A Viewers Guide To Governor O’Malley Making Stuff Up

Tonight’s debate will prove that Bob Ehrlich is the only candidate in the race who has pledged to make job creation and tax cuts his first priorities for Maryland families.  It will also prove that Governor O’Malley will go to any lengths to defended the largest tax increase in Maryland history, including making stuff up to change the subject from his legacy of massive job losses, record tax increases, and ballooning budgets.

Debate timeline: What to watch for tonight while Governor O’Malley is busy making stuff up:

4:19: Shifting the blame – Governor O’Malley blames Maryland’s economic problems on the national recession and fails to take responsibility for his role as Maryland’s CEO.

5:02: Fighting for Marylanders - Governor O’Malley claims he has fought every “battle” on the side of Marylanders despite enacting the largest tax hike in the history of the state, including a 20% sales increase that economists say “disproportionately hurts low income Marylanders.”

5:06: Fact check – Governor O’Malley claimed he “stood up” to “big utilities,” yet he rubber stamped a 72% rate increase in electric rates after promising to stop it.

5:17: Fact check – Governor O’Malley claims he has cut spending more than any other governor in the history of Maryland despite spending $22 billion more than Governor Ehrlich over four years.

5:36: Fact check – Governor O’Malley claims he is fighting for the Chesapeake Bay even though he raided that Chesapeake Bay fund for $155 million.

9:32: Admitting the truth – Governor O’Malley acknowledges that the regulatory environment in Maryland needs to be corrected.

10:08: Fact check – Governor O’Malley claims he has created 33,000 new jobs despite the fact that Maryland has lost over 100,000 jobs in the last four years.

13:00: Admitting the truth – Governor O’Malley admits he will not rule out raising taxes in his next term.

13:37: Fact check – Governor O’Malley claims he has spent less in the last four years than Governor Ehrlich did during his administration despite spending $22 billion more.

14:09: Fact check – Governor O’Malley claims he is creating jobs despite the fact that Maryland lost 6,000 jobs in the month of August.

20:40: Fact check – Governor O’Malley claims record school funding despite plans to cut school construction funds by $150 million next year.

21:19: Taking credit – Governor O’Malley takes credit for charter schools, a signature Governor Ehrlich accomplishment.

24:90: Taking credit – Again Governor O’Malley takes credit for charter schools, a signature Governor Ehrlich accomplishment.

27:50: Out of touch – Governor O’Malley justifies instituting furloughs by stating he wanted “all of us to weather this together.”

28:00: Fact check – Governor O’Malley touts his job creation despite the current 216,000 unemployed Marylanders.

32:47: Denying reality – Governor O’Malley fails to recognize the effect of one time federal stimulus money on Maryland ballooning budget deficits.

33:19: Fact check – Governor O’Malley claims cost of going to college has decreased despite 35% increase in actual costs.

36:34: Denying reality – Governor O’Malley touts the success of the Department of Juvenile Services in the wake of this week’s state audit report proving otherwise.

37:25: Taking credit – Governor O’Malley takes credit for the creation of the $24 million State Police Crime Lab, a signature Governor Ehrlich accomplishment.

43:05: Fact check – Again Governor O’Malley claims he has spent less in the last four years than Governor Ehrlich did during his administration despite spending $22 billion more.

52:55: Denying reality – Governor O’Malley fails to recognize his responsibility to address illegal immigration in Maryland.

55:18: Admitting the truth – Governor O’Malley admits that there are winners and losers when states compete despite having called Northrop Grumman’s decision to move their headquarters to Virginia and not Maryland “a win for the region.”

Special Debate Preview Video

Dear Joe,

I was at WJZ's studios today for the taping of our first debate, and I have to tell you: Governor O'Malley knocked it out of the park
.
Click here to watch a special sneak preview of what to expect tonight.



Independent news media are already calling Governor O'Malley the "clear winner," saying he was "poised and in control," "prepared," and "set the terms of the debate from the start."

I strongly encourage you to see this for yourself.  If you're in the Baltimore area, join us tonight at Mother's Federal Hill Grille, located at 1113 S. Charles Street.  We'll be there beginning at 6:30PM cheering Governor O'Malley on as he lays out the clear choice we face in this election.

If you can't make it to Mother's, you can watch the debate tonight at 7PM on WJZ and other media outlets or view the live stream on your computer at WJZ.com.

Click here to watch a preview video featuring footage from tonight's debate.

Governor O'Malley is focused and ready to Move Maryland Forward, but we need your help in this crucial final stretch.

Sincerely,

Tom Russell
O'Malley-Brown Campaign Manager

SBYNews At 6 General Election Interviews

Sby News Interview Mike Mcdermott from Jack Powell on Vimeo.

POLLITT PREPARING FOR 4TH FINANCIAL “REPORT CARD” SESSION ON WALL STREET, PREVIOUS THREE GOT HIGH MARKS

Each year in October, Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. travels to Wall Street to give the three major bond rating agencies a report on the county’s financial health. Following the review, Standard & Poor’s, Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investors Services respond with a grade or report card-type rating. This grade is of crucial importance since it influences at what interest rate the county can sell its bonds for capital projects. It is also an annual milestone indicating the quality of the county’s financial management.

