Harris Surges Ahead In Latest Poll

Kratovil’s Higher Taxes, Reckless Spending and Phony Ads Turning Off Voters

ANNAPOLIS – Maryland Republican Party Chairman Audrey Scott issued the following statement regarding the recently released Monmouth University poll showing Andy Harris surging to a 53-42 percent lead over Frank Kratovil:

“Despite Nancy Pelosi and Democrat leadership’s best efforts to buy Frank Kratovil’s reelection bid, Andy Harris continues to surge ahead in the latest poll. As Election Day nears, new poll results show First District residents have not forgotten about Frank Kratovil’s support for the failed Stimulus Bill and the Cap-and-Trade energy tax. Frank Kratovil has been an empty suit for the last two years, avoiding town halls and his constituents while he touted the party line in Washington. Unfortunately for Kratovil, First District residents haven’t bought into his phony TV ads and his election year rhetoric because they know all to well what he’s been up to for the last two years. This latest poll confirms that Maryland’s Eastern Shore is ready for Andy Harris’ proven record of courage and common sense.”

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PRESS CONFERENCE CALL WITH MARYLAND GOP CHAIRMAN AUDREY SCOTT

Maryland Republican Party Chairman Audrey Scott:

“O’Malley continues to make this election a referendum on everyone but himself. Between his misleading and false attacks against Bob Ehrlich and his heavy reliance on national surrogates, O’Malley is doing everything in his power to distract from record unemployment and looming tax increases.

“Marylanders want real solutions to the troubled times our state is facing. They want to know how we’re going to bring jobs back to Maryland, and how State government is going to cut the budget like so many Marylanders have had to do over the past 4 years…

“It’s not good enough to simply say “we’re slightly less worse off than other people,” we need a leader who will enact real change to ensure Marylanders have the best chance to succeed, not someone who cares more about saying whatever it takes to get reelected...

“O’Malley’s history of changing the subject and juking the stats for political gain is well documented.  From his administration manipulating the July Jobs Report to his illegal arrest of hundreds of thousands of primarily African American Baltimore City residents, it’s clear the only person Martin O’Malley is fighting for is himself - he has proven time and time again that he is not on your side.

"Today while O’Malley hob-knobs with Bill Clinton and Joe Biden, it would behoove Maryland residents to ask the question:  Am I better off than I was 4 years ago?  Unfortunately the answer is unequivocally no."

Laurel Leader Endorses Bob Ehrlich For Governor

“[The gubernatorial race] comes down to the question of who would best to lead the state out of the current financial crisis.

“We believe that leader is Robert Ehrlich.

“In his four years as governor, Ehrlich showed more of a willingness to hold the line on spending than O'Malley has, a willingness that is still necessary in these difficult times. In addition, his Republican voice -- a moderate Republican voice -- would be a welcome counter-balance on not only budget matters, but in other important challenges facing the state, from managing growth to attracting businesses.

“As governor, Ehrlich proved that he was willing to work with the Democratic legislature yet not compromise on critical issues.

“Some would call that gridlock. We call it checks and balances.

“Given the critical fiscal issues ahead, a two-party debate is necessary. And since the legislature isn't going to find a political balance anytime soon, the election of Ehrlich could bring that balance.”

To read more, click here.

Kratovil Touts Independence with Democrat Support

SEVERNA PARK, Md. – Congressman Frank Kratovil is on the stump touting his independence from Congressional Democrats while the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) throws $1.1 million into his reelection bid.

After a September 4^th New York Times article calling out Democrats for performing political triage on Frank Kratovil, House Democrats started pouring money into Maryland – the birthplace of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and home of Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer and DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen.

“Congressional Democrats must be in serious trouble if they are putting millions into a race where their candidate runs away from Nancy Pelosi and the Democrat Party,” said Bill Lattanzi, Campaign Manager – Andy Harris for Congress. “It is interesting how Frank Kratovil can claim independence at every campaign stop and still allow Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, and the DCCC to do his dirty bidding.”

