Maryland Politics

O'Malley emergency order allows paramedics to give swine vaccine

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:58:43 -0500

Gov. Martin O'Malley issued an emergency order Friday to help speed immunizations once more swine flu vaccine is available in Maryland. The order allows paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and cardiac rescue personnel to give shots to the general public. Before, they could give them to each other under some circumstances. The emergency order is essentially a bureaucratic necessity and isn't as alarming as it might sound. Maryland and other communities are ramping up for what they hope will be plentiful supplies of vaccine later this month. They don't want long lines because of scant supplies to be replaced by long lines because there aren't enough people to give shots. The order also gives Maryland's Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene, John M. Colmers, the power to add "additional categories of health care providers" to the list of those who can vaccinate.

First Click -- Maryland

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:47:23 -0500

Your daily download of Maryland's top political news and analysis Friday, November 5, 2009: Report: Head of energy committee won't support re-regulation Del. Dereck E. Davis (D-Prince George's), chairman of a key House committee that handles energy matters, will not support proposals to re-regulate Maryland's electricity industry "and vowed to prevent the issue from consuming his panel's work in the 2010 General Assembly," write Alan Brody and Sean Sedam in The Gazette. The two report that Davis made the declaration Wednesday morning at a legislative breakfast at the College of Southern Maryland. The chairman said competition was increasing and he's not convinced re-regulation would return energy rates to the levels customers enjoyed before caps came off under deregulation in 2006. MoCo may sue state over school funding law "Top Montgomery County officials threatened Thursday to sue the state and "aggressively pursue" legislation that would change state law after Maryland's attorney

O'Malley to pledge help on unemployment insurance

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:00:00 -0500

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) will promise Thursday night to work with business leaders to find a "more sustainable solution" to a state employment insurance system under which tax rates are tripling next year for many Maryland companies. The pledge is included in the governor's prepared remarks to a gathering of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, which is meeting in Cambridge. O'Malley provides no specifics in his speech, and aides said his administration is still reviewing several possible models for reform that will likely require legislative approval. The currrent predicament is largely the result of a 2005 law that calls for an automatic review of the state's unemployment insurance fund every Sept. 30 to determine if it has enough cash to remain viable in the coming year. A formula is used to determine how much employers must pay to keep the fund solvent. The economic downturn has taken a heavy toll

Hundreds show for Currie's $250-a-plate fundraiser

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:31:52 -0500

Nearly 18 months after FBI agents raided his home in a federal corruption probe, almost 200 Maryland lawmakers, fundraisers, lobbyists, labor organizers and business owners turned out Wednesday for a $250-a-plate fundraiser for Prince George's Sen. Ulysses Currie (D). The showing seemed to signal the powerful chairman of Senate's Budget and Taxation Committee no longer fears drawing attention to himself and that both political hopefuls and established members of the state's Democratic party feel comfortable publicly pledging support. Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown (D) and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., (D) were among those who spoke at the breakfast gathering in Greenbelt. Currie never mentioned the ongoing probe, but closed the program saying it meant a lot to see so many familiar faces in the audience. "Thanks for supporting us. This means a lot to my wife, Shirley, my family, what you've done for me today." One attendee

State may levy millions in fines against Montgomery schools

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:41:30 -0500

The Montgomery County school system could be forced to pay millions of dollars in penalties under an opinion Wednesday by Maryland's attorney general that its county government had "artificially" satisfied a state law that sets a minimum funding level for education. The 21-page opinion issued by Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler could leave Montgomery County liable for $16 million to $64 million in penalties, county officials said. The state Board Of Education will decide whether to penalize the school systems. Gansler said Prince George's County committed the same violation, but School Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. said that, based on the formula used to calculate the penalty, he is unsure whether his school district will have to pay anything. The central issue has been the ability of local governments to comply with Maryland's "maintenance of effort" law, which sets minimum spending on education. During the economic recession, Montgomery and Prince