Despite challenging economic times, the Pollitt administration has received high marks from Wall Street for its fiscal management. Last year the agencies continued their pattern of praising Wicomico County for its sound financial performance citing it for “sound financial performance, conservative financial management, healthy reserve levels, low debt burden and rapid payoff and diversified and stable economic base.” Standard & Poor’s and Fitch both rate the county at AA-; Moody’s rating is Aa2.

In response to decreasing revenues, Pollitt has taken major corrective action to maintain the county’s strong position. He has slashed the county’s operating expenditures by $17 Million (13%) over the past two years. As a result, the county is expected to use only about $2 Million of its fund or savings balance in Fiscal Year 2010. The budgeted amount was $4.7 Million.

Some of the steps taken to reduce expenditures were large. Others were small. All were done to reduce pressure on the taxpayers and to keep the county’s fiscal house in order. Some of the actions taken were:

• Instituting furlough days for all employees
• Negotiating a new, lower electric rate for the county’s six largest energy users
• Ordering all department heads to slash their operating budget by 15%
• Installing energy-saving measures at government buildings
• Cutting almost all county-supported entities by 10% for FY 2011
• Installing energy-saving devices at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center and Solid Waste facility
• Instituting a minimum “standard of safety” following a 94% cut in state funding at the Roads Department

The Wall Street trip is set for October 13, 14 &15. Pollitt commented, “Good results such as the county achieved in Fiscal Year 2010 are evaluated by citizens and the financial experts in New York who look at all aspects of county management when we go to the bond markets to fund capital projects. I am very pleased that we can go to New York with not only good financial news but are able to demonstrate a commitment to a moderate fiscal approach. We make the trip to get our “report card” with a sense of cautious optimism that we have taken the steps necessary to position the county to respond to these continually challenging economic times.”

Leftist Group Advising Homeland Security Ops

Contributes to report about using social services to battle 'extremism'

Government reports characterizing some returning veterans as possible extremists have echoed the sentiments of the Southern Poverty Law Center, which has likened tea party participants to shades of executed mass murderer Timothy McVeigh.

But now it seems the SPLC has been made part of the broad Department of Homeland Security community, with its president, Richard Cohen, helping formulate plans to be submitted to Secretary Janet Napolitano to help "combat violent extremism."

The issue was raised by Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers organization, which recruits a wide range of peace officers and others to affirm that they will not go beyond the reach of the U.S. Constitution, even if asked to by their government.

GO HERE to read more. 

Bill Clinton Stumps For Conway In Ky.

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Former President Bill Clinton wants voters in Kentucky to "be mad."

"Be mad," he said at a campaign event for Democratic Senate candidate Jack Conway on Monday. "They're playing you and you know it."

By "they," the former president meant groups like Karl Rove-backed organization American Crossroads GPS, which has been singled out as a threat by White House officials and even by the president himself in recent days. The group, which is not legally required to disclose its donors, has funded ads currently airing in Kentucky against Conway.

"If they're ashamed of their donors, you should suspect their ads," Clinton said.

During the campaign visit, the former president tried to paint Conway as a moderate in the mold of Clinton's own legacy. He called Conway a "practical, progressive, commonsense moderate" who's up against a "radical" Republican opponent.

GO HERE to read more.

Kissing Lesbian Couple Kicked Out Of Ravens Game

Today is National Coming Out Day. But at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, a recent Sunday was Kicking Out Day for one lesbian couple.

Nicole Marchetto and Mary Kate Morris bought some beer and fries during halftime while waiting for a long bathroom line to dissipate. While the couple waited for their order, the Washington Blade reports, the couple "engaged in what Marchetto characterized as 'casual kissing'." A security guard and supervisor told them to stop.

Since, as Marchetto put it, "numerous law-abiding straight couples" were doing the same thing, they ignored the order. "Straight couples were kissing all around us," Morris said, and no one was objecting. "As a matter of fact, some fans were not only approving but cheered us."

But after a third warning, the guard "demanded to see their driver's licenses, and then the women were told to leave the stadium immediately," according to the Blade.

The couple, of course, asked why.

The guard then said the women had stolen a plastic cup. They had taken a cup to use for ketchup for their fries, without incident. The guard then said they had stolen the beer. The Blade writes, "A Baltimore police officer intervened and told the guards the couple did not steal the beer. The couple has receipts for all the purchases. Nonetheless, they were forced out of the stadium by three police officers."

The Maryland Stadium Authority and the Baltimore Ravens are siding with the security guard.

GO HERE to read more.

Andy Harris Airs Third Television Ad

SEVERNA PARK, Md. – Andy Harris today starts airing his third television ad of the campaign, entitled “Listen to This.” The ad highlights Frank Kratovil’s continued support for the failed Stimulus bill and his blatant history of reckless spending.

“Frank Kratovil had his chance to create jobs for Marylanders and instead he voted for the failed Stimulus that sent jobs overseas,” said Bill Lattanzi, Campaign Manager-Andy Harris for Congress. “Kratovil spent his time in Washington wasting taxpayers' hard-earned money on earmarks for his campaign donors and supporting Nancy Pelosi’s job-killing spree. If we really want to lower taxes and control government spending, we need Andy Harris in Washington."

The 30 second ad is running in both the Baltimore and Salisbury markets.  

