Darkness Rising: Joe Steffen's Rants and Raves

Sarah Palin's Sideshow

2011-09-02T18:58:00.005-04:00

America must be a hothouse for idiots. At least Sarah Palin hopes so. On Saturday, she’s giving some big ol’ speech to a bunch of Tea Partyers in Iowa. And, though she knows the vast majority of America doesn't give a damn, she's well aware a certain segment does.

I, for one, won’t be watching Sarah Palin's C-Span carried exercise in self-indulgence. You see, I have a life. Further, the basic tenets of Palin’s speech have already been made public. The real reason I won’t be watching, however, is simple: I refuse to be played by Sarah’s Traveling Sideshow.

According to The Christian Science Monitor, Palin’s not going to say she’s running for President. Is anyone surprised? I’m not, despite the fact for the better part of this past week I was bombarded with folks telling me, “This is it!” and “She’s running!” Apparently, these folks either don’t mind being played…or they simply don’t realize yet that they ARE being played.

According to the same article, it’s been reported that “she may try to outflank potential Republican primary opponents by portraying herself as the most genuine political outsider.” The most genuine political OUTSIDER? Hell, this woman was Governor of Alaska AND the GOP’s VP candidate in 2008. I should be so much of an outsider…

And, apparently, according to National Review, Palin will also offer a “serious critique of crony capitalism.” Here I can only imagine Palin's going after that horrible practice where those elected give key jobs and what have you to high dollar donors and volunteers. Shock and Horror! Just damn...show me one – just one – politico who doesn’t do precisely that upon winning office.

(Going Rogue needs to Go Rouge: Put some color on those cheeks, Sarah! You’re getting to be as boringly predictabke as you are gaffe prone…)

Well, here’s the deal – if I may harken back to Palin trying to sell herself as an "outsider": Sarah Palin is no outsider. What she is, or has become anyway, is a self –aggrandizing publicity freak who in 2009 resigned and walked away from her Alaskan Governorship. Still, despite - or maybe it's because of her resignation - she’s become so used to being front and center, to having her every whim listened to and her every thought taken as some form of perverse gospel. The sad thing is Palin has so many disciples who will follow both Palin and the cackling media’s lead to keep giving her a few more seconds of fame. Just a few more…

And that's where some good news comes into play. Interestingly – and thankfully - enough, Palin’s numbers are dwindling ever lower. A FOX news poll that came out today (Friday) showed some startling news for the Palinistas out there:

71% of GOP voters don’t want Palin to run for President. 71%. Meanwhile, only 25% say they’d consider supporting a Palin bid. Those numbers are both astonishing and damning for Palin – especially since the last two polls I’ve seen already have Texas Governor Rick Perry running better than Palin’s 25%.

Those numbers are particularly brutal for Palin – especially when you consider that Perry’s been in the race for two weeks or so, while Palin’s been running around the country running her gaffe-filled mouth for the past 3 years.

Yet…Palin will give her talk on Saturday, and the talking heads will pontificate this and that or the other about it. And, though she won’t announce for Prez tomorrow, I bet Palin will drop enough hints that maybe – just MAYBE – she’ll run for President. Someday. Soon. And enough folks will buy it to keep this Sarah Palin Sideshow going on for God knows how long. At least, Sarah Palin hopes that will be the case, I'm sure.

And to think I was once a fan...

Gonzo Blogging Going Dot Com.

2011-08-17T15:56:00.007-04:00

Ahh, you've got to love Gonzo Journalism - that type of writing style known (A) for it’s absolute lack of objectivity, and (B) in which the author injects himself into the action when and where applicable. And, sometimes when and where it's not...

And, no, this is not going to be a treatise on the late, great Hunter Thompson, the most widely read Gonzo Journalist in history. To date, anyway. The reason I mention Gonzo Journalism here, specifically, is because this blog posting is about yours truly, its author.

Last Sunday, the Washington Post Magazine did a “Whatever Happened To…?” piece on me. For the scant few of you who’ve yet to read this wondrous tale, click here below and I’ll meet you back here in 5-10 minutes:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/whatever-happened-to--the-aide-caught-in-a-political-scandal/2011/07/21/gIQA3zFb8I_story.html

Now, what’s interesting about this piece – and I love it, offering many thanks to Dave Montgomery, the Washington Post reporter, with whom I spoke – is what wasn’t written in the article; quotes I gave that simply weren’t used. A few of these are as follows:

1) Bob Ehrlich lied to me – which started me blogging. See, I attended a Ehrlich Reunion in November of 2008 and as I walked into the damned place, the former Governor all but jumped me, called over his aide, confidant and lackey, Greg Massoni…all to tell me how sorry they were that Andy Harris didn’t get elected to Congress (in 2008). Why, you may ask? Because, according to Bobby, they had a job lined up for me with Andy Harris, that’s why!

Please. Hearing Bob lie to me like that was the last straw for yours truly and, thus, my blogging career was born.

2) In discussing the current RoboCall scandal which has annihilated the Ehrlich Legacy, right after my “these people are idiots” line in the Washington Post story, I said that erstwhile Ehrlich Guy, Paul Schurick, was a “charlatan and a liar.” Why? Because it’s true. Ask anyone who knows Schurick – anyone who’s not afraid to give you an honest answer, anyway.

There were other things that didn’t make it into the article, to be sure – how appreciative I am of the friends who helped me through everything (particularly George Robinson, the only guy whose name I felt comfortable enough mentioning) – being the main thing.

That being said, though, I am most appreciative of David Montgomery and the Washington Post for the opportunity to tell them “Whatever happened to me…”

And some bonuses came from the article being printed as well…

(Someone’s joining one of those. No, NOT a sign – a dot.com)

I’m being picked up by a dot.com, a change that should occur over the next few weeks. So, this Gonzo Journalist…your humble Prince of Darkness will be plying this trade in a way that will allow me to be read by countless more people than is currently the case. Fear not, however, Dear Reader of Darkness Rising, as y’all are my first loves. Going bigger does not mean watering down what I write. Or taking the easy way out. Or any number of such mindless and mind numbing things.

All it means is that Hunter Thompson had best watch out…as his unofficial title of “Most Read” Gonzo Journalist may be in jeopardy ; )

Rick Perry: If He's In, He Wins

2011-08-09T13:55:00.003-04:00

At dinner on Sunday night, I was talking with a few friends and I brought up the name of Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, who is about to jump into the GOP Presidential primary campaign.

In response, one of my dear friends put out her hands as though weighing something in each. Lifting her left hand, she said “Rick Perry.” She then lifted her right hand and said “a brick.”

Okay, so maybe Rick Perry’s not the brightest bulb to light up anyone’s life. But what the Hell? Governor Perry’s already overcome all of those C’s and D’s that dotted his college transcripts.

…Just as Perry’s overcome those “Rick Perry is Gay” rumors.

…Just as, to date anyway, Perry’s overcome those “Rick Perry is a whoremonger whose track record would put Bill Clinton to shame” rumors.

…Just as Rick Perry’s overcome his Democratic past when he was his state's 1988 campaign chairman for then US Senator Al Gore, who was making his first run at the Whitehouse.

Flash forward to now, where it seems that the Texas Governor is a born again Evangelical. On August 6th, he led a crowd of over 30,000 folks in prayer at an event called "The Response”…a gathering a number of naysayers have called Rick’s “Jesus for Jobs” shinding.

While praying for jobs to manifest themselves is debatable as a sure fire tactic, I guess, Perry’s right – of course – with his overall message that this nation is in trouble. Hey, just ask Standard and Poor’s, right?

That being said, however - whether it has anything to do with him or not - Perry's state of Texas ain’t doing too shabby, not when you consider the Lone Star State added 251,900 jobs in the private sector for the year ending in June.

On top of that, Texas’ 3 percent growth rate nearly doubles the nation’s rate of 1.7 percent.

As for his politics today, whatever Rick Perry’s allegiance was 23 years ago (see Gore, Al), now he’s an economic conservative of the borderline-radical stripe…which seems oddly comforting in this day of Obama Socialism.

My point in stating everything here – from what Perry’s overcome to what has happened on his watch as Governor of Texas to his political viewpoint is this: If he gets into the Presidential race, he wins.

Rick Perry will blow through the primary, destroying everything in his way - and why not? Who’s going to stop him? Why, sure, there’s Mitt “Health Care” Romney, who’s yet to catch fire despite running since, oh I don't know, sometime in 2007.

Then, there’s Michele Bachmann the “Queen of the Migraines” whose hubby thinks you can pray the gay away. Interesting, to be sure – but when the Hell’s the last time this country elected a House Member to the White House?

And then there’s Ron Paul – who, well, maybe if he was 25 years younger…And after that, there's a host of other toddlers - most of whom I can't even remember.

(Rick Perry subtly explains why EVERYONE should vote for him...)

Rick Perry, whose alleged lack of intelligence is made up for by his charisma and apparent street smarts, has a pretty damned interesting weekend coming up...

On the same weekend that the Presidential Straw Poll takes place in Ames, Iowa – the traditional beginning of the GOP Presidential primary, Rick Perry’s got something else going on: His own campaign rollout taking in South Carolina, New Hampshire and Texas. Shock! Horror!

