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Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Today's Open Forum On Presidential Election


FOX NEWS PROJECTS: Missouri For Romney

Fox News projects Mitt Romney will win Missouri and its 10 electoral votes. 

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE DREAM ACT


BALTIMORE, MD (November 6, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley today released the following statement on the Dream Act:
“Marylanders – guided by our belief in the dignity of every individual – have chosen to make the dream of a college education a reality for every child. In order to expand opportunity, we’ve chosen to hold down the costs of college tuition for Maryland families more than any other state.

“Marylanders of all ethnic and racial backgrounds – black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Muslim, Jewish, came together to make this possible, reminding us that in Maryland, our diversity is our greatest strength.”

Judge denies Casey Anthony's request to move civil trial

A Florida judge has denied Casey Anthony’s request to move her civil defamation trial from Orlando, a decision that will have Anthony in the same courthouse where she was acquitted of murder last year, the Orlando Sentinel reported.
Circuit Judge Lisa Munyon’s ruling allows for both sides to revisit the venue dispute if additional issues come up during jury selection, the paper reported.
It’s an "impossibility, I submit, that Ms. Anthony can get a fair trial in Orange County," Anthony’s attorney, Charles Greene, argued at a hearing, according to the paper.
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STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT OBAMA



Baltimore, MD (November 6, 2012) -- Governor Martin O'Malley released the following statement on President Obama's victory tonight:

"Marylanders have chosen – along with the majority of Americans – to move forward with President Barack Obama.

"In choosing to re-elect the President, Americans have spoken clearly: we do not want to live in a country of less; we choose to live in a country of more opportunity – a country which creates jobs by investing in education, innovation, and a 21st century infrastructure.

"Congratulations, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden."

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: Romney Takes NC; Obama Adds 3 In West; Dem Wins Virginia Senate Seat

Fox News projects Mitt Romney will win the battleground state of North Carolina, as well as Idaho, while President Obama is expected to win California, Hawaii and Washington, and Democrat Tim Kaine is projected to with the Virginia Senate race. 

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: Obama Re-elected

Fox News projects President Obama will win enough electoral votes to win a second term. 

FOX NEWS POLL: Ohio For Obama

Fox News projects President Obama will win the critical swing state of Ohio 

Online Bettors Place Last Wagers On Obama, Romney As Polls Close


NEW YORK — Trading in U.S. stocks was quiet on Tuesday but betting on the U.S. presidential race reached fever pitch, with most online gambling sites giving President Barack Obama favorable odds to win.
With the first polls set to close at 7 p.m. ET in a handful of states, gamblers were still frantically placing final bets on the outcome of the election between Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney.
At InTrade, a website that allows users to play events like the election for a monthly fee, 3.8 million "shares" traded in Obama and about 3.1 million Romney shares traded on Tuesday.
In late October, each candidate typically saw between 50,000 and 60,000 shares of daily volume, according to Carl Wolfenden, exchange operations manager at InTrade, which is based in Dublin, Ireland.
The site operates like a futures exchange, with users betting on the odds of an event occurring. Currently, shares in Obama are going for $6.89, indicating he has a 68.9 percent chance of being reelected. If Obama wins, each contract will close out at $10, netting investors a profit of $3.11 a share. If he loses, contracts will close at $0.
On PaddyPower.com, another online betting site based in Dublin, the odds heavily favor the president. Romney is a four-to-one underdog to win, where Obama is a one-to-six favorite, meaning a $6 bet on Obama would pay out $1.
Obama's edge on the site mirrors the expectations of many polling strategists who see the president with a small lead in national polls and an edge in key swing states like Ohio and Virginia. The final Reuters/Ipsos tracking poll showed the incumbent up two points nationally against Romney, at 48 percent to 46 percent.
The level of trading on the site Tuesday counters a prominent criticism of such online markets, which is that limited use allows for the contracts to be pushed around, rendering them inaccurate reflections of the odds of an event occurring.
On October 23, a rash of bets favoring Romney caused the odds for the former governor of Massachusetts to spike suddenly and then evaporate. Wolfenden estimated that there were a mere 40 Romney buyers that morning and only five sellers.
That kind of limited play continued in some of InTrade's smaller contracts. Romney is expected to win the state of Alabama in a landslide, but the mere nine contracts traded over the state suggests he only has a 60 percent chance of winning. That puts the state in InTrade's "leaning Republican" column.
To compare, a competitive state like Ohio is seeing a great deal more interest, with almost 26,000 shares traded in Obama and another 19,000 in Romney.
For those inclined to skip the heated trading in this race, Paddypower already has odds on the winner of the 2016 Presidential election, with Romney currently standing with 9-to-2 odds and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton at 8-to-1 odds.
Those who prefer to bet on long-shots could consider a play on Donald Trump, who carries 100-to-1 odds on occupying the White House in four years.