Don't Miss Our 6 PM Candidate Interview With Mike McDermott

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.

GOVERNOR O'MALLEY OPENS FIRST DEBATE WITH FOCUS ON JOBS, TOUGH CHOICES TO PROTECT OUR PRIORITIES

Baltimore, MD (October 11, 2010) -- Governor O'Malley opened this morning's debate focused on jobs and the tough choices necessary to move Maryland forward. The Governor offered an honest assessment of the tough choices made to create jobs, transform Maryland's economy, and protect Maryland's priorities during difficult economic times. Governor O'Malley asked for continued support to move Maryland forward.

"We are starting now to create jobs again in Maryland - 33,000 jobs created since January in our state," said Governor O'Malley. "We are starting now to transform our economy and climb out of this deep recession, and that is why the choice the people of our State have to make in this election is so very important."

"The former Governor says he wants to take Maryland back. I humbly ask for your support to move Maryland forward," O'Malley said.

Governor O'Malley highlighted accomplishments during his first term including cutting state spending by $5.6 billion, standing up to big banks to help keep families in their homes, record investments in public education to help build the nation's #1-ranked public school system, fighting to make college more affordable, bringing violent crime to its lowest level since 1975, and restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

"With decisiveness and fiscal discipline we have cut state spending by greater amounts than any Administration in history; and yet together, we have also protected our priorities -- public safety, public education, and the environment. We have improved our schools, we've made our neighborhoods safer, we've made college more affordable for more families, and we have taken strong actions that are working to restore the health of the Bay," said O'Malley.

"There are two qualities I love most about the people of our State: number one, our core belief that we're all in this together. And number two, when the people of Maryland face adversity, we don't make excuses, we make progress; we move forward. And we never give up."

Second Anti-Crime Legislation Public Dialogue Set For October 12

The second public dialogue meeting on the Salisbury Safe Streets anti-crime legislation package is set for Tuesday, October 12, 6:30 p.m., in the training room of Fire Station 16 Headquarters on Cypress Street.  The meeting is hosted by Salisbury City Council Members Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen.

The format will differ from the first one, last month, beginning with an education session to address questions and provide context for the public discussion afterward.  Residents who did not get to speak at the previous meeting due to the overflowing attendance will be given the first opportunity speak, followed by any previous speakers raising new points.

Although invited, no other council members will be in attendance.  In addition to Mayor Jim Ireton, select city department heads, and the city clerk, the hosts will be joined by Mark Bowen, director of gang intelligence for the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, who spoke last week at the gang awareness seminar held at James M. Bennett High School last week.

“We appreciate Mark Bowen making himself available for this evening,” Cohen said.  “He is a key member of the Safe Streets Coalition and has been a frequent participant in the Mayor’s Crime Task Force.”

“Helping people understand the connection between poor housing practices and crime and how this legislation is just one set of possible tools in the entire Safe Streets anti-crime toolbox is one goal of this second public dialogue,” Campbell added.

Both council members encouraged the public to read the actual text of the anti-crime proposals in preparation for the meeting, since a primary goal of the public meetings is to get specific input from the public.  Campbell and Cohen also noted that misinformation was still being circulated around town about the proposed package.

The legislation can be found under the link “Neighborhood Legislation Pkg” on the city website homepage at left, http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/, and on the website the two council members share, http://www.onyoursidesby.blogspot.com/.  Hard copies can be obtained by calling the city clerk’s office at 410-548-3140.

Citizens again have volunteered to videotape the meeting for later broadcast on PAC14.  The city clerk will audio record the meeting as well.

A three-hour audio recording of the first public dialogue meeting is available for free download or online listening from Campbell and Cohen’s website, or on CD from the city clerk’s office for $5, which covers the office’s cost of production.  For additional questions or comments, contact Debbie Cambpell, 410-860-0893 and http://us.mc324.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=debbiescampbell@comcast.net, or Terry Cohen, 410-845-0296 and http://us.mc324.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Terry@TerryCohen.com.

Found Kitten

Hi Joe,

I let my dogs out this morning and they found a (very) small kitten in our fenced in back yard. Im attaching a picture. I live on w. Main st. In salisbury, at the end near nanticoke road. It looks barely 6-7 weeks old and is very scared. I (think) its a girl kitten. I would keep it but i have 2 dogs and our 60 pound dog does not like cats/kittens. I searched and didnt find a mom or litter so it may be someones pet. Please have them email me.
Thanks,
Megan

Meganleigh82403@yahoo.com

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On October 8, 2010 at approximately 6:10 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspects # 1 and # 2 on outstanding arrest warrants for drug charges resulting from the execution of a search and seizure warrant by the Wicomico Co. Narcotics Task Force at a residence on Holland Avenue on May 27, 2010. During the execution of the search warrant, quantities of suspected cocaine and suspected marijuana were located in addition to related paraphernalia. On this date, while inside of the residence to take the suspects into custody, the officers observed several smoking devices in plain view of the officers. These items were checked and contained suspected cocaine and suspected marijuana. Suspect # 3 was arrested as a result of the recovery of these items.