In response to Rick Perry’s show of audacity and showing up Iowa's Straw Poll, Craig Robinson, a prominent Iowa GOP consultant penned this on his website, the Iowa Republican: "Gov. Perry either doesn’t understand the Iowa caucuses or doesn’t respect the role that Iowa plays in the nominating process."

Well, I beg to differ with Craig Robinson. In fact, I'd bet that Perry totally gets both "it" and what he’s doing. It’s just that Perry simply. does. not. care. Rick Perry’s playing no one’s game but his own. In other words, he’s playing the game the way it should be played: To win.

Further, he’s played his announcement masterfully; the timing, the message – everything. If Rick Perry gets in, he wins. And I’m not just talking about the GOP Primary here. I'm seeing Rick Perry getting sworn in as President in January of 2013.

At least that’s what my gut tells me. And, to be frank, though it has happened, I can’t tell you the last time I was wrong when I was feeling something so strong in my gut. However, if I AM wrong, each and every one of you certainly has permission to dump all over me ; )

Of Course Bob Ehrlich Knew...

2011-07-22T14:19:00.007-04:00

Richard Cross is a friend of mine – a great guy, funny and exquisitely sharp. However, as rare as the occasion may be, he can be wrong. Like now. Like here (http://rjc-crosspurposes.blogspot.com/2011/07/robocalls-why-i-dont-think-ehrlich-knew.html) in his recent blog posting in which he plays Ehrlich Apologist vis a vis the RoboCall scandal.

The scandal was highlighted this past Monday with the criminal indictments of longtime Ehrlich Communications Guru – and 2010 Ehrlich for Governor Campaign Manager – Paul Schurick and that paragon of campaign virtue, Julius Henson…and Mr. Cross seemingly can’t wait to write a post about how Bob Ehrlich didn’t know about the Robocalls. Say what!?

I feel – how shall I say this – “compelled,” yes, compelled to respond.

Let me start with the three reasons Mr. Cross gave for why he doesn’t think Bobby “RoboCall” Ehrlich knew about the RoboCalls.

1) Ehrlich’s not stupid: On this, I wholeheartedly agree. Ehrlich may have been Hamlet, but stupid, he is not. What he is, however, is a hyper-competitive guy with a frat-boy mentality. In 2002, while running against Kathleen Kennedy Townsend for Governor, Ehrlich told me that he could handle losing…but he couldn’t deal with getting blown out. What I took that to mean was that his ego couldn’t handle a big loss....like by 14.4%

So, when some folks say the Robocall makes no sense because last year’s gubernatorial race was unwinnable for Bob come election day, I laugh and say that’s WHY the Robocall went out when it did – to limit the damage, and make the race closer. Why make the race closer? Well, beginning with the fact Ehrlich holds Governor O’Malley in personal contempt is ample reason enough for him. Add to that that 2010 was Ehrlich’s last shot at relevance in any regard – and he couldn’t afford a big loss – well, call the RoboCall Bobby's misguided version of the Hail Mary Pass.

2) Ehrlich is not a micromanager: Again, I completely agree with that assessment. Well, from personal experience, I can tell you that all that really means, though, is that Mr. Ehrlich simply doesn’t care to know the mechanics of how something works – as long as it works. Mistaking perceived loyalty for competency, he would expect the RoboCalls to go off without a hitch and be pretty much untraceable. He is simply not going to get into the details and try to micromanage.

3) Ehrlich is a lawyer: And the fact that Bob Ehrlich is a lawyer makes him immune from knowing about the RoboCalls how, exactly? The fact that Ehrlich, as governor, issued that over-ridden veto outlawing such things as this RoboCall (as Mr. Cross points out) in my book makes it all the more likely that he knew about the RoboCalls. Hell, if he doesn’t necessarily believe in the law, he’d be less likely to abide by it. That’s just human nature - without Mr. Ehrlich's ego attached. Attach his ego and you've got an entirely different, far more aggressive, animal you're dealing with.

And the fact he was a lawyer may have played into the wording of the RoboCall, itself. Nowhere did the call say O’Malley had won – just that they’d been successful. Nowhere did the call say to not vote – it just said that there’s nothing left to do but watch “it” on TV. The wording was such to avoid the type of mess they now find themselves in. Very legalistic - and very Bob Ehrlich.

What about the fact that the RoboCall had no “authority line?” Well, that’s something no lawyer would ever do, right – leaving nothing telling where the call came from? Sure, you can believe that, if you’d like. Maybe you want to check my “untraceable” comment above under the “micromanaging” section.

In addition to countering Mr. Cross’ reasons for his belief that Bob Ehrlich didn’t know about the RoboCalls, I offer the following (paraphrased quotes/circumstances), which took place over the years:

“Now I know how I won Aberdeen.” – Bob Ehrlich, while holding an "unauthorized" flier and high-fiving the individual he thought was responsible for putting it out.

“Dutch (now Congressman, then Baltimore County Executive Ruppersberger) called me. He says he’s onto you. Lie low for awhile.” – Bob Ehrlich, in a phone call to an individual who he believed was engaged in the type of behavior he later described as being “silly stuff.”

“Give it to Joe, he’s my black box guy. He’s always been my black box guy.” – Governor Bob Ehrlich, with wife Kendel, a few minutes into a chance meeting while I was walking with another Ehrlich official in Lawyer’s Square.

Lastly, I go back to the reason I mentioned a few blog postings ago as to why I think Mr. Ehrlich knew about the RoboCalls…Greg Massoni.

As court documents make very clear, the idea of Team Ehrlich doing a RoboCall was first discussed during the summer of 2010. If Mr. Ehrlich was not in that meeting, he surely knew about the idea of bombing certain areas with racist RoboCalls had been discussed, courtesy of Greg Massoni. Those two were – and are – inseparable. There is no way in HELL that Massoni knew about the RoboCall and did not tell Bob– and this is especially true if Ehrlich didn’t already know about the idea. Massoni has always been the guy that has to get to Bob "first" with the "best" and the "latest." There is no reason the RoboCall would have been any different. None.

And if Bob, who knew about the call, had said “no” - well, that racist piece of claptrap never would have gone out, Schurick and Henson wouldn't be looking at jail time, and Ehrlich's legacy wouldn't be in the toilet.

...And that's what sickens me concerning Bob Ehrlich's actions since the RoboCall scandal broke. All the wide eyed questioning of his now concerning “Robocall? What robocall?” is simply so much bullshit. As is the alleged talk of Ehrlich’s now questioning his close confidantes as to why it went out and what purpose it served. What he's engaging in has a name. It’s called plausible deniability. And, considering he’s skated on any criminal charges, plausible deniability appears to be working its magic for Bobby Ehrlich once again.

So, yeah, of course Bob Ehrlich KNEW about the Robocalls. Not only that, he remains directly responsible for all 112,000 of them by not putting his foot down and saying “No” when he had the chance sometime between summer and election day, 2010.

I guess that, inadvertantly or otherwise and despite its racist overtones, it really is a good thing that the RoboCall truly was the only truly honest piece of campaign material put out there last year. Maybe it helps Mr. Ehrlich get a little better shut eye at night.

The Truth Shall Set Them Free...

2011-07-18T13:23:00.005-04:00

Well, well, well. As of today, we have a trial date for the grand dance between the State Prosecutor, former Ehrlich Communication Guru Paul Schurick and all around Political Henchman, Julius Henchman…excuse me, Julius Henson in the RoboCall scandal.

The Criminal Trial begins on September 22nd. Or, so says Baltimore Circuit Judge, Lawrence P. Fletcher Hill. All of this is contingent, of course, on pretrial motions – and apparently both the Prosecutor’s Office and the Defendants expect more than a few of those.

Further, according to the Baltimore Sun, “Paul Schurick and Julius Henson pleaded not guilty Monday morning to charges that they violated election laws by ordering a batch of Election Day RoboCalls while working for Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.”

Well, I couldn’t imagine either of these fine gents would have pleaded guilty…

But this begs the question: What now?

As the trial progresses, do Schurick and Henson turn on one another? Though I’ve never had the dishonor of meeting Mr. Henchman, I can tell you that Paul Schurick would turn his own mother in – if he thought it would keep him free from any form of shackles. The only thing he knows about loyalty is that it’s a trait he’s never exhibited.

(The Schurick-Henson Dance Card is Filled: Let's Tap!)

Or, perhaps, they tap dance together in sort of a unified front – both getting booed and having the audience toss fruit at them as they shuffle across the stage, equivocating between the thoughts of “I didn’t do it” and “So what if I did?” – the latter of which - considering what he told the Washington Post - appears to be Mr. Henchman’s strain of thought:

“This (the lawsuit against him and Schurick) is Cardin, O’Malley,” Henson said. “I recommend the state prosecutor read the Constitution because free speech is a protected class, especially political speech. No matter the style, it cannot be curtailed.”

Whatever…

I’ve come to believe that the Prosecutor is going to have one Helluva time convicting them. Here’s why…

Think about what the RoboCall, the logical conclusion of the Infamous Shurick Doctrine, said. It advised the 100,000 plus folks to whom the call was made to “relax” and to stay home because Governor O’Malley and President Obama “have already been successful…The only thing left is to watch it on TV tonight.”