A recent poll conducted by Monmouth University has Harris up 53 percent to 42 percent, even after the DCCC has put $1,118,981.78 into Maryland's First District  on behalf of Frank Kratovil.

RNC RAISES $16.5 MILLION IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced its fundraising numbers for September and October 2010. The RNC raised $9.8 million during the month of September and an additional $4.25 million during the first two weeks of October, continuing to outpace fundraising totals by a party committee without control of the White House or Congress.

The RNC also acquired a $2.5 million loan during the month of September, bringing total receipts to $12.3 million. The loan is part of an existing $15 million line of credit available to the RNC. These resources will help provide our candidates with the best possible opportunity to win on November 2.

Indexed for inflation, September’s fundraising was $3.6 million more than the DNC raised in September 2006 and $1.7 million more than the RNC raised in September 1994. Fundraising efforts for September and the first two weeks of October bring the total amount raised this cycle to over $167 million, over $16 million more than the RNC raised during the entire 1994 cycle and over $28 million more than the DNC raised during the entire 2006 cycle, also indexed for inflation. The average contribution to the RNC during this year has been $40.15 and the RNC currently has over 1 million active donors. The RNC has amassed 664,553 new donors throughout the 2010 cycle compared with 381,372 during the 2006 cycle and 386,342 during the 1994 cycle.

“On behalf of the Republican National Committee, I want to personally thank every individual who has contributed to the RNC this election cycle in order to help the American people reclaim their government. Thanks to our base of loyal donors and the hundreds of thousands of new donors who have joined our cause, we have been able to tout one of the most successful fundraising efforts in committee history. The tremendous financial support we have received over the past 22 months will allow all of our candidates up and down the ballot in all 50 states the opportunity to restore principled and fiscally responsible leadership to the halls of government.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

O'MALLEY AND BROWN TO EARLY VOTE TODAY

O'MALLEY AND BROWN TO EARLY VOTE TOMORROW

Baltimore, MD --Today, President Bill Clinton rallied in Baltimore with about 2,000 people in support of Governor O'Malley and Lt. Governor Brown.  He spoke about their positive record on education, the environment and creating jobs and encouraged Marylanders to get out the vote for the team that will move Maryland forward.

Tomorrow, Governor O'Malley and Lt. Governor Brown will vote early for the general election.  This year is the first year that Maryland has early voting and the Governor and Lt. Governor will be traveling around the state in the next few days to encourage Maryalnders to exercise one of their greatest rights.

In the morning, Governor O'Malley will meet Marylanders at a metro station in Prince George's County and Lt. Governor Brown will participate in the MML Lt. Governor's forum.

Addison Road Metro Station

Friday October 22, 2010

7:30am-8:15am
Governor to meet Marylanders

Capitol Heights, MD

9:30am-9:45am

MML Lt. Governor's Forum

Lt. Governor Brown to participate

Loew's Annapolis Hotel

126 West Street

Annapolis, MD 

2:00pm-2:30pm

Governor O'Malley to early vote
Public Safety Training Facility (Old Pilmico Middle School)
3500 W. Northern Parkway
Baltimore, MD

2:00pm-2:30pm
Lt. Governor Brown to early vote
Wayne K. Curry Sports & Learning Center
8001 Sheriff Rd
Landover, MD

“America’s Mayor” To Campaign With Bob Ehrlich

ANNAPOLIS – Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will campaign with Bob Ehrlich on Sunday, October 24^th, 2010 in Montgomery County. Giuliani served as Mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001. Last month, Giuliani endorsed Ehrlich by saying, “There is only one candidate running for Governor of Maryland who is capable of restoring Maryland’s economy and that is Bob Ehrlich…His plan for the next four years – creating jobs, lowering the tax burden of families and entrepreneurs, and reining in government spending – is exactly what Maryland needs.”