ARRESTED# 1: Elizabeth Faye Johnson, 68 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of cocaine
Maintaining a common nuisance
Possession of cds/paraphernalia (3 counts)
ARRESTED #2: Angel Marie Johnson, 35 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of cocaine
Possession of cds/paraphernalia
ARRESTED #3: Lisa Lynn Watkins, 46 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of cocaine
Possession of marijuana
Possession of cds/paraphernalia (2 counts)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 2010000040141, 201000040144, 201000040144


On October 9, 2010 at approximately 3:46 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the fourteen hundred (1400) block of Ard Brac Place for the report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival the officers made contact with a resident of the address who directed the officers to the below listed suspect who was detained in the kitchen area. The resident advised the officers that he was asleep in the residence when he heard someone break the rear door. The resident investigated the situation and found the suspect, who was intoxicated, inside of the residence. The residents did not know the suspect and there were no injuries.

ARRESTED: Christopher Michael Finney, 20 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Third degree burglary
Fourth degree burglary
Malicious destruction of property (2 counts)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000040240

On October 9, 2010 at approximately 2:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant for the possession of prescription medication recovered during a traffic stop on May 27, 2010. The officers at that time were on routine patrol in the area of Priscilla Street and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was occupied by the below listed suspect for traffic violations.

During a check of the vehicle, the officers located a bottle containing a prescription medication. The medication was found to be the property of the below listed suspect who did not have a prescription for the medication.

ARRESTED: Walter Christopher Floyd, 47 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of Oxycodone
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000021294

On October 10, 2010 at approximately 1:02 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Brew River Restaurant for the report of a disorderly subject. Upon arrival the officers observed the below listed suspect yelling profanities at the employees of the restaurant. The officers tried to calm the suspect with negative results.

ARRESTED: James Joseph Raab, 26 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Disorderly conduct
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC #201000040367

The Great Mortgage Mystery

The big question from the mortgage meltdown isn't why so many distressed homeowners are defaulting on their loans.

It's why any of them are still making payments.

In the worst-hit areas millions have no equity left, and little hope of seeing any anytime soon. The market value of their homes is far below the size of the mortgage.

If they just stop paying, what is going to happen to them? In many cases they may get to live in the home rent-free for months, even years, until the bank gets around to seizing it.

If Frank Abagnale—the con man played by Leonardo DiCaprio in the film "Catch Me If You Can"—were operating today, he'd probably be living rent-free in a super-luxury high-rise in Miami.

Consider the latest revelations. The big banks are so backed up with foreclosures that some of them resorted to hustling through repossessions without the proper paperwork. Some of them—including Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase and Ally Financial's GMAC Home Mortgage—have announced a temporary freeze in some states on further foreclosures while they sort through the mess.

In one case, a bank employee said she was approving 8,000 foreclosures a month. By my math, that's roughly one for every minute and a half. No, she wasn't reading all the documents thoroughly. (As one wit observed, the banks paid about as much attention to foreclosing on the loans as they did to making them five years ago.)

In many cases, thanks to the fallout from securitization, it's not even clear who owns the mortgage. The payments may be due to different financial institutions around the world, some of which have gone the way of all flesh.

GO HERE to read more.

Sister, Can You Spare A Light

I captured this unique image at yesterday's "Good Beer Festival".

Autism Linked To Jaundice In Newborns, Study Finds

Common liver problem may be among growing list of possible risks, autism experts caution

Newborn babies who develop jaundice, a common liver problem that turns their skin and eyes yellow, are at greater risk for autism, according to Danish researchers who studied all children born in that country during a 10-year period.

Full-term babies born between 1994 and 2004 who were diagnosed with jaundice were 67 percent more likely to develop autism than those without jaundice, according to the study published in the latest issue of the journal Pediatrics.

Babies most at risk were those born to mothers who had had children previously, and those born in the darkest months of the year, October to March, said researchers at Aarhus University in Denmark.

GO HERE to read more.

One Year Ago Today

It was one year ago today Fernando Guerrero became a Champion right here in Salisbury at the Shorebirds Stadium. He now retains a 19-0 record.

His upcoming fight will be held in Atlantic City. We are working to charter several buses to Atlantic City to see the fight. Each seat for the bus will cost approximately $30.00 a seat. Tickets for the event will cost around $60.00 a seat.

Debate Questions For Governor O’Malley – Marylanders Deserve The Truth

 

ANNAPOLIS – Prior to today’s first Gubernatorial Debate between Governor O’Malley and Bob Ehrlich, the Maryland Republican Party issued the following questions for Governor O’Malley, because Marylanders deserve the truth.

 

1.      Will you pledge to rule out raising taxes and fees during your administration?

 

2.      Why did you give your senior staff raises totaling over $600,000 during the middle of a recession?

 

3.      Knowing what we know now about the 6,000 job losses during the month of August, which DLLR report do you think was more accurate; the original report projecting a stalling economy or the revised report protecting a more optimistic picture?

 

4.      Do you still consider Northrop Grumman’s decision to move their headquarters to Virginia and not Maryland, “a win for the region?”

 

5.      Which jobs killing failure do you regret most; failing to recruit Northrop Grumman or failing to secure an additional nuclear reactor at Calvert Cliffs?

 

6.      Do you think your antagonistic relationship with one of Maryland’s largest energy providers played a part in the failure at Calvert Cliffs?