Okay, so while it may be true that the polls were still open when the RoboCalls started phones a’ringing both near and far, considering the fact that O’Malley trashed former Governor Ehrlich by damned near 270,000 votes, you can only draw one conclustion:

That RoboCall was without a doubt the most honest piece of campaign material seen in the entire 2010 gubernatorial election. Bar none. End of story.

That being the case, well - what the Hell? The Schurick Doctrine be damned! Don't you know it was all about cutting people some slack and simply telling them the truth. And, seriously, how many people ever get locked up for telling the truth? ; )

Minnick's: All Bets are Off

2011-07-10T13:36:00.004-04:00

In writing about this, the first thing that comes to my mind is this: Who in the Hell did Sonny Minnick piss off? It’s obvious that the 78 year old Baltimore County Democratic Delegate has gotten under someone’s skin.

Why else would his restaurant, Dundalk’s vaunted Minnick’s, have been raided by Baltimore County’s finest – a raid that resulted in the seizure of five electronic gaming devices? And why is this important? Well, if those “for amusement only” games were paying out…

And my guess is that’s what’s been going on…oh, pretty much forever.

Additionally - and the initiating factor in the recent raid - as Michael Mohler, chief administrator for the Board of Liquor License Commissioners, told the Baltimore Sun…the agency received an anonymous complaint that the bar "has been paying off on poker machines and has been for years."

Well, I guess whoever Sonny Minnick pissed off wants to remain “anonymous.”

(Fat, Drunk and Stupid is No Way to Go Through Life, Sonny)

For the record, I’ve been in Minnick’s once – way back in late 1993. Bobby Ehrlich had a stop there one night on the day he announced he was a candidate for Congress to replace Helen Bentley, who’d just announced she was leaving Congress to run for Governor. It was a stop I attended, along with 15-20 other gamblers – uh, I mean people.

With that being said, let me stress here and now that I think nearly all gambling devices should be legal – pretty much anywhere and everywhere. Unfortunately, that ain’t the law.

And that may be doubly important for Delegate Minnick (and his brother Daniel) who holds the liquor license for Minnick’s restaurant, because it now appears that Baltimore County police are likely to file charges in their investigation of the use of those seized electronic gambling devices.

But…but…wait! Didn’t Sonny Minnick tell the Baltimore Sun that his machines don’t make “payouts?” Why, yes he did.

Of course, this is the same Sonny Minnick who, in a 2008 Baltimore Sun piece, told a reporter that he was against Comptroller Peter Franchot's announcement of a crackdown on video poker machines.

It seemed that Franchot’s office wanted to enforce alcohol laws to throw some heat on the liquor-license holders to get rid of the "for-amusement-only" devices that Franchot says are used as illegal slot machines.

Illegal slot machines?! Never! Not on Sonny Minnick’s watch. Just ask him. ; )

If The Glove Doesn't Fit...

2011-07-02T18:01:00.006-04:00

With closing arguments slated to kick off tomorrow, Sunday July 3, 2011, there is some good news for Casey Anthony, the 25 year old party-girl on trial in Florida for allegedly killing her 2 year daughter, Caylee. A conglomeration of online poll numbers regarding her case have improved. Now, it seems only 91% of the people consider her guilty of murdering the toddler, down from 96% 10 days ago.

I think that “uptick” has something to do with the lies. The lies told by her, Casey, in the past about – oh, damned near everything – have been overshadowed during the course of the trial by her mom, Cindy – who claims she was the one who searched for chloroform and her father, George – who was really just “comforting a friend” in Krystal Holloway (nudge, nudge, wink, wink), to name but two.

And that is the real reason why Casey Anthony didn’t testify: Let reasonable doubt about this whole dysfunctional family sink in, rather than take the stand and tie the noose around your neck.

…And now, as the Anthony trial Judge Blevin Perry stated, y’all going to do closing arguments on Sunday the 3rd of July and the jury will be deliberating on Independence Day, July 4th.

(Happy July 4th, everyone! Love, Casey XO)

I’ve got to tell you, if I was on this jury, the deliberations would be pretty damned easy for me. I’d start by asking myself exactly what has the state proven in going after Casey Anthony with everything but the kitchen sink?

That she likes to party? Enter hot body contests? Well, okay, the state did prove that duct tape was found on the remains…which Dr. Werner Spitz stated under oath his opinion that it was placed on Caylee’s skull post mortem. And, the state proved that Caylee’s skeletal remains were found in a wooded area 15 houses from Chez Anthony.

After that, I’d turn the question to what, exactly, hasn’t the state proven? Well, to begin with the state hasn’t proven a damn thing as concerns who murdered Caylee. Hell, they have yet to prove that Caylee even was murdered: There is simply no evidence. (In fact, the state of Florida’s own medical examiner – though calling Caylee’s death a homicide - also stated the cause of death was “undetermined.”) If you can’t prove that a murder even occurred, how in the Hell are you supposed to find anyone legally responsible?

What all of this means, of course, is that the state prosecutor hasn’t proven Jack. With no evidence to show how 2 year old Caylee died, the State Prosecutor may have well played pocket pool for 19 or 20 days or however long they took to prove – well, nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch.

Going back to the poll numbers I pointed out at the outset, if the jury holds true to the average person who voted in those online polls, one juror will vote to acquit. If this happens and that one juror holds out, well, you’ve got a hung jury. I just wonder if the state of Florida would go for a retrial – Casey Anthony, Round 2! – if a mistrial is reached.

For the record, I think Casey Anthony had something to do with Caylee’s death. Whether it was murder with malice or a chloroform cocktail gone awry, I don’t know. Further, I think her father had some part in some part of it all. The only tears more fake than George Anthony’s that I saw in that courtroom were from Casey.

All that being said, this case shouldn’t be about how anyone “feels” about Casey Anthony. It’s not for me. What this case is about as far as I’m concerned is that the state of Florida is trying a party-girl for 1st Degree murder, with the death penalty attached and they haven’t proven one damned thing. For those reasons, if the glove doesn’t fit…

From Leatherface's Lips to God's Ears...

2011-06-29T23:26:00.009-04:00

To begin with, no source is being torched in this piece. Say what you will, that ain't my style.

That being said, I don’t know how much of what’s written here is blog-worthy. Hell, I don’t know how much of it’s fact or fiction, true, untrue or a fantasy. What I do know, however, is that my source told me that s/he was told this with the hopes it would get out – even though my source said that the person with whom s/he spoke was feeding “misinformation.” For lack of anything better, then, you may call this piece a public service announcement to wipe out "misinformation."

Okay, for this tale of insanity, let’s imagine that there is a character called, oh I don’t know…Leatherface. Let’s also imagine that this Leatherface works for Maryland Congressman Andy Harris (R-1). And, let’s imagine that Leatherface likes to talk under the guise of a mask and a chainsaw. Are you with me so far? Excellent. Now, let’s say that Leatherface says the following:

1) Former Governor Bobby "RoboCall" Ehrlich and Congressman Andy Harris are "working together" to try to convince Harris’ Press Secretary Ryan “Shall Not Abuse” Nawrocki (A little background here: At the “risk” of having Nawrocki sic his Attack Poodles on me to again accuse me of eating copious amounts of Cheese Pizza, you may want to read: (http://darknessrising-steffen.blogspot.com/2009/04/young-turk.html) to challenge Baltimore County Councilman David Marks in the primary.

This one comes nowhere near to passing the sniff test. Besides the fact that (A) the primary is three and a half years away, (B) from everything I hear - what with Ehrlich being on the outs and Harris holding the seat Ehrlich could have won - Harris and Ehrlich are not exactly on good terms, (C) Nawrocki doesn’t even live in Councilman Marks District.

Then there is the other tidbit passed on by Leatherface – that being that young Mr. Nawrocki has said no to this "primarying David Marks" because he is blowing off his $34K per year job with Harris to go move north and work for Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett. Hell, Leatherface went so far as to say that Mr. "Shall Not Abuse" is selling his house in anticipation of the move.

2) The next item passed on by Leatherface is that the Dems are going for an 8-0 redistricting split. Well…uh, yeah, if they really think they can get it. I somehow doubt they can pull that off, though. My gut feeling on this is that they’ll find a way to dump Harris and 6th District Congressman Roscoe Bartlett into the same district and let the two devour one another. That being said, I sure as Hell hope that Andy Harris enjoys the next 18 months.

3) Then there is this, courtesy of Leatherface: That indicted Ehrlich 2010 Campaign Robocall dude, the man who came up with “The (Infamous) Shurick Doctrine,” Paul Schurick, is facing 20 years in jail as a result of his role in the RoboCall scandal. Hmmm…well, this one is definitely true. Schurick is facing up to 20 years. While I certainly think Schurick is deservedly going down, 20 years is a lot for 112,000 RoboCalls. On second thought, maybe not…

(Done: After a long day of slashing, cutting and maiming…Leatherface heads home)

3) Now, I’ve got to tell you, this last gem from Leatherface is a bit…uh…different. And I write it up here because (A) If true, the person involved should have no trouble facing up to it and (B) If not true, then such gossip needs to stop immediately. And, yes, I say that with a straight face even though I’m writing about it here. Words, indeed, have consequences my friends.