WHO:             Bob Ehrlich, Mary Kane, Rudy Giuliani, and campaign supporters

WHAT:            Campaign rally for Ehrlich-Kane ticket

WHEN:            Sunday, October 24^th, 2010 at 2pm

WHERE:           High Point Farm, 23730 Frederick Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871

FACT CHECK: EHRLICH ON MBE--YOU DECIDE

Baltimore, MD (October 21, 2010) -- During today's debate on WOLB, Bob Ehrlich disputed contention that he said the Minority Business Enterprise program "needs to end."  Below is the 2005 Washington Post article about the account where Bob Ehrlich said the program "needs to end."  You decide.

According to the latest Washington Post poll, Governor O'Malley leads Bob Ehrlich by 11 points. 

Watch this video of today's debate where Ehrlich claims he never said the program "needs to end."

  
The Washington Post

February 5, 2005 Saturday

Md. Black Caucus to Seek Program Extension
 
David Snyder, Washington Post Staff Writer 

Leaders of Maryland's Legislative Black Caucus said yesterday that they will seek to extend the life of a program that sets aside a portion of state contracts for minority- and women-owned businesses.

 The announcement came two days after Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) said at a public meeting that the program "needs to end." Later in the meeting, Ehrlich expanded on the remark, acknowledging discrimination in the past and saying the state's "collective goal" is to end the Minority Business Enterprise program "at a certain point in time."

The governor's comments, and similar ones made at the same meeting by Comptroller William Donald Schaefer (D), set off a wave of criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who lambasted the governor and Schaefer for what they called insensitivity to the plight of minority-owned businesses.

 "If this problem is not checked today, then tomorrow there will be no MBE program," Del. Rudolph C. Cane (D-Wicomico), chairman of the caucus, told reporters yesterday. "Our future has to be protected."

Flanked by the General Assembly's top Democratic leaders, including Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) and House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel), Cane said the black caucus will submit legislation to extend the set-aside program until 2012.

Under current law, the program is set to expire next year. It has been extended several times since its inception in 1978.

The goal of the program, under 2001 legislation, is to award 25 percent of state contracts to minority- or women-owned businesses.

About 45 Democratic lawmakers -- white, black, Asian and Hispanic, male and female -- stood behind Cane and Sen. Verna L. Jones (D-Baltimore), vice chairman of the black caucus, during the news conference.

"This is beyond racial lines," Busch said.

Commented Miller: "This is a very progressive state, but we need to keep moving forward."

The topic arose at a bimonthly meeting of the Board of Public Works when Schaefer questioned the set-aside program.

"When does M-B-E end -- E-N-D?" Schaefer asked. "This was not to be a permanent program."

 "Do you want the legal answer or the philosophical, political answer?" Ehrlich replied, later adding that ending MBE will be "difficult to achieve . . . because it surrounds race politics, and race politics is real ugly."

 "There have been real problems in the past, and we are attempting to -- and achieving some success -- in meeting our collective goal, which is to end this program at a certain point in time," Ehrlichsaid.

 Ehrlich spokeswoman Shareese DeLeaver said yesterday that the governor has not taken a position on the legislation proposed yesterday but "has said he is willing to work with the black caucus with regard to advancing

 Link to article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64757-2005Feb4.html   

Debate Fact Check: Leaders Lead, Politicians Tout Talking Points

Today’s Debate Proved One Candidate Speaks His Mind And The Other Reads From A Script

Since Martin O’Malley didn’t answer the questions posed to him on WOLB Radio, we will.  Here are some highlights on Martin O’Malley’s legacy of failure and injustice as Governor and Mayor and Bob Ehrlich’s real, concrete agenda of strong leadership to create jobs.

O’Malley’s Legacy of Illegal Arrests:  O’Malley still refuses to apologize for saying that arresting innocent Baltimore City residents “saved lives.”  The NAACP even called O’Malley “arrogant” for his plan to arrest thousands of innocent Baltimore City residents.  Just recently Baltimore City settled a lawsuit with the NAACP and ACLU for close to $1 million on behalf of illegally arrested citizens. 