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: Minnesota for Obama, Arizona For Romney

Fox News projects President Obama will win Minnesota and Mitt Romney will win Arizona, with next state polls closing at 11 p.m. ET. 

11PM POTUS Update


Breaking News

FOX NEWS PROJECTS OBAMA WINNING MINNESOTA, ROMNEY WINNING ARIZONA

Philly poll workers partially cover Obama mural after court order, leaving logo and quote in view

Workers at a Philadelphia polling place, after being ordered by a judge to cover up a mural of President Obama "in its entirety," slapped up a few pieces of paper that only partially covered his image -- while leaving the Obama campaign logo and a quote from the current president in full view for voters. 
The judge's order followed a wave of complaints from Republican officials concerned the giant image of the president could influence voters at the site, a school in Ward 35. 
The mural, positioned behind the voting machines, contains the words "change!" and "hope," along with a quote from the president and painting of him. Poll workers only covered up part of the mural, though, leaving the Obama campaign logo and other parts of the image visible, as well as the Obama quote.

76,253 Idiots

NamePartyEarly VotingElection DayAbsentee / ProvisionalTotalPercentage
Wendy Rosen
Democratic14,70561,548076,25326.7%
Andy Harris
Republican29,542153,7040183,24664.1%
Muir Wayne Boda
Libertarian1,7999,053010,8523.8%
John LaFerla (Write In)
DemocraticNRNRNRNRNR

Election 2012: How The Winner Will Destroy America


Of all the hollow and uninspired elections that this country has suffered through over the past several decades, one might think that at some point long ago the American public would have finally struck a plateau of disenfranchisement; that we could sink no further into despondency, that there is a saturation limit to the corruption of our voting process.  Unfortunately, there has been no such luck.  I have to say that in all honesty I have never seen more people gut jumbled and disgusted with our electoral system than I have in 2012.  Sure, there is still a hyper-gullible segment of the populous that continues to play the game, but even those idiots are beginning to admit that the choices offered are dismal at best, catastrophic at worst.  The fog of the false Left/Right paradigm is starting to lift, and all that lay in its wake is a hoard of lost wide-eyed flabbergasted followers without a coattail or a talking point to cling to.  Sudanese refugees have a better chance of survival than these people do…

Even in the more obvious of fraudulent past elections there was at least an attempt by the establishment to present a pageant of conflicting ideologies (George W. Bush vs. John Kerry comes to mind).  There has always been the Democrat who pretends to be anti-war, or the Republican who pretends to be small government, or the Democrat who pretends to defend our right to privacy, and the Republican who pretends to be pro-2nd Amendment.  But in 2012, even the theater of rhetoric has disappeared.  Both primary party candidates seem to be sharing the same intestinal tract and the same teleprompter, and now, the average American is asking a new set of questions.  They do not wonder how these men will change things for the better.  Not at all.  Instead, they wonder which one will do LESS DAMAGE while in office.  This is the terrible reality we have come to understand in our society today.  It is a sad awakening, but a necessary one. 

As you read this now, the new President of the United States is being “chosen” or has been chosen.  Whoever the “winner” happens to be is ultimately irrelevant.  They do not count.  They are mascots.  Middle management cronies running through the motions to distract the masses while enacting the policies of their superiors.  They are fry cooks serving greasy overpriced democracy with no real sustenance.  What does matter, though, is what comes next.  I’m sorry to say that the idea that one man will do less damage than the other is a naïve sentiment.  Democrat?  Republican?  Obama?  Romney?  The crimes and calamities wrought will be exactly the same.  Take a look into my crystal ball and see the future.  Here is how the winner will destroy America…

Roscoe Bartlett Statement On Election Results


Frederick, MD - It has been my great honor to serve the constituents of the 6th district of Maryland for the past 20 years. Although the election did not have the outcome we had hoped for, we can hold our heads high knowing that we have fought for the principles and values we care about.