 

7.      Do you agree with many leading economists that increases in the sales tax disproportionately affect the working poor?  If so, why did you increase Maryland’s sales tax by 20%?

 

8.      With over $6 billion in looming deficits, do you still believe, as you once said, that your historic tax increases were a “long term solution” to Maryland’s deficit?

 

9.      In 2006 you pledged to make college more affordable, yet the cost to attend College Park increased 35% on your watch. Do you regret making yet another campaign promise you wouldn’t keep?

Four Years Ago Today

It was four years ago today when Joe Ollinger stood up and spoke for the absent Ron Alessi in a candidate forum. This was a big problem for me and continues to be today. If a candidate cannot be present, NO ONE should speak on behalf of the candidate. This was an issue recently at a forum last week. Mike Calpino and Stevie Prettyman were not present for the forum, yet the FOP read statements from both of them at the very end. My main issue with this is, the candidate gets to say whatever they want through a letter but are not subjected to any questions from the public.

Today, Ollinger is running for County Executive, instead of Alessi. The difference between the two, nothing.

Kenny Beck Says Goodbye To WMDT 47 News

It was three years ago today, Kenny Beck said goodbye to WMDT and moved to North Carolina.

Three Years Ago Today

Prices were so high at the pumps, Funeral Homes could just sit and wait for the next victim.

Two Years Ago Today

Federal Program Offers Half-Priced Homes

WASHINGTON -- A new federal program provides huge savings for potential homebuyers, but there are a few strings attached.

The Good Neighbor Next Door program from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department offers 50 percent discounts on the list prices of certain homes. However, to qualify buyers must be a full-time teacher, law enforcement officer or firefighter, and agree to live in the house for three years.

GO HERE to read more.

U.K. Premier Says U.S. Forces May Have Killed British Aid Worker In Afghanistan

Kidnapped Linda Norgrove possibly died when rescuers detonated grenade

LONDON — Britain's prime minister said on Monday that aid worker Linda Norgrove may have been killed by her American rescuers, rather than her Taliban captors.

David Cameron said Monday that Gen. David Petraeus had told him Norgrove was possibly killed by a grenade detonated by a member of the U.S. rescue team.

But he added that the full facts had not been established.

GO HERE to read more.

Two Americans Share Nobel Economics ZPrize With British-Cypriot

STOCKHOLM — Americans Peter Diamond and Dale Mortensen and Christopher Pissarides, a British and Cypriot citizen, have won the 2010 Nobel economics prize.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said they won the prestigious the 10 million Swedish crown ($1.5 million) award "for their analysis of markets with search frictions."

The trios work can explain how unemployment, job vacancies and wages are affected by regulation and policy, the prize committee said Monday.

GO HERE to read more.

Deer Lets People Pet Him In La Plata

La Plata, Md. - It's not something you see every day, a deer approaching humans and letting people pet him. It happened Saturday in the backyard of a family in La Plata, Md.

Shelby Dunlap says her dog, Ginger, saw the deer first and started barking. The deer kept coming closer, until, her father, Steven Pollard, felt comfortable enough to touch it. The deer appeared to like being petted, and stuck around the house for several hours, while family members fed it apples and corn. It got close enough to nuzzle the family dog.

GO HERE to read more and watch video.

Today's Survey Question

Which Holiday Do You Like More;

Christmas Or Halloween?

No Cost-Of-Living Hike For Social Security Again

Expected announcement before election couldn't be worse for Democrats

WASHINGTON — As if voters don't have enough to be angry about this election year, the government is expected to announce this week that more than 58 million Social Security recipients will go through another year without an increase in their monthly benefits.

It would mark only the second year without an increase since automatic adjustments for inflation were adopted in 1975. The first year was this year.

"If you're the ruling party, this is not the sort of thing you want to have happening two weeks before an election," said Andrew Biggs, a former deputy commissioner at the Social Security Administration and now a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute.

"It's not the congressional Democrats' fault, but that's the way politics works," Biggs said. "A lot of people will feel hostile about it."

The cost-of-living adjustments, or COLAs, are automatically set each year by an inflation measure that was adopted by Congress back in the 1970s. Based on inflation so far this year, the trustees who oversee Social Security project there will be no COLA for 2011.

Life Inc.: America's retirement nest egg is $6.6 trillion short

GO HERE to read more.

WNC Hosts Candidate Forum

THE WICOMICO NEIGHBORHOOD CONGRESS, INC.

Sponsors a

PUBLIC FORUM OF CANDIDATES FOR WICOMICO COUNTY COUNCIL

(Contested Seats Only)

on

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010

7 to 9 PM

In the

Amphitheatre of Guerreri Hall (GH 101)

WOR-WIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 

CANDIDATES INVITED:

At Large: Dave Cowall -- Bob Culver – Matt Holloway -- Ed Taylor

First District:  David Goslee -- Sheree Sample-Hughes

Fourth District:  Bob Caldwell -- Dave MacLeod

Candidates Will Be Questioned on Significant Issues Expected to Face the County Council during the Next Term – 2011 through 2014 by DON RUSH of WSCL/WSDL (Public Radio Delmarva)

Palin Spells Out Messages For 'Hand-In-Hand' Elections

Go from 'rebuke, reject, repeal' in 2010 to 'renew, revive and restore' in 2012

BAKERSFIELD, Calif.  — Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, in a speech that sounded a lot like a 2012 trial balloon, or at least an effort to drum up speculation on the subject and boost her brand within the Republican party, told a Bakersfield, Calif., conference Saturday to consider the next two elections together

.

