ON HELPING PRINCE GEORGE'S AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES, EHRLICH DRAWS A BLANK

Telling Moment in Debate: Ehrlich Has No Plan for Greater Washington Region Other Than Cutting Education Funding

Baltimore, MD -- In one telling exchange in today's gubernatorial debate, former Governor Bob Ehrlich drew a blank when asked to name one specific policy he would undertake to help Prince George's and Montgomery Counties.

In contrast, Governor Martin O'Malley responded with several specific plans to aid the region where he grew up, including a vision to build a world-class medical institution in Prince George's Community Hospital, plans to build Purple Line light rail connecting Prince George's and Montgomery Counties, and a commitment to continue the record investments in public education O'Malley made during his first four years in office. 

"If you live in the Greater Washington region, you saw a very clear contrast between a governor who is on your side in Martin O'Malley and one who has no plan for the region in Bob Ehrlich," said Rick Abbruzzese, O'Malley-Brown Deputy Campaign Manager.

"Bob Ehrlich opposes a Purple Line that will boost economic development in the region, and he has actually pledged to cut public school funding to Prince George's and Montgomery Counties if elected.  The Greater Washington region can't afford another four years of Bob Ehrlich."

Governor O'Malley invested $4.1 billion in Prince George's County schools when he was Governor, a $1.1 billion increase over former Governor Ehrlich.  Governor O'Malley invested $2.4 billion in Montgomery Counties public schools, a 57% increase over former Governor Ehrlich.

The Greater Washington Board of Trade endorsed Governor O'Malley this year, after having having previously endorsed Governor Ehrlich in prior campaigns.  The endorsement was all the more remarkable because the board's former chairman, John M. Kane, is the husband of Ehrlich's running mate, Mary Kane.