According to Leatherface, the aforementioned Ryan Nawrocki told him that Harford County Executive David Craig's very well paid go-to-guy, Aaron Tomarchio, – affectionately known as “The Black Hand” - could soon be in the market for a different nickname. Perhaps “The Lavender Hand” due to, as Mr. Nawrocki told Leatherface, a change in…how shall I say, Mr. Tomarcho's “lifestyle.” I'm not even going to say whether I think this one passes any sort of sniff test...

As stated at the outset, as concerns what's written here, I don’t know what’s true and what’s not true. Again, as stated, everything here was meant to get out. That's the reason a few phone calls were made. With that in mind, I have to ask this: What the HELL is going on in Andy Harris’ office? Is Harris Chief of Staff Kevin Reigrut aware of such unsavory conversations taking place – especially as concerns the last germ of info mentioned? Just as importantly, and even though none of this directly affects him, does Andy Harris know that his staff has obviously never heard that old saw that “Loose Lips Sink Ships?”

I didn’t think so.

A Capps Gun Misfire

2011-06-27T18:13:00.009-04:00

No matter where you may stand on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) - the trade pact which was designed to eliminate tariffs on goods and services between the United States, Mexico and Canada - one thing remains certain: NAFTA was President Ronald Reagan's baby. Hell, I distinctly remember the exalted one campaigning for reelection to the Presidency on the Libertarian Dream of NAFTA in 1984.

Of course, Reagan never got to see NAFTA become a reality during his Presidency. Bill Clinton was the one to git 'er done by ushering in NAFTA in late 1993. Again, however, knowing whose idea NAFTA was, and wanting to give credit where it was due, The Heritage Foundation published an Executive Paper on November 23, 1993 entitled:

The North American Free Trade Agreement: Ronald Reagan's Vision Realized.

(http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/1993/11em371-the-north-american-free-trade-agreement)

Why this brief history of NAFTA? Well, it's because of the Facebook exchange I had with William Thomas Capps, an announced GOP candidate for the US Senate in 2012. Try to find the "humor" in the following exchange from the past Saturday night/Sunday morning.

Having linked to an article in which LibDem Congressman Peter DeFazio was critical of NAFTA, Mr Capps wrote...

William Thomas Capps Jr. : It is time to end NAFTA

Joseph F. Steffen: Ronald Reagan is spinning in his grave.

William Thomas Capps Jr. : Yep, he would not have kiss the back side of china or sold out this country. It is too bad both parties have sold out this country. I am an American First,

Joseph F. Steffen: William - Actually, I was being facetious. Although it was Bill Clinton who got NAFTA implemented, NAFTA was Ronald Reagan's idea and plan, circa 1984. He campaigned for re-election to the Presidency on NAFTA.

William Thomas Capps Jr : Well it would have been wrong Clinton pushed it as well as free trade with china.

(Mr. Capps...how dare you suggest that I would have kissed the backside of any country because I came up with NAFTA! The bombing starts in 5 minutes...)

You see, when I wrote to Mr. Capps that Ronald Reagan was spinning in his grave, I was being facetious - attempting to point out to him that the late, great, President would have a bit of a problem with his, Capps', comment. It was tongue in cheek, to be sure, but I figured that my point had been made.

That whole "Yep, he would not have kiss(ed) the back side of china (and what the Hell China has to do with NAFTA, well you got me) or sold out the country," Capps came back with, left me - how shall I say - mildly taken aback. The exact reason for same, I'm not quite sure.

Maybe it's because I didn't know NAFTA involved China (it doesn't). Maybe it's because Mr. Capps didn't get my attempt at humor (a lot of folks don't). Or, maybe it's just that I think a candidate running for a major political office should know what the Hell he's talking about (he didn't).

I've never met William Thomas Capps, though we've bantered a few times on Facebook. And I do give him credit for putting out and discussing issues. However, he's not some young gun who wasn't around or aware when Reagan was President in 1984. And, even if he was, he should learn the damned issues before he starts tossing them around out there, says something totally off the wall and gets negatively written up in a blog. Like this.

"Brilliant..."

2011-06-23T19:13:00.005-04:00

Well, I guess Paul Schurick won't be cutting a deal to save himself following his indictment last week for his role in the Ehrlich 2010 Campaign's RoboCall scandal. This, despite the fact that his "Schurick Doctrine" - the goal of which was to "promote confusion, emotionalism and frustration among African American voters" - has taken center stage.

As fate and serendipity would have it, Mr. Schurick's attorney, Peter Zeidenberg, has either "detailed" or floated a possible plan he has for defending Mr. Schurick - who faces up to 20 years in jail - should he be found guilty: Blame Julius Henson for everything.

In his column in today's Washington Post, Robert McCartney states that Zeidenberg looks to blame Henson for the RoboCalls. You see, according to Zeidenberg, Ehrlich Communications Guru and 2010 Gubernatorial Campaign Manager Paul Schurick wasn't able to vet the Robocalls because he only found out about them on Election Day.

So, if you want to believe the Ehrlich Camp's rationale, not only was Bob Ehrlich in the dark...but so was his Campaign Manager, Paul Schurick. Henson did it all by his lonesome. Things don't work like that folks, especially when money is changing hands, i.e. the Ehrlich Campaign is paying Henson for a service.(The Defense Strategy of Paul Schurick Writ Large...?)

Pardon me, Mr. Zeidenberg, but didn't both Paul Schurick and Greg Massoni receive test Robocalls before the calls were set forth upon the unwitting masses?

What were those "test calls" for if not for the purpose of vetting? For Schurick's and Massoni's personal fancy? Or maybe Julius, Paul and Greg were testing a new comedy script? I got it. It must be because none of them had anything better to do late on Election Day 2010.

Zeiedenberg's strategy of "Blame Julius Henson for this Disaster" is so ridiculous it engenders disbelief. Well, at the very least it's got me laughing and shaking my head.

On top of that, George Robinson an attorney who, having represented me, knows a bit about representing certain politicos who've gotten into hot water, sarcastically termed Zeidenberg/Schurick's blaming the other guy as being "...brilliant."

Just as the RoboCalls were insulting to the intelligence of those who received them, Mr. Zeidenberg's "Let's Blame Julius for this Disaster" strategy is insulting to the intelligence of everyone with even an ounce of cogent thought rattling around in their brains.

I guess the best way I can put it is to say to know Paul Schurick is to know exactly what the man is capable of. And, boy, is he ever capable of this.

Obstructionist

2011-06-17T18:26:00.007-04:00

Last night I was having a drink with a friend who reminded me of what I first said after having first met Bobby Ehrlich's Communications Guru and 2010 Campaign Manager, Paul Schurick, all those years ago.

"He's an arrogant Mother (Expletive Deleted)," I'd replied.

Well, Paul Schurick is an arrogant Mother (Expletive Deleted) and, with a nod and a wink to the old adage that "It takes one to know one," I'd like to welcome Mr. Schurick to the Ends of Arrogance. Congrats, Paul - you're on your way now.

For those of you who've been asleep or, possibly, have just returned from an alien abduction, a little backgroud:

Following an eight month investigation into illegal robocalls designed to suppress the votes of African American voters on behalf of Ehrlich's 2010 Gubernatorial Campaign, on Thursday Paul Schurick and Political Henchman Julius Henson were each indicted on three counts of conspiracy to violate election laws and a count each of attempting to influence a voter's decision and of failing to use an authority line. Schurick was also indicted on one count of obstruction of justice (more on that later).

Further, according to the Indictment, the robocalls were first bandied about among Ehrlich's campaign heirarchy - which included Greg Massoni, Henry Fawell and Bernie Marczyk in addition to Schurick and Henson - in the summer of 2010. Deemed a tad too expensive at that time, the idea of suppressing voters was put on the backburner.

Ah, but the robocall idea roared back to life in the heat of the election day battle. Beginning in early afternoon and continuing into the early evening, Schurick and Henson tore up the phone lines with one another...a series of calls which allegedly resulted in both Schurick and Greg Massoni receiving robo "test calls" before the voter suppression occurred en masse.

112,544 phone calls went out carrying the now infamous "Relax...Don't Worry, Be Happy" message. All while the polls were open. All to majority black districts.

Nasty, nasty business boys. But, all nastiness aside, what gets me is Schurick's now obvious fear of being discovered - of getting caught - which likely is the cause of the one indictment he was hit with that Henson was not: Obstruction of Justice.

According to the Obstruction charge, Schurick "...did unlawfully obstruct and impede and did try to obstruct and impede the administration of justice...to wit: did knowingly, deliberately and intentionally withhold and conceal documentary evidence responsive to a grand jury subpoena with the intent to obstruct and impede a grand jury investigation..."

And, what was it that Schurick allegedly tried to keep from view? The very document the Ehrlich 2010 Campaign named after him, "The Schurick Doctrine," the goal of which was to "promote confusion, emotionalism and frustration among African American Democrats."

The stated goal of "The Schurick Doctrince" is, of course, "The first and most desired outcome is voter suppression."