"We cannot undo the damage done by the Obama agenda until we replace Obama himself," Palin said.

"These two elections, 2010 and 2012, go hand-in-hand. ... The theme of 2010 has got to be rebuke their errors, reject, repeal; and then the theme of 2012 — it's renew, revive and restore."

Palin, 46, appeared at the Bakersfield Business Conference before a sold-out crowd of about 10,000. Full-day tickets for the conference were $495 each.

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War Museum Plan Moves Forward

Courage. Patriotism. Service. Sacrifice. A museum to honor the stories of those who have served in the nation’s 20th and 21st century wars – as well as their families – is a step closer to reality.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve map amendments that will set the stage for the building of the American Wartime Museum in Dale City, Va. The project is also known as The National Museum of Americans in Wartime. The museum will be built on a 41-acre parcel of land off Dale Boulevard, in close proximity to Interstate 95. After a previous site near the Manassas Airport fell through for environmental reasons, the Hylton family – longtime Dale City developers – donated the land behind Ashdale Plaza, according to InsideNova.com. The area had to be re-zoned and Tuesday’s map amendment was part of the process. “Not only will [the museum] remember veterans and those who served our country but it will be a great benefit to the community, as well,” Board Chairman Corey A. Stewart told InsideNova.com. Approximately $50 million will be needed to build the facility. Current plans call for the museum to open to the public on Veterans Day 2014, according to the National Museum of Americans in Wartime website.

Source

New York Gubernatorial Hopeful Slams Gays

Paladino: Kids shouldn't be 'brainwashed' into thinking homosexuality is acceptable

The Republican candidate for governor, Carl P. Paladino, told a gathering in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on Sunday that children should not be “brainwashed” into thinking that homosexuality was acceptable, and criticized his opponent, Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, for marching in a gay pride parade earlier this year.

Addressing Orthodox Jewish leaders, Mr. Paladino described his opposition to same-sex marriage.

“That’s not how God created us,” he said, reading from a prepared address. 

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3 Reasons Debit Cards Beat Credit Cards

Debit cards get absolutely no respect.Talk with enough personal finance experts and you can collect a laundry list of reasons why credit cards are better than debit cards. For some consumers, a credit card is better than a debit card, but if average credit card debt statistics are any indication, many consumers would be better off using debit.

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Sunday Soundbite Analysis

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

On the Sunday morning talk shows, conversation centered around a Democratic accusation that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is using foreign money to fund GOP campaigns.

Foreign Minister Lieberman: 'We Will Not Be Victims Of Appeasement'

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, fresh off what was widely viewed as his “undiplomatic” address to the UN General Assembly last month, told his visiting Spanish and French counterparts on Sunday that before coming to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, they should concentrate on the problems in their own backyard.

“I don’t expect you to solve the problems of the world, but I certainly expect that before you come here to teach us how to solve conflicts, you will deal with the problems in Europe and solve those conflicts,” Lieberman told French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos, who arrived on Sunday for a day of talks in Israel, followed by a day of talks in the Palestinian Authority.

Lieberman said that after solving the conflicts in the Caucasus and Cyprus, and after making peace between Serbia and Kosovo, then the Europeans can come here and “we will listen to your advice.”

“In 1938, the European community decided to appease Hitler instead of supporting Czechoslovakia and sacrificed them [sic] without gaining anything,” Lieberman said.

“We will not be Czechoslovakia of 2010. We will ensure the security of Israel.”

Lieberman said it seemed as if the international community was trying to make up for all its failures in solving conflicts around the world by forging an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians in one year.

“What about the struggle in Somalia, North Korea, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Sudan?” he asked. “Instead of talking now with the Arab League about the future of a referendum in Sudan, or discussing the explosive situation in Iraq in 2012, the international community is applying great pressure on Israel.”

Lieberman said that while the international community was talking about bringing about calm in the region, it would likely cause the exact opposite and “bring about an explosion like what happened after Camp David in 2000.”

Earlier in the day, Moratinos and Kouchner met with President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and opposition leader Tzipi Livni, and heard less strident messages.

Nevertheless, in those meetings as well, the two foreign ministers were told that just as the international community played a role in getting the PA to enter direct talks with Israel last month, it must convince it of the need to show flexibility on the settlement moratorium issue now.

Even before the duo’s arrival, Israeli officials relayed Jerusalem’s displeasure to Paris and Madrid at their recent decisions to upgrade the status of the Palestinian delegations in each capital to “mission” status.

The French took that step in July, following an upgrade of the PLO presence in Washington to “delegation general,” and Spain took a similar move in September.

Israel’s message to the French and the Spanish was that this was not the right time to give the Palestinians a “free prize,” and that it sent the wrong message at a time when the PA was not showing any flexibility.

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ACORN Set To Steal Elections Again Using Aliases

Anthony G. Martin

Conservative Examiner

ACORN set to steal elections again using aliases

·         October 10th, 2010 2:52 pm ET

ACORN--the 'Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now'--has reared its ugly head again.