I would like to congratulate John Delaney on his victory and thank him for a hard fought campaign.

I also need to thank my staff, supporters and volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout this campaign. I truly could not have done it without you.

Finally, I must thank my family and specifically my wife Ellen. Without their love and support none of this would have been possible.

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: Democrat Wins Indiana Senate Race

Fox News projects Democrat Joe Donnelly will beat Republican Richard Mourdock in Indiana Senate race. 

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: Missouri Sen. McCaskill Beats Akin

Fox News projects Democratic Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill will beat Republican challenger Rep. Todd Akin 

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: NH for Obama; Warren Beats Brown In Mass.

Fox News projects President Obama will win the swing state of New Hampshire, with Democrat Elizabeth Warren expected to beat incumbent Sen. Scott Brown in Massachusetts 

Breaking News

FOX NEWS PROJECTS DEM ELIZABETH WARREN WILL BEAT MASS. SEN. SCOTT BROWN; OBAMA TAKES NH

THANK GOD FOR THE BLACK PANTHERS

What would Philadelphians do if they couldn’t depend on the Black Panthers to protect the polling places? This is only a few miles from my current location. Maybe I should do some on the ground reporting and attempt to enter this polling place. This dude wouldn’t have a problem with me trying to enter, right? Video: Black Panthers Return to Philly Polling Place

It's Going To Be One Incredibly Tight Finish

I don't care what anyone says, this is a remarkable race. The American voters have already proven they're not satisfied with President Obama.

This race should have been won by this President with outrageous numbers. Instead. Mitt Romney is running neck and neck with Obama and in my honest opinion it has all come down to entitlements and campaign money.

I have to really tip my hat to Romney and I hope he pulls it off. Ohio and Florida seem to be the deciding factor, at least in popular votes anyway.

Sit tight Folks, this is just too close to call.

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: Wisconsin For Obama

Fox News projects President Obama will win the battleground state of Wisconsin and its 10 electoral votes.

Budweiser Seeks Removal From 'Flight'

Denzel Washington's character in "Flight" drinks a lot throughout the film, but his portrayal of a highly functioning alcoholic pilot isn't going down well with brewing company Anheuser-Busch or the distributor of Stolichnaya vodka.

Anheuser-Busch said Monday that it has asked Paramount Pictures Corp. to obscure or remove the Budweiser logo from the film, which at one point shows Washington's character drinking the beer while behind the wheel.

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FOX NEWS PROJECTS: GOP Retains Control Of House

Fox News projects Republican will retain their control of the House of Representatives while adding to their majority.

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: Pennsylvania For Obama

Fox News projects President Obama will win the swing state of Pennsylvania 

From CNN

The Republican Party will retain control of the House of Representatives, CNN projects. They took control in the 2010 midterm elections.

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: Romney Wins 6 More States, Obama Takes Michigan, NY

Fox News projects Mitt Romney will win six states, including Texas' 38 electoral votes, and Obama will Michigan's and New York's 45 electoral votes. 

9pm Update

President - National Results
November 06, 2012 - 08:59PM ET
Precincts Reporting: 9%

NamePartyVotesVote %Electoral Votes Won

RomneyGOP12,570,7555176

ObamaDem11,753,8114864

Others
273,55710
Maryland
November 06, 2012 - 08:57PM ET
President - General
Maryland - 12 of 1858 Precincts Reporting - 1%

NamePartyVotesVote %
Obama , Barack (i)Dem261,43277%

Romney , MittGOP73,91622%

Johnson , GaryLib1,7701%

Stein , JillGrn1,4230%
November 06, 2012 - 08:57PM ET
Question - 4 - Illegal Immigrant Tuition - Ballot Issue
Offer in-state rates
Maryland - 12 of 1858 Precincts Reporting - 1%

NameVotesVote %

For170,77766%

Against88,82334%
November 06, 2012 - 08:57PM ET
Question - 6 - Allow Same Sex Marriage - Ballot Issue
Approval of Same Sex Mar
Maryland - 12 of 1858 Precincts Reporting - 1%

NameVotesVote %

For147,52556%

Against114,72144%

November 06, 2012 - 08:57PM ET
Question - 7 - Expand Gambling - Ballot Issue
Video Lottery
Maryland - 12 of 1858 Precincts Reporting - 1%

NameVotesVote %

Against135,68451%

For128,29649%

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: Democrat Murphy Wins Connecticut Senate Race

Fox News projects Democrat Chris Murphy will beat Republican Linda McMahon to win the seat vacated by independent Sen. Joe Lieberman

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: Arkansas, Tennessee For Romney

Fox News projects Mitt Romney will win Arkansas and Tennessee, with next polls to close at 9 p.m. ET. 