Saying “No” To What We Can’t Afford: Martin O’Malley supports a European-style, government-run health care plan that makes health care more expensive for middle-class Marylanders and hurts small businesses and kills jobs.  Bob Ehrlich wants to fix this plan – repealing the individual mandate – while keeping certain tax credits and aid to individuals with disabilities. 

O’Malley Deceives Marylanders On MBE: During today’s debate Governor O’Malley deceived Marylanders by saying that Bob Ehrlich once said he wanted to end the MBE program.  The truth could not be more different.  What Bob Ehrlich actually wanted to end was the act of discrimination, thus ending the need for the MBE program.

“Ehrlich later said that his goal is to reach the point where discrimination no longer exists and a law earmarking a portion of state contracts for minority firms is not needed, but that the state has not yet reached that point.” (Tom Stuckey, “Legislation would extend minority business program to 2012,” The Associated Press, 2/4/05)

Bob Ehrlich believes that Maryland should be a colorblind society.  If Martin O’Malley disagrees, he should say so.

O’Malley Dishonest about Health Care:  Bob Ehrlich increased access to health care for 100,000 Marylanders during his first term while still leaving Maryland with a surplus and tripling Maryland’s Rainy Day Fund.  Martin O’Malley has increased Medicaid spending and is leaving Maryland with $6 billion in out-year deficits.   

Ehrlich’s Legacy of Rehabilitation:  O’Malley has failed to match Bob Ehrlich’s national leadership in helping to rehabilitate nonviolent offenders.  He launched Project RESTART to provide nonviolent offenders better education, treatment, and job training for their re-entry into society.  He helped 10,000 additional substance abuse patients receive treatment through ADAA funded programs.

Stark Contrast on Executive Clemency:  O’Malley has also refused to continue Bob Ehrlich’s nationally-recognized executive clemency program to help offenders who have rehabilitated themselves behind bars become free citizens again.

Ehrlich’s Legacy of Empowering Minority Entrepreneurs:  When Bob Ehrlich took office, Maryland consistently failed to meet its goals to empower minority entrepreneurs.  As a result, he authored bipartisan legislation that directs 10 percent of State contracts to small and minority-owned businesses and legislation that requires contractors to name minority business subcontractors the during bidding process.

O’Malley’s Legacy of Failing Veterans: Martin O’Malley talked in clichés about this commitment to Maryland’s veterans, but his legacy has been to jeopardize their right to vote.  Under O’Malley, Maryland is actually making it harder to Maryland’s service men and women to have their ballot count. First, Maryland sought exemption from a federal law requiring Maryland to send to troops overseas their absentee ballots within 45 days of the election. Now, Maryland is sending troops incomplete ballots that don’t even include a choice to vote for Governor.

SBYNews Candidate Interview With Charles Otto

Sby News Interview Charles Otto from Jack Powell on Vimeo.

Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake In The Gulf Of California

Magnitude      6.9 Mw

Date-Time: 
    * 21 Oct 2010 17:53:14 UTC
    * 21 Oct 2010 11:53:14 near epicenter
    * 21 Oct 2010 12:53:14 standard time in your timezone

Location     24.843N 109.171W
Depth     10 km
Distances: 
    * 105 km (65 miles) S (191 degrees) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico
    * 106 km (66 miles) SSW (210 degrees) of Gabriel Leyva Solano, Sinaloa, Mexico
    * 107 km (66 miles) SSW (199 degrees) of Juan José Ríos, Sinaloa, Mexico
    * 1147 km (713 miles) SE (136 degrees) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico


(USGS Event page)   

MIKULSKI REFUSES TO DEBATE ERIC WARGOTZ

Dr. Eric Wargotz, candidate for U.S. Senate in Maryland, today released the following statement on Barbara Mikulski’s refusal to accept any debates:

“I don’t know if it’s because her record is indefensible or because she just doesn’t care anymore, but either way, Mikulski’s unwillingness to engage intellectually with Maryland citizens is troubling.  Her refusal to debate is unfortunate but not surprising given she led the charge against government transparency.  We sincerely hope Barbara Mikulski will change her mind on debates, just as she changed it on protecting jobs for Maryland families, rationed health care for seniors and many other issues where she sided with special interests over her constituents.