This time, the organization, which has been officially dissolved, has re-emerged under different names across the country.

These organizations are set to attempt to do the same thing ACORN did in 2008 for Obama.  

ACORN was implicated in voter intimidation, registering illegal aliens to vote, allowing the same person to register multiple times under various fictitious names, including the deceased, all with the goal of getting Obama elected. 

This time the group wishes to insure that the same crowd in Congress that gave us ObamaCare, cap and trade, the TARP II bailouts of Wall Street and banking fat cats, and the failed 'stimulus package,' will be sent back to Washington to continue the rape of the American public.

Via the United States Justice Foundation, the following information is but a sample of the massive voter fraud perpetrated by ACORN in 2008:

"In Wisconsin, at least 33,000 ACORN-submitted registrations in Milwaukee were called into question after it was found that the organization had been using felons as registration workers, in violation of state election rules. (2008) 

"In Florida, 11 ACORN workers were accused of forging voter registration applications in Miami-Dade County during the last election. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the state attorney's office scoured hundreds of suspicious applications provided by ACORN and found 197 of 260 contained personal ID information that did not match any living person. (2009) 

"In Indiana, election officials threw out more than 4,000 ACORN-submitted voter registrations after finding they had identical handwriting and included the names of many DECEASED people, and even the name of a fast food restaurant. (2008) 

"In Ohio, ACORN activists gave Ohio residents cash and cigarettes in exchange for filling out voter registration cards, according to the New York Post. Some voters claim to have registered dozens of times, and one man says he signed up on 72 voter registration cards. (2008) 

"In Texas, (Harris County—Houston), nearly 10,000 ACORN-submitted registrations were found to be invalid, including many with clearly fraudulent addresses or other personal information. (2008) 

"In Pennsylvania, state election officials threw out 57,435 voter registrations, the majority of which were submitted by ACORN. The registrations were thrown out after officials found "clearly fraudulent" signatures, vacant lots listed as addresses, and other signs of fraud. (2008)."

With the November midterm elections only 3 weeks away, citizens may believe that it is too late to prevent these fraudulent activities from happening again.  However, there are some things average citisens can do to minimize the impact of fraud:

*Donate to organizations that are designed specifically to prevent such activities, such as the United States Justice Foundation and others.

*Volunteer to be a poll-watcher, to monitor for fraud.

*Volunteer to provide transportation to legitimately registered voters who may be elderly or disabled and cannot get to the polls on their own.

No matter what form ACORN takes, citizens must oppose its stealth efforts to alter election outcomes, and that goes for any group, no matter what their political affiliation, that fraudulently seeks to circumvent the will of the voters by engaging in illegal electioneering.

STATEMENT FROM O'MALLEY-BROWN CAMPAIGN ON THE DEBATES

Baltimore, MD -- Today, Governor O'Malley and Bob Ehrlich will participate in the first gubernatorial debate of the campaign with just under a month to go until the election.  Deputy Campaign manager Rick Abbruzzese released the following statement:

"Governor O'Malley is looking forward to an honest and open discussion about the important issues facing our state and about the tough choices we've made to create jobs and protect our priorities.  Marylanders have a clear choice in this election, and it's important that Maryland families hear directly from the candidates about whether we'll move forward or slip back.

While two additional radio debates have been scheduled, the O'Malley-Brown campaign hopes that the Ehrlich-Kane campaign will agree to a debate hosted by The Washington Post with media partners, WUSA Channel 9 and WAMU radio, on Thursday, October 14^th at Noon. 

Both campaigns have been in negotiations with the Washington Post for weeks, and the O'Malley-Brown campaign has accepted terms and format nearly identical to the WJZ-debate tomorrow.

 

The two radio debates that have been agreed to include WOLB 1010AM in Baltimore on October 21 and WTOP 103.5FM in Washington on October 22.  The WTOP debate was originally scheduled for October 29, but was moved to accommodate the Ehrlich campaign.

We hope that Ehrlich-Kane will accept The Washington Post's invitation to debate this Thursday at Noon, and we also hope that Lt. Governor Brown and Mary Kane have the opportunity to share the stage in a debate or candidates' forum in the weeks remaining before the election."

Caption This Photo

Why?

A young Arab asks his father:

- What is this weird hat that we are wearing ?

- It's a "chechia" because in the desert it protects our heads from the sun !

- And what is this type of clothing that we are wearing ?

- It's a "djbellah" because in the desert it is very hot and it protects your body !

- And what are these ugly shoes that we have on our feet ?

- These are "babouches", which keep us from burning our feet when in the desert !

- Tell me, papa...

- Yes, my son ?

- ... Why are we living in Dearborn and still wearing all this crap ?

Quote Of The Day

"We live what we believe--the rest is religious talk."

- Vance Havner (1901-1986), an American revival preacher

Humane Society Says Petland Tied To Puppy Mills

EHRLICH: NO CREDIBILITY ON ENERGY AND TAXES

Baltimore, MD (October 9, 2010) -- Rick Abbruzzese, O'Malley-Brown Deputy Campaign Manager, issued the following statement in response to Bob Ehrlich's empty rhetoric on Maryland's energy policy.  "Bob Ehrlich left us with a failed Public Service Commission and 72% rate increase and now he wants to talk about energy?  Bob Ehrlich talking about energy policy is like Bob Ehrlich saying he didn't raise taxes and fees by $3 billion dollars.  He has no credibility on either issue." 