Question 7

November 06, 2012 - 08:24PM ET
Question - 7 - Expand Gambling - Ballot Issue
Video Lottery
Maryland - 1 of 1858 Precincts Reporting - 0%

NameVotesVote %

Against23,41354%

For20,15646%

NJ Man Swept Away By Sandy Left Behind Note

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) - Nearly naked and soaking wet, a New Jersey man who took refuge in a stranger's house after he was swept away by Superstorm Sandy left behind a note to his father in case he didn't survive.

The man, identified only as Mike, swam for his life as waves and currents gripped him in Barnegat Bay after he walked outside when the storm destroyed part of his home in the Green Island section of Toms River.

"I was in the middle of nowhere and there were no lights and the first house I went into was flooded and I just really needed, really needed a break because the waves were going over my head," he told radio station WOBM in Toms River.

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Question 6

November 06, 2012 - 08:21PM ET
Question - 6 - Allow Same Sex Marriage - Ballot Issue
Approval of Same Sex Mar
Maryland - 0 of 1858 Precincts Reporting - 0%

NameVotesVote %

For18,16961%

Against11,59039%

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: South Carolina For Romney

Fox News projects Mitt Romney will win South Carolina, with next polls to close at 8 p.m. ET. 

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: Obama Takes 7 States, DC

Fox News projects Obama will win Illinois, Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia and their 72 electoral votes, while Mitt Romney is projected to win Alabama, Mississippi and Oklahoma. 

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: Georgia For Romney

Fox News projects Mitt Romney will win Georgia, with next polls to close at 8 p.m. ET. 

It Felt So Good To Finally Vote Today

No matter what side of politics you are on, you have to admit, it feels pretty darned good to finally get out and vote. For me it was extra special because I'm back in what I consider my home state, Maryland.

Andy Harris and so many other state candidates have been out of reach for me for so many years because I was a Delaware resident. Today my Maryland Republican Friends received my vote. Funny part is, I voted at the same school Mayor Ireton votes at but I wasn't fortunate enough to run into him so he could watch me cast my vote as a Maryland Resident.

So here's my take on things. The polls have been pretty darned busy all day today with exception to the Salisbury School up by Deer's Head.

I think Harris will win hands down and I believe Bongino will also win his race as well.

I can tell you I have friends in Pittsville who told me the lines are so long they had to go home and get a heavier jacket.

Too much money has been spent on elections by BOTH parties. America needs to rethink this process. There are so many better qualified candidates that will never fulfill their American Dream because they aren't gifted with billions of dollars to compete.

We'll keep you posted throughout the evening and into the early hours tomorrow morning, should it take that long for the final results.

SPECIAL FORCES AND NAVY SEALS HEAD TO POLLS, COUNTER BLACK PANTHER PRESENCE

In 2008, union thugs and members of the New Black Panthers showed up at certain polling places in Ohio and Philadelphia to intimidate Republican voters. To be clear, they didn't say they were there for that reason. Rather, they said they were there to be sure everyone got to vote (wink, wink, nod, nod.)

Members of the New Black Panthers plan to be in Philly again today for the same reasons, ubiquitously, and union thugs will be joining them where possible.
Enter Retired Navy Captain Benjamin Brink, who is sending out "former and retired Special Forces and SEALS" to balance out the presence of the union thugs and New Black Panthers in Philly and elsewhere. Brink's goal is to be sure Romney supporters aren't intimidated into leaving the polls without voting, and to accomplish it, his slogan is "Get Out the Vet."

FOX NEWS PROJECTS: West Virginia For Romney

Fox News projects Mitt Romney will win West Virginia, with Ohio and North Carolina too close to call at close of polls. 

Would Obama Support Reparations in a Second Term?

