20071019 News Clips

News Clips

October 19, 2007

STATE NEWS

Ehrlich endorses Gilchrest opponent
Ex-governor backs Harris over incumbent http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.endorse19oct19,0,4463693.story?coll=bal_tab01_layout
Taking the highly unusual step of opposing the re-election bid of a congressman from his own party, former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. threw his weight last night behind state Sen. Andrew P. Harris's bid to unseat nine-term Republican Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest. Recalling a 2004 episode when Gilchrest testified against Ehrlich's proposal to legalize slot machine gambling, Ehrlich praised Harris for being a "team player " in a state where Republicans must work together to fight the politics of majority Democrats.
"This is not an easy race, incumbents have a lot of advantages," Ehrlich said. "Being a party-builder is part of the job description. ... When I talk about a team player, I'm talking about a congressman who would support a sitting Republican governor doing difficult things in the minority in Annapolis, Maryland, when [Democratic leaders] Mike Busch and Mike Miller had all the cards. I didn't get that. Andy will deliver that because he understands what it means to be a team player."
"This is deeper than any disagreement on any issue," said Tony Caligiuri, the congressman's chief of staff. "This is not about Andy Harris and this is not about Wayne Gilchrest. This is about Bob Ehrlich making a political comeback and wanting politicians in office who he can influence on his policy initiatives."

Ehrlich supports Harris for seat<>http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071019/METRO/110190065/1004
Former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. is taking sides in a hotly contested Republican primary on the Eastern Shore - and he's not backing the incumbent. Mr. Ehrlich picked state Sen. Andrew Harris last night at a fundraiser at a Kent Island seafood restaurant. Mr. Harris is challenging nine-term incumbent Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest, a centrist Republican who Mr. Harris says is too liberal for the district. Despite losing a re-election bid for governor last year, Mr. Ehrlich still is the best-known Republican in Maryland. And Harris aides say his endorsement could help persuade longtime Gilchrest voters to switch camps and support Mr. Harris, who is more conservative. Though Mr. Ehrlich lost last year, he carried all nine East ern Shore counties. "The Republican primary voters trust Governor Ehrlich's opinion," said Mr. Harris, Baltimore and Harford counties Republican.
"Governor Ehrlich believes we need a strong fiscal conservative representing the 1st Congressional District and does not believe that person is currently in office," said the spokesman, Henry Fawell.
Harry Basehart, a political scientist at Salisbury University, said how much endorsements affect voters is not clear, but they can bring valuable cash to a campaign. Mr. Harris already has shown serious fundraising muscle, outraising the incumbent almost 4 to 1 last quarter, though Mr. Gilchrest has slightly more cash on hand.
"You need that in this big district to get your name out," Mr. Basehart said. Mr. Harris' biggest challenges are that Mr. Gilchrest is an 18-year incumbent and that he is not well-known in much of the district because he comes from a part that is on the Weste rn Shore.


Ward 2 awaits word
Alderman says he's done; no formal notice given
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-ar.christman19oct19,0,7148381.story
It's a question some Annapolitans have been asking lately: Where is Alderman Michael I. Christman?
He's hasn't been to the last two city council meetings. Complaints have mounted that he's not returning constituents' phone calls. And he has sent a letter to residents of Ward 2 saying he's resigning.
But nearly three weeks later, he hasn't submitted a letter of resignation to the mayor, leaving residents without a representative, delaying the expected special election and forcing at least one would-be candidate to cool her heels.
Christman, one of two Republicans on the eight-alderman council and a vocal critic of the mayor, campaigned for a moratorium on annexation and a limit on property taxes.
Republican Alderman David Cordle said he is meeting today with a potential candidate for Christman's seat, whom he declined to name. "Mike was very fair," Cordle said. "He listened to both sides of the argument, regardless of party. He's very upset that he has to leave."

Lt. Governor Visits
Brown calls on labor movement to help with looming budget crisis
http://www.times-news.com/local/local_story_292091800.html
It's the labor movement that has made and continues to make Maryland the greatest state in the country.
It's time again for that movement to step forward to help the state solve an impending budget crisis, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown says. Bro wn then called attention to the special session Gov. Martin O'Malley has called to try to resolve the looming budget crisis. Maryland faces a structural deficit of $1.7 billion. "It's not about blaming anybody," Brown said. "We all contributed."He admits the plan, which includes a sales tax increase and legalization of slot machines, has things he doesn't like. But, he said, it's time to "step back, look at it, support it and make progress."

Slots opponents to rally Saturday
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=66561
Brunswick resident Michael Hough has heard from friends in Charles Town, W.Va., that slots have brought addictive gamblers, crime and congestion to their area. He doesn't want to see the same happen in Maryland.
As the Maryland General Assembly gears up for its special session later this month, Hough will join fellow anti-slots activists at a rally at 10 a.m. on Saturday in downtown Frederick.
"The problem isn't revenues in this state, the problem is spending," said Hough, who also serves on the Frederick County Republican Central Committee. State Senator Alex Mooney will speak at Frederick's rally about why he opposes slots. He has consistently voted against slots legislation, saying Maryland doesn't need more money. "To be honest, you know, I've always felt that the people who vote us into office should communicate with us more directly," Mooney said. "That's why I think this is a good event."