First Click -- Maryland

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500

Your daily download of Maryland's top political news and analysis Thursday, November 5, 2009: Election Analysis: What's it mean for Maryland? Big Republican wins in Virginia and New Jersey were "relevant" to next year's gubernatorial race in Maryland, says former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R). He told The Post's John Wagner that Tuesday's results would figure prominently in his thinking about a possible comeback. Gov. Martin O'Malley and other state Democrats downplayed the meaning of the results for Maryland, where their party is more dominant. "I think every race is a little different. I mean, Maryland's not New Jersey or Virginia," O'Malley told reporters, adding that above all else, he thinks Tuesday's results showed voters are apprehensive about the economy and want the government to do more to fix it. "The best way to prepare for next year is to work as hard as we can right now, to

Poll: O'Malley leads Ehrlich but could be vulnerable

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:38:14 -0500

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) holds a 7 percentage point lead over former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) in a hypothetical 2010 rematch, according to a poll released late Wednesday by the nonpartisan Clarus Research Group. The spread -- 47 percent to 40 percent -- is about the same as that by which O'Malley prevailed in the 2006 election. But Clarus concludes that the Democratic incumbent could be vulnerable, as economic and state fiscal issues are a drag on his re-election prospects. On a separate question, 39 percent of voters said they want to see O'Malley re-elected while 48 percent say they would like for someone new to win. "O'Malley is favored for re-election because of Maryland's strong Democratic tilt," said Ron Faucheux, president of Clarus Research Group. "But if the state's current economic and fiscal troubles persist, he could be vulnerable to a strong opponent." Ehrlich is currently

Hogan to claim support of Pappas in Md. governor's race

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:30:36 -0500

Republican gubernatorial hopeful Larry Hogan is preparing to announce an endorsement from fellow GOP candidate Mike Pappas, who is dropping out of the race, according to Hogan's campaign. Pappas, a Towson lawyer who launched a gubernatorial exploratory bid months ago, did not immediately phone calls Wednesday afternoon. "I am honored to have the support of Mike Pappas," Hogan says in a draft news release that was shared with The Post. "As the only candidate for governor over the last ten months, Mike and his team have worked tirelessly building support across the state. Mike has been a consistent voice and leader for Maryland Republicans. He's got a great future in politics. ... I'm excited to have the Pappas team join my campaign." Hogan, a real estate broker and former Cabinet member under Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R), has said he will withdraw from the 2010 race if Ehrlich seeks

Ehrlich buoyed by Virginia, New Jersey results

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:42:27 -0500

Former Maryland governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) said Tuesday's Republican victories in Virginia and New Jersey were "a relevant event for us" as he decides whether to seek a rematch next year against Gov. Martin O'Malley (D). Ehrlich, in an interview Wednesday morning, provided no clearer timetable for when he might make a decision, saying he would conduct polling and convene focus groups in coming weeks to help determine whether a 2010 race is winnable. "We're doing the science," Ehrlich said. "There is no date. There just isn't. It's no secret. We're running around, talking to a lot of people." The closest to a timeframe Ehrlich would provide was "winter, early spring." Ehrlich said Tuesday's results had already increased calls for him to run. "Our phones started ringing last night, and we got a lot of e-mails at the house," he said. "It's nice, but we're trying to be

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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:42:27 -0500

First Click -- Maryland

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500

Your daily download of Maryland's top political news and analysis Wednesday, November 4, 2009: Election Roundup: A Democrat won a narrower-than-expected victory for mayor in the state capital. Voters in Rockville, Maryland's second largest city, ousted its mayor and residents of a Prince George's city elected the first African American to a city council that was recently expanded to encourage minority representation, according to The Post' election results, collected by John Wagner. Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) also made headlines telling CNN's Wolf Blitzer that the "race in New York's 23rd congressional district is evidence that the Republican Party is 'at war with themselves.'" O'Malley's comments looked prescient hours later when a Democrat won the race. Annapolis: Joshua J. Cohen (D), an Anne Arundel County councilman, narrowly defeated David H. Cordle Sr. (R) for mayor, with independent candidate Chris Fox running a distant third. The Capital reported early this morning that

