern is who would the governor appoint?” Cheatham said. “Here you have a predominantly African-American city. What if the governor appointed somebody white? … Would he appoint someone Irish to be the mayor?”

Cheatham also said he worried that a future Republican governor could appoint someone from his party to lead a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans 9 to 1. “Would not the Republican governor have the ability to pick a Republican mayor?” he asked. “We just think there are some unanswered questions about the process,” Cheatham said.

The resolution passed “nearly unanimously” with little debate from the 150 or so delegates who attended the meeting, James said. It lays out two options, asking either for the governor to defer to the city’s charter and elevate the city council president to mayor; or a revision to state law to prevent an emergency mayoral appointee by the governor to run for the office in the next election.

The link is here.

also:

Just Plain Funny

So, the rest of the MSM is not a wing of the DEMS?

Is Obama lackeys really this delusional or do they just think we are that dumb?

Anita Dunn, White House communications director, calls Fox News a “wing of the Republican Party,” after the White House began using its government blog to criticize “Fox lies.”

White House communications director Anita Dunn, shown here, says FOX News is a Republican Party “wing.”

Calling Fox News “a wing of the Republican Party,” the Obama administration on Sunday escalated its war of words against the channel, even as observers questioned the wisdom of a White House war on a news organization.

“What I think is fair to say about Fox — and certainly it’s the way we view it — is that it really is more a wing of the Republican Party,” said Anita Dunn, White House communications director, on CNN. “They take their talking points, put them on the air; take their opposition research, put them on the air. And that’s fine. But let’s not pretend they’re a news network the way CNN is.”

Fox News senior vice president Michael Clemente, who likens the channel to a newspaper with separate sections on straight news and commentary, suggested White House officials were intentionally conflating opinion show hosts like Glenn Beck with news reporters like Major Garrett.

“It’s astounding the White House cannot distinguish between news and opinion programming,” Clemente said. “It seems self-serving on their part.”

In recent weeks, the White House has begun using its government blog to directly attack what it called “Fox lies.” David Gergen, who has worked for President Bill Clinton and three Republican presidents, questioned the propriety of the White House declaring war on a news organization.

“It’s a very risky strategy. It’s not one that I would advocate,” Gergen said on CNN. “If you’re going to get very personal against the media, you’re going to find that the animosities are just going to deepen. And you’re going to find that you sort of almost draw viewers and readers to the people you’re attacking. You build them up in some ways, you give them stature.”

He added: “The press always has the last barrel of ink.”

Gergen’s sentiments were echoed by Tony Blankley, who once served as press secretary to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

“Going after a news organization, in my experience, is always a loser,” Blankley said on CNN. “They have a big audience. And Fox has an audience of not just conservatives — they’ve got liberals and moderates who watch too. They’ve got Obama supporters who are watching. So it’s a temptation for a politician, but it needs to be resisted.”

Nia Malika Henderson, White House correspondent for the Politico newspaper, also questioned the White House offensive against Fox.

“Obama’s only been a boon to their ratings and I don’t understand how this kind of escalation of rhetoric and kind of taking them on, one on one, would do anything other than escalate their ratings even more,” she said.
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