Several media outlets, most notably MPT, have expressed interest in hosting debates.  Sadly, after multiple communications between our campaigns, Senator Mikulski refuses to agree on anything that would involve any direct interaction between the two candidates.”

Chief Duncan & Officer Ridley

Joe,

Here's a New York Times link to findings.

Ridley, a Mt Vernon officer was off duty and attempting to assist other uniformed officers of another agency when he was shot by them.  He was not in Mt Vernon at the time. Officer Edwards was an off duty NYPD officer shot in NYC in another friendly-fire situation around the same era.

Doesn't appear the new chief, or her previous agency, was responsible. In fact, think she didn't make chief until after Ridley's death.

Other thoughts on the appointment:

She is regionally a 'local' for those who attach importance to that; Dover roots and an OC seasonal officer, so it's a homecoming of sorts. Has sibling living in Berlin so she may well be abreast of the situation in Salisbury.

Has a high level of training; JD degree and FBI training. Would have collaborated extensively with NYPD since Mt Vernon abuts da Bronx. Would have participated/seen Guiliani's crackdown of the minor stuff that sets the stage for the bigger stuff.

Mt Vernon is just shy of 70K population jammed into 4.4 sq miles; 70% minority of one background or another.

She supervised @ 250 staff.

Clearly she was no better than 2nd in the mayor's selection process, if rumor is fact; we're probably better off for that error on his part.

With all respect for Acting Chief Barkley, who I do not know, he may be the 'victim' of less career preparation on his part coupled with whatever taint working for Webster may have left. I'm not negative about him at all, but once the decision to look beyond promoting him was made he ran the risk of dropping down or out of the process as resumes arrived.

With all respect to Lt. Leatherbury, who I do not know, his career has certainly benefited from his father's efforts and legacy; MSP patrol activities normally are more spread out and I believe barracks have far fewer officers than SPD;  and, he is active in one of the political parties, which leaves me a bit squishy about having a mayor and chief with politics as a side dish to regular business.

Re: Webster; having personally hired many and fired a few across the decades, think his removal was handled pretty adroitly and in a cost effective fashion. First, he was clearly instructed, and when he chafed was documented and written up; he went away pretty handily afterward. Point for Ireton (not that he's scored many points).

Regards,

An Interested Reader

Don't Miss Our 6 PM Candidate Interview With Charles Otto

Holiday Inn Banquet Food Just Horrible

While many people gathered today for a luncheon at the Holiday Inn, many were served cold and raw chicken. This is no exaggeration Folks, most of the meals were returned because the chicken was raw. This was unfortunate as everyone paid good money for their meal and they didn't get started until 15 minutes after they were supposed to. In fact, they only asked the candidates two questions before they had to state there was only time left for a one minute closing statement. I guess everyone has a bad day but since I was in the business, I would have simply stated the food wasn't ready and NOT chance getting everyone sick. To each his own, I guess.

A Comment In Need Of A Post

"I love how you say firemen in the sfd are overpaid but truth be hold they are the lowest paid in the state. It's a disgrace how low the men and women get paid in that department. You are asking these men and women to place their lives in danger to save your family and personal belongings. To repay them you give them a sub par salary and benefits. Most of them have to work 2 jobs to survive. You don't call your neighbor when you are having a heart attack. You call the trained men and women of the sfd. In every other place in this state the people support the firemen and pay them a reasonable salary because they know any day they may die in the line of duty. The people of Salisbury complain and cry and shoe no support. It's no wonder why they quit and gp somewhere else. It's no wonder why these great people are disgruntled. You people are a joke and have no idea what kind of good service you have. Maybe you'll find out when your house is on fire and the sfd comes to put it out... Even yours mr albero."