In Barack Obama’s second term, the president will ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and sign onto the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous People in order to impose slavery reparation, says a new report.
Danette Clark, author of the report, said that far from being an obscure conspiracy theory, the reparation movement is a part of the two main tenants of Obama’s political philosophy: social justice and income redistribution.
“To me the whole social justice movement is about reparations,” said Clark in an interview with FrontPage Magazine. Over his first term, Obama has championed a policy of increased taxes on the top two percent of income earners along with exponentially increasing food stamp, unemployment insurance, welfare, and disability payments. All of these are hallmarks of income redistribution policies.
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Virginia Too Close To Call; Romney Wins Indiana And Kentucky, Obama Takes Vermont


Polls closed in six states at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday, and Fox News projects Mitt Romney carrying Indiana and Kentucky, with President Obama winning Vermont. 

Three other states, though -- among them the key battleground of Virginia -- were too close to call. South Carolina and Georgia are the other two. 

In Virginia, Fox News exit polls show the race so tight that neither Romney nor Obama have even a slight lead. Ohio, another crucial battleground, will close its polls at 7:30 p.m. ET. 

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DNR Warns Of Unlicensed Tree Companies

Tree cleanup reminders in wake of Hurricane Sandy

With Hurricane Sandy come and gone, leaving fallen branches and trees in its wake, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds homeowners to make sure that anyone they hire for tree trimming or removal is a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert.

“Just because someone has the tools and self-proclaimed knowhow, doesn’t mean they are certified with the State,” said Marian Honeczy, supervisor of DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry. “Be wary of those who show up unsolicited after a storm looking to perform tree work. Take your time and do your research.”

The State has a consumer protection law that requires anyone (individuals and businesses) who advertises or conducts tree trimmings, treatment, removal, or other care for compensation, to be a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert. Licensed experts are required to carry insurance that covers tree care work. Therefore, if property damage or personal injury occurs during the tree work, the licensed worker’s insurance will cover it. Unlicensed workers are not always covered by a customer’s home insurance.

When selecting a tree company, citizens should:
  • Ask for the Maryland Licensed Tree Expert number, and verify it at: 
  • dnr.state.md.us/forests/tree_expert_search.asp;
  • Request a copy of their certificate of insurance;
  • Never pay the full amount before all work is completed as per the contract;
  • Ask questions ─ Ask them to explain how they are going to do the job, ask for references, and then look them up;
  • Find out if the tree service advocates tree topping, a harmful practice. If they do, avoid hiring the company;
  • Gather multiple estimate for the proposed work;
  • Obtain a written work contract that states the work to be performed and the cost.

To file a complaint against a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert or an unlicensed company, citizens must complete the complaint form located at dnr.state.md.us/forests/download/treeexpcomplaintform.docand include any evidence such as cancelled checks, contracts, photos, or advertisements. Anonymous complaints cannot be investigated. The Maryland Forest Service enforcement authority cannot recoup funds paid out; the plaintiff will need to file civil action in their county court.

Gator Found During Drug Bust

Police in Anne Arundel County found more than just drugs inside a home in Jessup.
Detectives were searching for drugs in the house in the 7500 block of Gleneagle Drive Friday when they found a three-foot long American alligator.
Authorities also found about $3-thousand in marijuana and $800 in cash.
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D.C. Jail Helps Inmates Vote, A Rarity Nationwide

The voters at this southeast Washington polling place were all dressed alike: orange jumpsuit, white shoes. And when they finished voting, they went back to their cell block, not back to work.

Still, voting inside the D.C. Jail looked a lot like voting at precincts around the country.
"What's your name, sir?" poll worker Arlin Budoo said as an inmate sat down at a table in front of him last month during one of two voting days.
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FOUR MORE YEARS?

These are the pictures of an administration. Every image is a key image from the presidency of Barack Obama. And every image is the image of a commander-in-chief who has led America astray.

The great issue of our time is, of course, the economy. And on the economy, President Obama has not merely been a failure; he’s been the most dramatic failure in American history. He inherited a terrible financial situation, thanks to both Democratic-led initiatives designed to incentivize financial institutions to take risks on bad borrowers, and Republican failures to stop them. But he proceeded to make the situation worse, not better, with endless bailouts, unending sale of debt to China, and a deficit situation that puts every child under the age of 18 in the country in over $200,000 of debt.
Forget his promises – halving the deficit, decreasing the unemployment rate to well below 6% by the end of his first term, and the rest of it – his performance has been abysmal.
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