With labor talks underway, Andrews calls for pay freeze in Montgomery

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:53:44 -0500

Montgomery Council President Phil Andrews warned Monday that the ballooning county budget deficit - it's now hit at least $400 million, given rollbacks in expected tax revenues - will require an across-the-board salary freeze next year. "All the alternatives to a pay freeze are worse. They are worse for the employees and they are worse for the public," Andrews said, adding that it's the only way to "avoid draconian cuts in services, layoffs and tax increases" in an already tough economy. There's no accident to his timing: labor talks are underway between the county administration and public employee unions. "I think it's important that that message is made clear at this point, so the parties in the collective bargaining agreements are under no illusions about what is affordable," Andrews said.

First Click -- Maryland

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:06:58 -0500

Your daily download of Maryland's top political news and analysis Tuesday, November 3, 2009: But, what's it mean for Maryland? It's Election Day (in a few Maryland cities, but mostly in a bunch of other places). So what will it mean for Maryland if Republican Bob McDonnell's lead in the polls translates into an expected election-night victory in Virginia? Or how about if Democrats lose control of the governor's office in New Jersey, too? Well, it "may" offer some clues about how Americans are viewing President Obama and provide an "early measure of the landscape for next year's midterm elections," writes Adam Nagourney in the New York Times. No, it probably won't, says Thomas Schaller in The Baltimore Sun. Depends on who you ask - and who wins, says The Post's Dana Milbank ... but mostly Republicans say yes (if they win), and Democrats, say no, (regardless), he finds. As

Two state delegates said to be running for Pr. George's County Executive

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:52:24 -0500

One female Maryland State delegate has decided to join the growing list of candidates for Prince George's County Executive, and another is rumored to be throwing her hat in the ring as well. The delegates--either of which would be the first female county executive in Prince George's history if elected--are Gerron S. Levi (D-Prince George's) and Aisha N. Braveboy (D-Prince George's). Levi confirmed yesterday that she plans to run for the seat, to be vacated by County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D). "The reason I'm getting in the race is because I believe the next county executive should have a vision for the economic future of the county," Levi said. "I think we need to be advanced, innovation-oriented and job-creating, and I believe I have the steps that will get us there." Braveboy did not rule out the bid, but said her mind is not yet made up. "I'm looking

Schaefer statue unveiled in Baltimore

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:44:08 -0500

William Donald Schaefer can still command an audience. The former Maryland governor and Baltimore mayor was not listed on the program Monday as having a speaking role at the unveiling of his larger-than-life statue at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. But just as the crowd of several hundred was breaking up, Schaefer (D) decided he wanted to speak -- and everyone stopped in their tracks. "You don't know what it means to me in sort of the twilight of your life," said Schaefer, who was celebrating his 88th birthday. The afternoon unveiling was one of those see-and-be-seen events in Maryland politics. Those on the program included Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), also a former mayor of Baltimore, who sparred frequently with Schaefer over the years but credited him with having "a deep love for the people he served." Former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R), who has enjoyed a much warmer

First Click -- Maryland

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:14 -0500

Your daily download of Maryland's top political news and analysis Monday, November 2, 2009: Constellation, EDF approve deal Constellation Energy and French energy giant, EDF, have accepted conditions laid out Friday by Maryland's Public Service Commission and will proceed with a $4.5 billion deal that could lead to construction of a new nuclear reactor in southern Maryland, according to a statement EDF released this morning in Paris. "EDF and Constellation Energy will complete the transaction without modification to the previously agreed terms of the transaction," the statement read. Constellation plans to sell 49.9 percent of its nuclear facilities to EDF. The PSC, which had asserted it had the right to rule if the venture would benefit customers of Constellation subsidiary Baltimore Gas and Electric, offered conditional approval for the plan on Friday if the two companies would provide rebates of about $100 for each BGE ratepayer and provide a cash