New Salisbury Police Chief Duncan On Mt. Vernon Police Shootings

POLICE ON POLICE SHOOTINGS

BARBARA DUNCAN

CHIEF OF POLICE

CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK

http://www.policeonpolicetf.ny.gov/assets/documents/Duncan%20Testimony.pdf

"Police Officers Are Lackadaisy And I'm Going To Change That"

In a forum held today with the Chamber of Commerce, candidate Seth Mitchell went after ALL  Police Officers stating they are too "lackadaisy". They are too friendly with criminals and they don't show up for court.

Folks, is this guy in the real world or does he actually believe the leaders of all these local agencies have no control over officers who allegedly refuse to show up for court dates?

All I can tell you within this particular post is that Maciarello spanked Mitchell once again. I'll explain more in my next post.

Washington Examiner Endorses Ehrlich

Excerpts from their endorsement below:

“The main burden of Martin O'Malley's highly regressive 20 percent sales tax falls -- as such taxes always do -- most heavily on poor and middle-class residents and small businesses. Ehrlich promises to correct this unfair situation…

“Because O’Malley is beholden to Maryland's powerful public sector unions, he has done nothing to avert the state's rapidly approaching collision with the $35 billion in unfunded pension and health care liabilities that will turn Maryland into a Hotel California if nothing is done…

“On Maryland's worsening traffic congestion, recall that it was Ehrlich who overcame a hostile Democratic state legislature to get the Intercounty Connector across the finish line after 40 years of dithering in Annapolis…

“Ehrlich's embrace of charter schools offers parents and students a way out. Voters who care about Maryland children should, too…

“Most amazingly, however, is the fact that O'Malley defends Maryland as a sanctuary state, and he calls the flood of illegal immigrants coming here ‘new Americans.’ Ehrlich's scathing retort – ‘If somebody breaks into my house, is that a new member of my family that night?’ -- clearly defined his most basic difference with O'Malley. Voters should return Ehrlich to Annapolis to end this nonsense.”

Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/Examiner-endorsement_-Ehrlich-for-Maryland-governor-1273831-105356893.html#ixzz130HjpjpD

New independent Poll: Harris 53, Kratovil 42

New Poll: Frank Kratovil Down By 11 In MD, Dems Call Opponent 'Retread'


By John McArdle
CQ-Roll Call
October 21, 2010 1:06 PM http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2010/10/new-poll-frank-kratovil-down-b.html

With two weeks to go before Election Day, freshman Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-Md.) must overcome a double digit deficit if he wants to see a second term, according to a new Monmouth University poll released Thursday.

The Monmouth survey, which was in the field Oct. 16 to 19, showed Republican state Sen. Andy Harris ahead 53 percent to 42 percent with 5 percent undecided. The poll of 637 likely 1st district voters had a 3.9 point margin of error.

In their 2008 race, Kratovil earned a narrow victory against Harris by running up his margin on Maryland's Eastern Shore and using that lead to balance out the state Senator's strong showing on the Western Shore. Thursday's Monmouth poll showed Harris leading by 6 points on the Eastern Shore and by 16 points on the Western Shore -- not a good sign.

"Prior to 2008, this seat was safely in the Republican fold. It looks like it will revert to form in 2010," Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, wrote in his polling memo on Thursday.

But at a breakfast event hosted by the Christian Science Monitor on Thursday, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen, who also hails from Maryland, ticked off several reasons why he believes Kratovil will be coming back for the 112th Congress.

"Number one, Frank Kratovil is a head by a few points. Number two, the early returns are positive. Number three, Andy Harris is the same guy who lost last time so he's a retread. He hasn't changed his extreme views," Van Hollen said. "I think people are looking for someone who is interested in solving problems not on an ideological crusade."

The DCCC has so far spent over $1.1 million on independent expenditures in the 1st district this cycle. The National Republican Congressional Committee is approaching half a million in spending in the district.