Ehrlich Scores Decisive Win in First Debate

Ehrlich Pledges “I’m Running to Create Jobs;” O’Malley Makes Stuff Up & Defends Record Tax Increases

ANNAPOLIS – Bob Ehrlich today proved to be the only candidate in the race to make job creation his first priority for Maryland families. On the other hand, Governor O’Malley defended the largest tax increase in Maryland history and continued to make stuff up and change the subject from his legacy of massive job losses, record tax increases, and ballooning budgets.

Make Stuff Up #1:  Jobs:  O’Malley says he created 33,000 new jobs; yet nearly 100,000 jobs have been lost since he took office. Unemployment has doubled in Maryland under Martin O’Malley.

Make Stuff Up #2:  Cut state spending: O’Malley claims he’s cut spending, yet total spending increased by $22 billion over Martin O’Malley’s four years compared to Bob Ehrlich’s four years in office.  To see how Martin O’Malley makes stuff up about the spending & debt, just click here.

Make Stuff Up #3:  College Costs:  The cost a family pays to send their student to College Park and other University System of Maryland institutions increased 35% under Martin O’Malley – and his budget predicts a 26% increase in tuition and fees after he’s reelected.

Make Stuff Up #4:  Crime & DNA Samples: O’Malley actually criticized Bob Ehrlich for improving Maryland’s use of DNA samples from convicted criminals.  Ehrlich inherited a DNA sampling system that was almost nonexistent.  He dramatically expanded the collection of DNA samples from convicted criminals and allowed law enforcement to collect samples at the court house. He also funded a new $24 million State Police Forensics Lab to process the samples into the National DNA Database. 

Cover Stuff Up #1: Taxes: When asked whether he would pledge not to raise taxes, Governor O’Malley refused to answer the question. That’s because he and his allies in the legislature have a plan to raise 43 new taxes next year, including taxes on car repair, barber shops and beauty salons, gym memberships, and even tax preparation.

Cover Stuff Up #2: School Construction:  Martin O’Malley credited himself for a strong commitment in funding school construction, but his next budget cuts school construction funding $150 million.  

Cover Stuff Up #3: School Funding:  Governor O’Malley says he cares about funding Maryland schools, yet he’s virtually guaranteeing school funding cuts by opposing the only legal slots proposal in Anne Arundel County.

Cover Stuff Up #4: College Funding:  O’Malley actually cut $133 million from the University System of Maryland.

Cover Stuff Up #5: The Chesapeake Bay:  Martin O’Malley raided the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund by $155 million, yet still claims to care about the health of the Bay.  Bob Ehrlich has pledged to protect the Restoration Fund from fund raids so that we can reduce deadly pollution in the Bay.