(Professor Schurick teaches the finer points of Voter Suppression to the Kiddies)

The reason I'm pointing this out is due to the fact that had Schurick successfully kept "The Schurick Doctrine" out of the hands of the grand jury, the rest of this whole sorded mess could very well disappear. "The Schurick Doctrine" is the document that seemingly proves 90% of the state's case against Schurick and Henson. Most folks would be damned proud to have a document - a strategy - named after them, but for Paul Schurick to "obstruct and impede" the grand jury from seeing it, well, the word "coward" comes to mind.

The Paul Schurick I've always known struck me as being one of those guys who was a little too clever for his own good - or, as is now apparent, anyone else's good for that matter. Additionally, Schurick was always a cad and a bit of a liar and pretty damned good at both. However, former Governor Bobby Ehrlich obviously still considers Paul Schurick a friend, and one he believes in, to boot.

Following Thursday's indictments, Ehrlich released a statement which reads, "I believe in the rule of law. I believe in my friend and colleague Paul Schurick. I hope a fair resolution is reached as quickly as possible for both Paul and Mr. Henson."

And, while we're talking about Bobby Ehrlich, that friend I told you about at the beginning of this piece asked me if I thought Ehrlich knew about the robocalls.

Hmmm...well, considering that they went down in the closing hours of election day 2010, my first inclination would be to say "No." But, knowing that the robocalls were discussed internally in the summer of 2010...

You see, anyone who's every paid any attention to MD GOP politics over the last decade or so knows that Bobby Ehrlich and Greg Massoni are tighter than a horse's ass during fly season. Hell, Massoni always went everywhere Ehrlich did - all the way to Spaldking and King, the DC law firm where they each work. They're pretty much inseparable. To my way of thinking, if Massoni was privy to the robocall discussions in the summer of 2010 then, yeah, Bobby Ehrlich knew because Massoni would have said something at some point between summer and November 2010.

And then there is that statement Ehrlich put out yesterday as well to his friend and colleague, Paul Schurick. Damn, if that doesn't also speak volumes.

Still, no matter who's in Paul "Obstructionist Race Baiter" Schurick's corner, the fun has just begun for him. Let's hope justice is served. Considering the damage done to the Maryland GOP vis a vis race relations, it's the absolute least we could hope for.

Tony Campbell Rides Off Into The Sunset

2011-06-16T15:04:00.006-04:00

On the day that Paul Schurick and Julius Henson each get multi-count indictments for their roles in the 2010 Ehrlich for Governor Campaign's RoboCall scandal (of which I've written about before - no need to dry hump that dead whale again until the story goes somewhere), I had an interesting conversation with the soon to be resigned Baltimore County GOP Central Committee Chairman.

In the wake of Tony Campbell's announcing he was going to resign his position, I realized there was only one thing for me to do: Call him.

And, having spoken with him earlier today, I can tell you this much: He has no idea what he's going to do. But, that doesn't mean he didn't have some interesting things to say.

When I opened the call by asking him point blank why he'd chosen to resign when I - and damned near everyone else I'd spoken with - thought he'd fight like Hell to hold on, Campbell bluntly replied, "It's time for me to go. It's not about me. It's about the Republican Party."

Saying that he'd rather not be a distraction, Campbell added, "The Committee was in a quagmire. It's been about unproductive things."

No beating around the bush there, I must say.

(No rehashing the Remnants of Chaos here, Tony Cambell rides off into the sunset)

With Campbell taking himself so easily out of the equation, we touched on who might take his place as Chair. After telling me he'd heard some names floating around - the ones found on Richard Cross' blog http://rjc-crosspurposes.blogspot.com/2011/06/tony-campbell-out.html
- Campbell, though saying Tom Henry, Al Mendelsohn and Steve Kolbe each had their own attributes, declined to name a personal favorite. Maybe that was designed to save his own choice's ass, maybe not.

We did share a brief moment of amazement over the fact that, in Mr. Cross' blog, a GOP activist had termed Tom Henry a "bomb thrower." I know Tom Henry, and a bomb thrower he is not. Hell, Campbell went as far as to say Henry was "even keeled, but passionate about issues." As for Mendelsohn, Cambell stated "I've know Al for 20 years. He's got the experience, and he's grown." Kolbe, Campbell said, is "organized," but added that he doesn't "know him very well."

For what it's worth...

Though I'm not going to rehash all the ins and outs of Mr. Campbell's tenure here and now, his era has, if nothing else, been interesting as Hell. From knocking off former Chairman Chris Cavey in last November's election until his upcoming formal resignation, Mr. Campbell has made for a great read.

And, at least one GOP figure of stature apparently wished the ending could have been a little different. According to Campbell, he'd spoken with Ellen Sauerbrey - and that she'd told him she was "sorry this had happened."

Any last words, Tony?

"At this point, while the wound is still there, I can't tell you what good is coming out of this, but it's all part of a plan...God Bless 'em (the Baltimore County Central Committee) and let them do what they need to do."

Of course, Campbell's very last words dealt with some fun the two of us used to have. He suggested that we get together, have a few beers and shoot some pool.

I can only imagine that Tony Campbell wants to kick my ass on the pool table. Again.

Anthony's Weiner: Stay Right Where You Are

2011-06-13T17:13:00.006-04:00

You know, I was going to leave this whole Anthony's Weiner thing alone. I mean, seriously, the entire sexting/electronic predatory flasher thing he's been pulling for the last three years was too easy - too easy to mock, too easy to giggle like a school kid over the whole damned episode. I found myself wondering if, perhaps, things wouldn't have snowballed the way they did had Weiner's last name been something different. Say, Johnson, Cox or Wang for example.

So, why am I writing about this now? Because Anthony's Weiner is considering resigning from Congress, that's why. And that would be a development that simply should not take place.

According to Politico, Weiner's office released the following statement: "Congressman Weiner takes the view of his colleagues very seriously and has determined that he needs this time to get healthy and make the best decision possible for himself, his family and his constituents."

That statement comes on the heels of all the Democratic Windbags, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schulz and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Steve Israel, spinning out of control in their near demands that Anthony's Weiner resign.

Don't you do it, Congressman Weiner! Don't you give into them. You've got them right where you want them - well, kinda sorta, anyway. As far as I know, it's not like any of your colleagues had previously been privy to picture of your private parts...but you know what I mean.

(Anthony's Weiner poses for his 2011 Holiday Card: Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah! Whatever! I'm ready to "do some damage!" )

Let's go back to Weiner's statement about who he is looking to benefit:

The one person Anthony'w Weiner most needs to keep happy right now is his pregnant wife, Huma Abedin (and, please, if I hear one more person call this poster girl for what appears to be anorexia "beautiful," I'll blow my grits all over my laptop). One of Hillary Clinton's top aides, Huma Abedin is standing by Anthony's Weiner without actually having stood by him during his mea culpa. By all accounts, the loving wife wants her husband to stay in Congress.

Now, let's look at the constituents of Anthony's Weiner the majority of whom are...well, as a matter of fact, they still love him!

That's right, you can take all those Democrats who are now stammering for him to resign and tell them to shove it where the sun don't shine - which, by the way, may be the only body part Anthony's Weiner has not yet tweeted. A recent poll shows him to be in good stead with those folks who've been sending him to the House of Representatives since 1998. 56 percent of registere voters in Weiner's District want him to stay put - and that number includes an almost unbelievable 63 percent of Democrats.

The poll surveyed 512 voters living in New York's 9th Congressional District which covers Queens and parts of Brooklyn, NY, found that only 33 percent think Anthony's Weiner should resign.

Lastly, let's take a look at Weiner, himself. As stated, he's going to take some time off from tweeting - er, his job as a Congressman - to seek "help." Obviously, this move is all nice and tidy and is in no way the result of all of those who are shrieking, pleading and all but begging for him to resign. I really, Really, REALLY believe that Anthony's Weiner is seeking help for all the right reasons.

So, using the fact that Anthony's Weiner's wife wants him to stay in Congress, his constituents want him to stay in Congress, and he's seeking some manner of professional "help," as my "official reasons," I firmly believe that Congressman Weiner should live to tweet on as a Congressman...at least until the Dems in New York dismantle his District for 2012 (New York lost two Congressional Districts as a result of the last Census).

My unofficial reasons for wanting him to stay?

This narcissistic, arrogant, blowhard deserves every slap, punch and kick in the - well, you know where - that he gets. If Anthony's Weiner is so Brutish/Stupid/Moronic/Sociopathic to stick himself out there for one second longer than is necessary - my advice to all concerned is to pile on and pile drive.

So, Anthony my man, you hang in there - and you hang tight. You've had at least six woman to whom you've sent pictures of your "best side?" Awesome! You've had tweeter communications with a 17 year old girl? Who cares? You've had more crotch shots displayed online than Marilyn Chambers or Jenna Jameson? That's cool!

You're the man, Anthony's Weiner. You're the man, you're not resigning - and don't you let anyone forget it or tell you any differently! At least not until Election Day 2012 has come and gone.

There Really Is A New Sheriff In Town

2011-06-11T14:36:00.007-04:00

Last (Friday) night with MDGOP Chairman Alex Mooney and 10-12 of his closest friends - all but one of whom he'd never met before - was pretty damned interesting.