Busch: Referendum needed to pass slots
http://www.capitalonline.com/cgi-b in/read/2007/10_18-38/TOP
There aren't enough Democrats in the House or the Senate to pass a slot-machine program that doesn't go to the voters, House Speaker Michael E. Busch said yesterday.
In a speech to the Stoney Creek Democratic Club, Mr. Busch, D-Annapolis, said the withdrawal of key Republican support means expanded gambling can pass the General Assembly only if it's tied to a referendum.
"The best way to go at this stage of the game is to have a referendum," he said. "You will put the best product on the ballot for everyone to scrutinize . Everybody will know exactly where the locations are and everybody will know where the machines are." On the other hand, Mr. Busch told the crowd last night that Democrats have to compromise in order to solve the deficit during the special session that starts Oct. 29.

Miller, Franchot Spar Over Slots
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2007/10/post_28.html?nav=rss_blog
Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., perhaps the leading proponent of legalizing slot machine gambling, made his feelings for slots foe and state Comptroller Peter Franchot crystal clear. When Franchot arrived at the Rural Maryland Council's annual award banquet Thursday for his keynote address, Miller stood up and exited the hotel ballroom. Seconds later, Franchot walked towards Miller, but Miller warned him to keep his distance because a Post photographer was snapping pictures. Then once Franchot left, Miller unloaded on the former delegate-turned-tax collector. Miller, who supports legalizing slots, noted that Franchot supported legalized gambling in 2001 before switching sides and is now campaigning against it. "He's a chameleon," Miller said. Miller then criticized Franchot for the public comments he is making regarding Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan.
When asked about Miller's criticism, Franchot said he is speaking out as the state's chief fiscal officer. "I am not the governor and I'm not a legislator and all I'm doing is giving a fiscal perspective that slots is a dead-end solution," Franchot said. "I tell him, with all due respect, that if I agreed with him on slots he wouldn't have any problem with my speaking out."
Franchot then told a reporter to stay tuned. He will make a "major statement" next Tuesday regarding his views on slots and other budget issues.

More Funds Urged For Roads as Navy Hospital Expands
Officials Say Traffic Will Worsen Otherwise
http://www.washingtonpost.c om/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/18/AR2007101802383.html
State and local officials warned yesterday that without increases in money for road projects, the planned expansion of the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda will result in "nightmare" congestion near the hospital. But Maryland Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari said at a meeting in Rockville yesterday that the state faces a $40 billion shortfall in transportation needs over the next 20 years. Without more money, "we are literally unable to add new projects," he said.
As part of the 2005 BRAC recommendations approved by the White House and Congress, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in the District will shut down and be replaced by 2011 with an expanded facility in Bethesda. Medical, educational and administrative activities will be consolidated at the naval hospital, which will be renamed the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and will become what the Department of Defense envisio ns as the country's premier military medical facility.
The roads near the hospital -- "already bursting at the seams" says County Executive Isiah Leggett -- could face a 25 percent increase in traffic, officials said yesterday.

Taxes are main course but sides abound
http://www.gazette.net/stories/101907/polinew30728_32357.shtml
Tax and budget issues will be the main attraction when lawmakers return to the State House in 10 days, but plenty of sideshows remain. The movement on slots appears to be slow going. O'Malley aides say the administration is still working out the details. Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael E. Busch met Wednesday to talk about their differences.
''I think the idea of a referendum is gaining momentum, and there are g ood policy initiatives behind it," said Busch (D-Dist. 30) of Annapolis. ''If the Republican Party is not participating in that discussion, the practical reality is I don't think the bill can pass both chambers unless it got to referendum." As far apart as Democrats appear on slots, they appear close on tax increases. Busch said putting off slots until the January session ''is something that could be discussed."
Republicans are maintaining their anti-tax line. Sen. E.J. Pipkin sent a letter to O'Malley on Thursday poking fun at his weekend trip to Ireland.
''I do hope you learn about how lowering taxes was the trigger for the now-booming Irish economy," wrote Pipkin (R-Dist. 36) of Stevensville. ''The Irish reduced their corporate tax rates and now Ireland has become the go-to location for European business (sort of sounds like Delaware in our region). The Irish government also reduced its personal income t ax rates and the economy over there is rockin' - job creation is high, unemployment is low, and the taxpayers get to keep more of their hard-earned money."
The special session is set to convene at 8 p.m. Oct. 29, then recess until the morning of Nov. 2. During the intervening days, the committees will work on the governor's budget plan.