Andy Harris Receives Trust In Small Business Endorsement

SEVERNA PARK, Md. – Trust in Small Business (TISB) yesterday endorsed Andy Harris’s candidacy for Maryland’s First Congressional District. The group also gave Harris an “A” rating based on his fundamental faith in the free enterprise system.

“Small businesses are vital in restoring our economy,” said Andy Harris. “Washington needs to get over its addiction to spending, stop taxing the base of our economy into oblivion and instead focus on protecting small businesses. I am proud to have the backing of TISB. The organization fights to protect small businesses and knows what it takes to get our economy moving again.”

“Jobs and the economy are unquestionably the two most important issues in the elections this November,” stated Ed Pinto, Chairman and CEO of Trust in Small Business.  “Small business is the key to jump starting the economy and creating new jobs America so desperately needs, thus electing pro-business candidates to Congress has never been more important,” continued Pinto.  “Andy Harris understands this.  Harris will stand up for small business.”

Attendees For October 21 Event

October 21:  The Local Owner Restaurant Association (LORA) and Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce invite all interested voters to attend a candidate meet and greet for all statewide Maryland races including the Maryland General Assembly District 37 and 38 and the Wicomico County elected positions on Thursday, October 21 at Black Diamond & Adams Ribs in Fruitland from 6 to 8 p.m.  The LORA members will provide free appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages plus a cash bar.  This program will allow one on one contact between candidates and voters.

2010 Election Candidates    

US Senate from Maryland

1. Mikulski, Barbara A. Democratic Incumbent
2. Wargotz, Eric Republican                                         Yes
3. Brookman, Robert Henry Unaffiliated 
4. Adams, James Guy Libertarian 
5. David, Dennis Unaffiliated
6. Kaplan, Donald Unaffiliated 
7. Pettigrew, Natasha Green                                         Yes
8. Shawver, Richard Constitution                                Yes

US First Congressional District

Kratovil, Frank Democratic Incumbent                                Yes sending a rep       

Harris, Andy Republican                                                       You talked to Mark McIver

Davis, Richard James Libertarian                                         Yes

Wilson, Jack N. Unaffiliated 

Maryland Offices

Governor & Lt. Governor

O’Malley, Martin  & Brown, Anthony Democratic Incumbent      Sending a representative

Ehrlich, Robert L. & Kane, Mary Republican                                Sending a representative

Allwine, Maria & Eidel, Ken Green

Vaugh, Corrogan R. & Crawford, Jim Green

Gaztanaga, Susan J. & McNeil, Doug Libertarian                          Yes

Knowles, Eric Delano & Hargadon, Michael Constitution            Yes both

Attorney General

Gansler, Douglas F. Democratic Incumbent Unopposed

Comptroller

Franchot, Peter Democratic Incumbent                                Sending a Representative

Campbell, William Henry Republican

Maryland General Assembly

Senate District 37

Robinson, Chris Democratic                                                 Maybe will call

Colburn, Richard F. Republican Incumbent                        No has a conflict

House 37A

Cane, Rudolph C. Democratic Incumbent                           Yes

Mills, Dustin Republican                                                       Yes

House 37B                                                                             

Stanley, Patrice L. Democratic                                             No conflict will send a representative

Eckardt, Adelaide C. Republican Incumbent                       No has a conflict

Haddaway-Riccio, Jeannie Republican Incumbent              Called her today left a message

                                                                                               

Senate 38

Mathias, James Democratic Incumbent Delegate 38B         Yes

James, Michael Republican                                                 Yes

House 38A

McCready, Michael K. Democratic                                      Yes

Otto, Charles James Republican                                           Yes

House 38B

Conway, Norman H. Democratic Incumbent                       Yes

Williams, Gee Democratic                                                     Yes

McDermott, Mike Republican                                               Yes

Pusey, Marty Republican                                                      Yes

Wicomico County

County Executive

Pollitt, Rick Democratic Incumbent                                       Yes

Ollinger, Joe Republican                                                        Yes

County Council At Large

Cowell, David E. Democratic                                                Yes

Taylor, Edward Theodore Democratic                                Yes

Culver, Bob Republican                                                        yes

Holloway, Matt Republican                                                   Yes

District 1

Sample-Hughes, Sheree Democratic Incumbent                             

Goslee, David, Jr. Republican                                               Yes

District 2

Prettyman, Stevie Republican Incumbent                             Yes

Calpino, Michael Libertarian                                                 Yes

District 3

Bartkovich, Gail Republican  Incumbent Unopposed          Yes

District 4

MacLeod, David Democratic Incumbent                              Yes                 

Caldwell, Bob Republican                                                     Yes

District 5:  Holloway, Joe Republican Incumbent Unopposed yes

State`s Attorney

Mitchell, W. Seth Democratic                                               Yes

Maciarello, Matthew Republican                                          Yes

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Bowen, Mark S. Democratic Incumbent Unopposed

Register of Wills

Lemon, Karen A. Democratic Incumbent Unopposed

Sheriff

Lewis, Mike, Republican Incumbent Unopposed