A little background: A few weeks back, former National Young Republican Chair and current Square Off talk show panelist, Nicolee Ambrose rang up George Robinson, erstwhile Harford Countian and lead attorney at Robinson and Robinson, LLC, and asked him to put together a "Meet and Greet" between Alex Mooney and some Harford County GOP Movers and Shakers - you know one of those "glad handing" and fine "getting to know you" kinda things. Robinson agreed to do so and, as a result, last night was born.

But last night was anything but your normal "Meet and Greet."

After dining on some of the best damned hors d'oeuvres this side of anywhere (Carsins' Steakhouse in Aberdeen, folks - get yourselves up there!), those assembled sat down to listen to Mr. Mooney talk. Having spoken with Mooney for a few moments prior, I was rather curious to see how he was going to handle this little gathering. More of the old "I'm here, you're here - I talk, you listen and then you give me money" thing is what I expected. Damn, was I ever wrong.

Mooney spoke, alright - for about two minutes. He mentioned his personal electoral history, including his tough 2010 loss to Democrat Ronald Young (51-49%). He pointed out that the MD GOP had a net gain of 40 seats in 2010, and said he doesn't think "Republicans win by being more like Democrats." Then, after stating his was not here to ask for money or to give a "45 minute canned speech," Mooney opened it up by asking for input. He was not to be disappointed.

Taking copious notes the entire time, for the next hour plus Mooney listened intently as those in the crowd - apparently pleased that the MDGOP Chairman gave a real damn about what they thought - vented both their frustrations about 2010 as well as pointed out their hopes for 2012 and beyond...

As concerns 2010, former Governor Bobby Ehrlich was almost an afterthought - which is an excellent place for him to be as this group plots for the future. In fact, Ehrlich's name was only mentioned twice - once when Mooney said that Ehrlich "really isn't involved anymore. We're moving onto the next step" and once when it was mentioned that Ehrlich's head and heart didn't appear to be in his 2010 "effort" - a thought upon which consensus was reached with lightning rapidity. Oh yeah, there was a mention of the robocall scandal that that looks to be writing the most telling chapter of Ehrlich's legacy.

(As an aside, a particularly feisty member amongst those assembled both asked - and answered - the funniest question of the night as the discussion veered from the state to the federal level: "Was Michael Steele an a**hole? Of course he was!")

As concerns the future, everything was discussed from the need for fine point polling to nail down certain issues to talk of "Generation Theft" - a great buzz term that I think could catch on as concerns the younger set - to how to get the message out that the MD GOP is the answer to the great question of "What the Hell?!" that MD DEMS have left us with. The need for an acknowledged leader was brought up - that one person who could be groomed for greater things. If nothing else, the feeling was pretty much unanimous that THAT particular person is not yet on the horizon.

Ultimately, though, this brood of Republicans seemed to reach the general consensus that social issues should be avoided. Fiscal conservatism, taxation and the needs of small business to survive, thrive and open up the economy issues carried the day. At the end of this feisty, yet friendly, exchange Alex Mooney proffered his report on what he and the MD GOP were doing.

(Alright, so I'm not a sheriff, I'm a US Marshall - but I got two words for you: Wisconsin Plan.)

Mooney discussed how Maryland's GOP was already working on its own version of the Wisconsin Plan. Since his victory as MD GOP Chair, the Party has been consistently ID'ing voters, registering voters and has been employing "Voter Vault" (which is a program that can likely tell you more about yourself than you already know). Further, according to a provided fact sheet, the Party is developing County Leadership Groups, has ramped up its E-Campaign and social media efforts (Tweet this!). One of the Party's main objectives now is to provide support to localities to ensure the MD GOP doesn't get the crap kicked out of it by the Dems during redistricting.

Mooney called the "Wisconsin Plan" a "marathon." Judging from the MDGOP fact sheet, it is a four year deal. Now, upon looking at one of the other papers Mooney provided last night, I did some math and came up with the following:

6500 votes over nine races. A change of 6500 votes from Democrat to Republican in 2010 would have resulted in the GOP having NINE more seats in the Legislature. NINE. With the Wisconsin Plan in action in Maryland, we'll see how well it works come first in 2012, but with the real test coming in 2014.

All in all, Friday night with the Chairman and the gang was quite impressive as much as for the simple fact that that Mooney LISTENED far more than he spoke, and when he spoke - Gasp! Shock! - he made one Hell of a lot of sense.

Thing is, though, most every thing discussed last night costs money. And there's the rub. It's tough for the MDGOP to raise money when the first thing most people think upon being asked is "Why should I give them money? This Party can't do anything. S/he can't win."

To me, that' the biggest obstacle the MD GOP faces. You can't win if you don't believe you can. Alex Mooney believes it can win. It will be very interesting to see if he can convince enough people to share his belief. And pony up some cash along the way. Whatever, Alex Mooney's style and plan does offer hope (as opposed to hopey-changey). With that, all I'll say is - Alex, good luck my friend.

And, on a totally unrelated note, I have to ask: What the Hell is up with The Black Hand? ; )

Ehrlich Talks Robo-Calls: A Festivus Miracle!

2010-12-23T13:45:00.006-05:00

After WBAL radio political talk show host, Kendel Ehrlich, blew off her gig last Saturday due to catching a cold, I was pretty damned sure this meant she was never going to address the robocall scandal swirling around the carcass of her husband’s, former Governor Bob Ehrlich, 2010 campaign to recapture the House and the Chefs.

My belief the robocalls – those intended vote-suppressors sent out by Ehrlich political consultant Julius “Relax” Henchman…uh, I mean Julius Henson, while in Ehrlich’s employ – were never going to be discussed was based upon the following:

A) Neither Kendel nor Bob Ehrlich had previously graced the populace with a comment on the robo-scandal other than Mr. Ehrlich’s stating that particular stroke of genius was not in his “purview” and,

B) Rather than show a little dignity, not to mention class, the Ehrlich’s tore the Hell out of WBAL when Investigative Reporter Jayne Miller had the sheer audacity to do her job and ask them about the scandal with which Mr. Ehrlich's campaign, at least, is inextricably linked, and,

C) Mrs. Ehrlich just happened to catch that aforementioned cold, thus having to beg off from her talk show, the day after Ehrlich Consultant Henson’s house and office were raided by Agents from the Office of the State Prosecutor.

So, yeah, I’m thinking the King and Queen of Denial are never going to discuss the robocalls when, Lo and Behold, Bob Ehrlich himself briefly discusses robocalls in general…and even touches on those particular robocalls of Henson’s that have scorched his legacy.

It’s a Festivus Miracle!

As reported by WBAL’s Robert Lang here:

http://www.wbal.com/absolutenm/templates/story.aspx?articleid=64551&zoneid=3

…Bobby Ehrlich more or less gives an “aw shucks” to the robocall matter by stating that his campaign didn’t order any robocalls from Henson.

(What? Me Worry? I didn't order that damned thing!)

As most everyone knows by now, of course, these robocalls are under investigation for potential violations of the election laws. That being the case, I guess it’s a damned good thing for former Team Ehrlich that, per Mr. Ehrlich, no one from the campaign ordered robocalls.

Of course, that doesn’t mean Julius Henson didn’t discuss the matter with some of Mr. Ehrlich’s “top aides” about the use of robocalls – as Henson, himself, claimed to WJZ TV when first interviewed on this issue. Interestingly enough, that interview came before lawyers got involved…and before Maryland AG Doug Gansler filed a federal lawsuit over the robocalls…and, well, long before the Office of the State Prosecutor started sniffing around for criminal violations.

Point being, and it is speculation, is that just because Mr. Ehrlich’s campaign didn’t “order” the robocalls doesn’t mean others on his campaign didn’t know about them before they were made. Henson may have approached Mr. Ehrlich’s “top aides” with the robocall idea…and they agreed to their use. Such gray- area decisions happen all the time on the campaign trail. Moreover, paid consultants don't normally just start firing away without getting a nod of approval from somebody in charge.

Regardless, at least Mr. Ehrlich has finally said something on the matter. His statements, however, will certainly juice up the hype surrounding the investigation – not to mention make it all the more interesting to see what comes out in the end.

Oh! And Mr. Ehrlich also stated he doesn't think robocalls work. Hmmm...yeah. I think that point was most validated on Election Day, 2010.

Happy Festivus!

Melting Steele

2010-12-16T21:07:00.006-05:00

This past Monday, RNC Chairman and former Maryland LG, Michael Steele, announced that he is, indeed, running for a second as RNC Chair. But then, come on, what the Hell else does Mr. Steele have to do with his time? (And I’m asking that question as someone who originally applauded him becoming RNC Chair.)

As is well known, not only among members of the major political parties but pretty much anyone who watches the news or is a fan of bondage-themed night clubs, Mr. Steele’s RNC tenure has been, how shall we say, a trifle turbulent. Not to mention conversationally controversial.

For example:

In addition to shooting for the votes of minority youth by at times adopting a dressed to the nines “Hip Hop” persona, Mr. Steele has no real problem with also dissing his fellow Afro-Americans. Recall with shock, if not absolute dismay, his July 2009 comments in which he joked that he’ll attract minority voters with fried chicken and potato salad?

Somewhere, I'm sure David Duke is laughing his racist ass off.

