Dayhoff Soundtrack: Why government matters by Blair Lee

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Why government matters by Blair Lee

Why government matters

Blair Lee, Gazette, Friday, Oct. 29, 2010, “Why governor matters” My Maryland | Blair Lee

http://www.gazette.net/stories/10292010/polilee184218_32540.php

An O'Malley campaign flier now arriving in people's mailboxes says, "Bob Ehrlich made $2.5 million working for one of

America

's largest lobbying firms." Aside from the fact that Ehrlich is not, and never has been, a lobbyist, what does his income have to do with this year's governor's race?

What's O'Malley's message? Vote for O'Malley because he made less money than Ehrlich? Vote for O'Malley because he doesn't work for a law firm (anymore)? Vote for O'Malley because he needs the money and Ehrlich doesn't?

O'Malley's personal attack ads cluttering our TV sets slam Ehrlich because his clients included banks, oil companies and casinos, and because Ehrlich, when governor, raised transportation and environmental fees.

When O'Malley was a criminal defense attorney his clients included sexual predators, thieves and drunken drivers. And, as governor, he engineered the biggest tax hike in Maryland history. But, again, what has this got to do with the problems facing Maryland — recession, unemployment and the state's staggering fiscal crisis?

Given the vehemence and volume of O'Malley's attack ads, it's difficult to tell whether he's running for governor or auditioning for the Jerry Springer show.

So maybe, this close to the election, we should remind ourselves why the Maryland governor's job is so important, particularly this year…http://www.gazette.net/stories/10292010/polilee184218_32540.php

20101029 Why government matters Blair Lee

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