With health care on the table, jurisdictions get creative
Howard County plan is a sign of counties stepping up where the state and feds have failed, advocates say
http://www.gazette.net/stories/101907/polinew30746_32358.shtml
Howard County this week unveiled a plan to provide health care to up to 20,000 uninsured residents as state lawmakers are gearing up for another shot at expanding health care to those without insurance across Maryland.
Howard County's plan symboliz es the frustration local governments are feeling about the inability to pass health care reform at the state and national level, advocates and lawmakers said.
The bill, which will be introduced during the special session, is similar to the one that passed the House in March by a 102-37 vote, but stalled in the Senate, which declined to take up any bills involving new revenue until the state resolved its $1.7 billion deficit.Gov. Martin O'Malley's executive order includes ''making health care more affordable" as one of the goals for the special session.
''Considering the fact that the governor's made this a priority and both the chairmen of the House and Senate committees seem to be working collaboratively to put this together, hopefully this will be something that could be achieved in a special session," said House Speaker Michael E. Busch.

'Just like a regular session' for lobbyists, advocates
Annapolis corps gear s up for business as usual, more than two months earlier than usual
http://www.gazette.net/stories/101907/polinew30817_32371.shtml
When lawmakers return to the capital in 10 days, lobbyists and advocacy groups will be ready to pounce during a special session that could last several weeks. ''The only thing special about this session is that the leaves are changing and the weather is still nice, but in terms of the traditional characteristics of a special session, this is not a special session because there is not an agreement or anything firm coming in," said lobbyist Bruce C. Bereano. ''It allows lobbyists to have their normal and usual impact, just like a regular session."''During previous special sessions, it has been exceedingly difficult for lobbyists to impact them, because there are airtight agreements ... before the sessio n commences and from a lobbyist standpoint, it's very hard to impact that agreement," Bereano said. ''With this session coming up, it appears it's just going to be a short-version regular session. Nothing's in stone. There are no iron-clad agreements. There are going to be full-blown hearings and a lot of discussion and dialogues, and whatever happens is going to be forged in this session - which is in a lot of ways like a regular session."

Ethics counsel: Lawmakers may keep raising money
http://www.gazette.net/stories/101907/polinew30818_32372.shtml
The special session won't stop delegates and senators from raking in campaign cash. state law prohibiting fundraisers during the regular legislative session does not apply during special sessions, said William G. Somerville, ethics counsel for the Maryland Ge neral Assembly.
Fundraisers are not prohibited, but legislators should avoid any conflicts of interest, Somerville said in a memo sent to lawmakers.

EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

Cases for, against slots not sure bets
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.marbella19oct19,0,1925038.column
From the slack-jawed, dull-eyed faces of the mesmerized players around you, to the smell of old cigarettes and spilled drinks, to the grimy plastic coin cups, is there any more joyless experience than playing slots?
Obviously, I'm in the minority -- slots increasingly have proved irresistible to gamblers and state officials alike.
During the coming special legislative session that he has called for this month, Gov. Martin O'Malley will push for legalized slots to h elp balance the state budget. I'll be curious to see what comes out of this special session, as well as the regular one that starts in January -- and whether legislators will be able to make the tough, skillful and, yes, imaginative solutions to the state's budget problems. Will they opt for the easy fixes -- tax cigarettes; who will defend smokers, after all? -- or will there be some real, systemic solutions on how to raise the necessary revenues?
As you can tell, I'm not much of a gambler, so I guess I won't be holding my breath.

If special session is to work, agenda needs trimming
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/10_18-04/OPN
Ignoring the advice of legislative leaders - including those from his own party - Gov. Martin O'Malley has called for a special session of the General Assembly. It may be his biggest gamble as governor. State Sen. President Mike Miller and House Speaker Mike Busch disagree on many issues, and that alone could choke off discussion. Instead of attempting to take up the governor's entire agenda, they would be better off concentrating on matters on which they concur. Raising the sales tax, the corporate income tax and the cigarette tax would be an aggressive agenda - but one that could be accomplished. If they choose instead to take on the divisive issue of slots, the session could be wasted.
Legislators will return to Annapolis on Oct. 29. Despite their disagreements, they must make a good-faith effort to address the governor's proposals. At a cost of at least $23,000 a day, they can't squander taxpayer money just to go through the motions.

NATIONAL NEWS

Stalemate ends in failure to override
Children's insurance bill underscores reform difficul ties
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.schip19oct19,0,6503066.story
The failure by House lawmakers to break a stalemate over children's health care legislation yesterday marked another partisan standoff between Congress and the White House and underscored how difficult it will be in the years ahead to reform the larger insurance system, even though it is a top national priority.Maryland's representatives to Congress voted as they did last month. Republican Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, the only member of the delegation to oppose the initial bill, voted to uphold Bush's veto. "I am confident that this important children's health care program will continue," Bartlett said. "The extension until Nov. 16 allows time for a better bipartisan solution."
The rest of Maryland's representatives -- Republican Re p. Wayne T. Gilchrest and Democratic Reps. Elijah E. Cummings, Steny H. Hoyer, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Chris Van Hollen and Albert R. Wynn -- voted to expand the program.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perinea said Bush was pleased with the outcome and wants to compromise with Congress.