Then, of course, earlier in this tenure there was Steele calling Rush Limbaugh’s radio show “ugly.” I don’t listen to Limbaugh, so I wouldn't know. Still, it strikes me as little disingenuous of the RNC Chair to diss a radio show listened to by a large segment of folks who are members of the very party he is chairing.

And, lest we forget, the reports that “popped up” this past March that the RNC squandered just about $2,000 at a California bondage-themed night club/ YOWZA!

Now, in that “bondage” matter RNC honchos insisted Steele was unaware of those particular expenses. Still, such a disaster certainly screams out for someone to be “disciplined,” doesn’t it? Oh, wait…..never mind. At $2,000, there’s a good chance THAT has already happened. ; )

(Hmm...you say that bondage-themed club I know nothing about is over there? Are you sure? )

Speaking at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference a month or so after the bondage-themed nightclub expenses disgraced the news, Steele did admit to having made mistakes. He added that the burden was his to shoulder - meaning, it was in his purview ;) – and that he would move on. It was a mea culpa of moderate proportions that served to turn down the heat on Steele. At least for a little while.

But now comes the distinct stench of nepotism wafting up from Tampa, Florida, home of the 2012 National Republican Convention. Unfortunately, and yet again. Michael Steele appears to be standing in the middle of said stench.

According to Federal Election Committee records, one Belinda Cook, who’s been a personal assistant to Steele for pretty much always, is hauling in some $180,000 a year from the RNC on "Arrangements." Additionally, Ms. Cook was paid a $25,000 consulting fee in July.

As if that’s not enough, the RNC is doling out $4,500 monthly for Cook's living quarters, a 3,200-square-foot waterfront home in, of all places, a burg called Treasure Island.

No worries, though. See, according to the RNC’s Committee on Arrangements, of which Maryland’s own Louis Pope is Treasurer, “none of the COA money comes out of RNC funds.” RNC donors aren’t paying for Steele pal Belinda Cook’s royal lifestyle. The taxpayers are, thanks to a federal subsidy.

Aren’t RNC and rank and file members alike pleased to know their tax dollars are paying for this nonsense. I mean, it’s not like $200,000 couldn’t be used for things such as…oh, I don’t know…voter education and outreach?

Speaking of outreach, how’s the following grab all the Republicans out there?

It looks as if the RNC’s top outreach official, you know the person who’s goal is to reach younger and more diverse voters, hasn’t bothered to vote in a primary for years. Well, at least not a Republican primary.

However, the RNC’s outreach official, one Angela Sailor, did vote in Virginia’s Democrat Primary in 2008. I repeat, Michael Steele’s RNC’s outreach official voted, not in Virginia’s 2008 Republican Primary….but, rather, in 2008’s Democrat Primary.

Now, THAT is doing some outreach!

I am aware Virginia has open primaries – but still? Is the RNC employ of Democrat voting Mrs. Sailor acceptable to Republicans who actually wants Republicans to beat Democrats? Did the RNC not thoroughly research Mrs. Sailor’s (a lobbyist) background and voting record? Or, perhaps someone over there did – and Mr. Steele simply didn’t care. Either way, this is a joke. Or it should be, anyway.

Further, ss if that wasn’t enough of a joke, according to a story in the Washington Times found here…

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/dec/13/top-rnc-official-hasnt-voted-gop-primary-in-years/?page=1

Mrs. Sailor is being paid $180,000 annually to reach out to potential Republicans when she is not busying herself by voting for Democrats. Amazing, isn’t it? It simplifies matters, though: If you want to go places in Michael Steele’s RNC, vote Democratic. And, so, the gaffe-fest continues...

I once read that steel melts when the temp hits 2777 degrees.

Politically speaking, you would think that, among Republicans anyway, the temperatures getting just about that hot now for Michael Steele. And, if it isn’t, then Republicans will have only themselves to blame when the jokes keep coming. And you know they will.

Speaking Truth to Irrelevancy (with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches).

2010-12-11T21:51:00.017-05:00

December 10th was the day that twice-defeated Former Governor, Republican Bob Ehrlich, blows off WBAL Investigate Reporter Jayne Miller with an ‘I’m Outta Here,’ in response to her having the audacity to do her job and ask him about those nasty, vote suppressing, robocalls put out by his 2010 election “effort.”

As fate would have it, December 10th was the day The Renegade Room blows up Annapolis, site of the MD GOP Convention. Okay, that’s an exaggeration. But it did seem as if one of the Renegades was trying to burn down Annapolis with his grilled cheese station.

Regardless, how ironic is it that Mr. Ehrlich claiming he was “out of here” occurred on the same night The Renegade Room was celebrating, demanding, and partying in favor of serious, unfiltered, change in order to turn the MD GOP around from being a dysfunctional social organization tied to one figure or form of “leadership” into an organized, inspired – if not yet dynamic - force.

So now, for your information and entertainment, as we spent the night laughing, shouting, eating and drinking - all the while relentlessly “Speaking Truth to Irrelevancy” of course - some of the more memorable moments I took from The Renegade Room include:

*Renegade John Fiastro doing his damn best to tease us all with visions of the hotel burning down as he manned his grilled cheese station. It got to be tauntingly smoky and about a million degrees in The Renegade Room as he took turns pouring shots and flipping grilled cheese sandwiches for the room’s guests. While in line for one of these grilled masterpieces, Baltimore County Central Committee Dude Al Mendelsohn informed me that, against my previously posted wishes, he did indeed bring with him a flamethrower. He advised me it was to “keep the zombies away.” For the most part, it seemed to be an effective deterrent, I must say.

(The Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Official Emblem of The Renegade Room? Hell, from what I've seen and heard last night neither of them have ever been done before at a political convention suite.)

*The expert bouncing of one malcontent "Moocher" by Julianne Grim (who fabulously set up The Renegade Room). In return for her immediate tossing of said Moocher, said Moocher "complimented" Julianne with a resounding "Drop dead!"

*Meeting and talking politics and blog-shop with fellow bloggers Mark Newgent of Red Maryland and Michael Swartz of Monoblogue. General agreement on various topics and differences discussed pleasantly and intelligently (well, maybe semi-intelligently, on my part). It was a pleasure to meet these two guys and I suggest you, Dear Reader, check out their stuff as well (if you’re not already doing so).

*The Renegade Room being graced by a few of the Honorary Renegades of 2010, including both Delegates-Elect Kelly Schulz and Michael Hough. These two earned the Renegade status for taking on the establishment – and kicking its ass all the way to election. If other of the Honorary Renegades did show and I missed them, I do apologize for not mentioning them here.

*The Renegade Room being graced by two one-time GOP Gubernatorial candidate who did not lose to Martin O’Malley by 14 points in this year’s general election, Michael Pappas (and a host of his friends and fans, all of whom hung out with us and helped most of the evening) and Brian Murphy, who refused to relinquish Renegade Status by dropping from the MD GOP primary just because Mr. Ehrlich decided he had nothing better to do than get his doors blown off by Governor Martin O’Malley in November.

*Visits by both Baltimore County Central Committee Chairman, Tony Campbell, and the man Campbell defeated in his bid for re-election to that post in November, Chris Cavey. At one point, both men were in the room and, I’ve got to admit, I was somewhat hoping for a cage match between the two…but it never came to be. However, I had nice chats with both Cavey, whom I’ve never much criticized – and Campbell, whom I’ve torched in a previous blog post. In fact, Tony Campbell and I briefly reminisced over some bygone drinking days at that late, great, Perry Hall bar, Tulley’s. I may be wrong, but I think Campbell beat me at pool one night there three or four years ago…

*The simple fact that The Renegade Room had a tremendous influx of people all night (and well into this morning). The crowd well exceeded expectations. In addition to those already mentioned, among those who stopped by and/or hung out awhile included Senators EJ Pipkin and David Brinkley (who just defeated Senator Nancy Jacobs for minority whip), Delegate Warren Miller, former National Federation of Young Republicans Chair Nicolee Ambrose, former LG candidate and candidate for MD GOP chair Mary Kane, Maryland Young Republican Chairman Moshe Starkman, pundit and award winning internet publisher Tom Henry, Third Vice Chair candidate and blogger Brian Griffiths, Montgomery County Hell Raiser, writer and one-time candidate Daniel “The Whig Man” Vovek, West-side Delegate candidate (who damn near won in a harsh district), David Aughenbaugh. These are just some of the people that I saw there – and I was not in The Renegade Room every minute it was open.

I was told that both MD GOP chair candidates Mike Esteve and Sam Hale posted in The Renegade Room. I was also told that newly elected (today, actually) MDGOP Chairman, Alex Mooney, was there for awhile.

Regardless, between some of the current MDGOP standard bearers who showed up mixing with some of the younger, politically hungry, set it was one Hell of a night. If nothing else, we did get a lot of folks’ attention. I was actually complimented last night on “the audacity of The Renegade Room.” That’s great, but still – getting attention due to audacity only means something if it can actually foment, and result in, real change.

No more of the same-old, same-old, style of elbow rubbing and “who knows who.” No more tying the MDGOP’s fortunes to the fortunes of one individual. Seriously, ain’t it time for those in the MDGOP to simply refuse to give in to “strategies” and personalities that have led the party to permanent losership and minority status in the legislature?

Grilled cheese sandwich, anyone?

Renegade Room Rules of Conduct

2010-12-09T22:42:00.006-05:00

An interesting thing happened on the way to The Renegade Room which opens at the Double Tree Annapolis, Room 360, for one night only Friday December 10 sometime around 7:30ish:

My fellow hosts and I have formulated a small list of Renegade Honorees – those special ladies and gents who have proven their ability to divide and conquer in a way that would make the High Plains Drifter proud. At the very least, they've certainly made The Renegades proud.

Of course, being who and what we are, we’ve also come up with a small list of Dis-Honorees, those folks who for one reason or another, have been banned from the Renegade Room. But that’s a different story, altogether…

Further, The Renegades hosting the room have produced a Renegade Revolution Resolution, which can be found on Richard Cross’ blog, "Cross Purposes":

http://rjc-crosspurposes.blogspot.com/2010/12/renegade-revolution-resolution_09.html

Oh, and while the Renegade Room will be in progress, I understand there’s also an actual convention of some sort – MDGOP, I think – going on at the same time. In fact, I hear the MDGOP is electing a new chairman at this very convention. Who knew?

But I digress…

Considering this IS the first Renegade Room (especially since we are both Honoring and Banning certain folks), I feel it incumbent upon myself to inform all interested partys of The Renegade Room’s Rules of Conduct. First, there exist the obligatory “Shall Nots” There are as follows:

*Thou Shall Not Mosh or Body Surf.

*Thou Shall Not Bring a Flame Thrower.

*Thou Shall Not Dwell on Previous Political Disasters except When Doing so Provides Derision and/or Gratuitous, Nasty and/or Cutting Humor and Insults.

*Thou Shall Not Openly Mock Any Individual except When Doing so Provides Derision and/or Gratuitous, Nasty and/or Cutting Humor and Insults.

* Thou Shall Not Abuse. Or Absolve.

(This Judge will not be enforcing The Renegade Room Rules of Conduct. However, I do hear he's known to hang around the men's room. You've been warned...)

And now, the equally obligatory “Shalls”…

*Thou Shall Drink Copious Amounts of Your Beverage of Choice Even if You Have to Provide it Yourself

*Thou Shall Remember the Feel of the Season and Act…uh…Never Mind.

*Thou Shall Honor Renegades Who Didn’t Quite Breakthrough. This Year, anyway.

*Thou Shall Engage in Lively Conversation. Words Hurt. Use Them!

*Thou Shall Feel Free to Disregard the Necessity to Engage in any/all Renegade Room Rules of Conduct (other than, perhaps, the one about bringing a Flamethrower) and Enjoy Thyself.

Challenging the entrenched, loser, mentality of much of the establishment MDGOP is not merely a necessity. At the Renegade Room, we’re also out to prove and it can be a Hell Raising Good Time.

Disclaimer: The Renegade Room’s Hosts will not be held liable for bruised egos, shattered dreams or drunken escapades which its guests and/or visitors who engage in such activities will one day likely regret. Hell, as a matter of fact we’re not being held liable for anything. ; )

See you there! (Or, maybe not...as the case may be...)

Physician, Heal Thyself

2010-12-01T00:28:00.007-05:00

Yeah, I’ve got to say I’m very pleased that Delegate-elect Kathy won her race in MD’s 7th Legislative District (and, in doing so, increased the collective IQ of that district’s crew of delegates to whatever her personal IQ may be). However, I have to wonder at the astonishing impact her decision to run for delegate has had on her one time boss, 1st District Congressman Elect Andy Harris.

I say this because for the past six years Szeliga was Harris’ Annapolis Chief of Staff while Harris served as a State Senator. Apparently, she did one Hell of a lot more than that. It is growing ever more apparent that it was Delegate-elect Szeliga who kept Harris’ gaffes and potentially costly decisions from exploding around him like land mines under his feet.

Consider…

First, there was Harris’ at best “out of context” comments regarding his displeasure at not being immediately eligible for his congressional healthcare. His comments, whatever their context, were a disaster. Alas, he would have to wait a month for the healthcare to kick in – and suffer the slings and arrows for his misunderstanding of the word “irony” from countless writers nationwide. Not to mention the attack commercials and letters from Congressional Democrats to GOP Leadership asking exactly how many GOP Congressman who campaigned against Obamacare were going to forgo their own Congressional healthcare. I am sure Congressman Elect Harris is already much loved by his colleagues. I blogged my take on Harris’ ill chosen remarks here:

http://darknessrising-steffen.blogspot.com/2010/11/hypocritical-oath.html

Secondly, and this has caused more than a few giggles in the MDGOP community as word has seeped out that Harris has hired David “Sloopy” Schwartz as his Deputy Chief of Staff. That’s right – THAT David “Sloopy” Schwartz: One time Ehrlich “Sign Boy,” Rampant Sun Forums Poster, recent Director of the Maryland Chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), and world renowned skinny dipper.

Now, as I’ve blogged here…

http://darknessrising-steffen.blogspot.com/2009/05/hang-on-sloopy.html

Schwartz has somehow always managed to “Hang on” – and here he goes again. Maybe someone needs to look into how AFP got the money it used to pay Schwartz’ AFP salary, I don’t know. If nothing else, it may add to Sloopy’s "legend."

Unlike the Schwartz hiring which induced a few giggles, the “imminent” (or so I’ve been told) hiring of this next guy hasn’t induced anything other than gasps and frenzied phone calls from some GOP insiders to others asking “What the Hell?!”

Depending on the source, Congressman Elect Harris “is strongly considering (hiring)” “is very likely (to hire)” or “has hired” one Ryan Nawrocki to be his Director of Communications. Yeah, THAT Ryan Nawrocki: Longtime Ehrlch sycophant who, nonetheless got screwed by Team Ehrlich overall a requested robocall (unrelated to the Julius Henson Robocalls), defeated Baltimore County Council candidate, press guy at Lifebridge Health until being fired (different sources have offered different reasons for his firing), which happened pretty much NOW.

Of course, Ryan Nawrocki has had other issues as well. As I blogged here…

http://darknessrising-steffen.blogspot.com/2009/04/young-turk.html

...Mr. Nawrocki was hit a few years back with a "Shall Not Abuse" Order by a Baltimore County Judge.

While it is certainly Mr. Harris’ right to hire whomever he pleases, the question here is why the Congressman Elect would hire Sloopy (not exactly a brainiac by anyone’s estimation) as his DCOS (Legislative Assistant, maybe, but DCOS?) - or even consider hiring Mr. Nawrocki, period - much less as his Communications Director. Is the bench really THAT thin in Maryland? Is the Congressman Elect so overconfident that he has zero worry at the giggles and gasps of early ridicule and shock based upon personnel decisions? Or, is it that he is simply hoping to pay back some of his campaign people – you know, the ones who worked with him in 2010…as well as in 2008 in both the primary against Wayne Gilchrest and the general versus Congressman Frank Kratovil. There was some “heavy” campaigning going on there. Pretty filthy stuff, from what I've been told.

Whatever the reason, I hope Congressman Elect Harris is making these decision with full knowledge of all particulars. Hell, politically, I probably agree with the guy 80% of the time, and it would be good for the MDGOP to retain at least two Congressional seats. But he’s got a tough row to hoe in Maryland and he’s already engaged himself in one health care related self inflicted wound. He really doesn’t need any further self inflicted wounds before he even takes the field in Congress – regardless of whether these particular wounds lead to giggles or, especially, gasps.

Renegades

2010-11-26T21:09:00.004-05:00

While I am aware that Darkness Rising has an audience beyond Maryland politicos in general and Maryland Republicans, specifically (Thank you all!), this particular posting is aimed more than are most directly at members of Maryland’s GOP…and even more specifically at those folks who are, or may be, attending the MD GOP Convention on December 10th and 11th at the Annapolis Doubletree Inn.

So, Dear Reader, what that in mind…

Have you - yes, YOU - ever bucked the MD GOP establishment behind the scenes, while remaining true to - or as a result of - your convictions? Have you been unafraid to publicly speak truth to MD GOP Establishment Ludicrousness when any given instance is too egregious to let slide? Have you ever been accused of committing “High Treason” because you opted not to support a “chosen one” in a given GOP Primary? Are you just curious as to what the Hell I’m talking about?

If so, do we ever have the room for you to visit at this year’s Maryland GOP Convention.

While there will most certainly be this and that hospitality suite for this and that candidate for this and that office, there will be only one of what we’ve got going on: The Renegade Room.

As one of a number of the Renegade Room's creators (more names and details to come in a later blog posting), I don't promise anything fancy. However, I do promise a certain level of irreverence for those who think they know what they are doing.

And, lastly, I promise…

The Renegade Room: This ain’t your father’s MD GOP – and that can be said for certain this time. ; )

Thank This!

2010-11-25T00:12:00.007-05:00

To date, 2010 has been a most interesting, productive and fruitful year – at least for your humble correspondent. Probably my best year in a decade, actually. As a result I have much to be thankful for. Probably too much, and I can all but guarantee, that it’s all more than I deserve.

How’s that old song go? If you want to get to Heaven, you’ve got raise a little Hell…

And I did raise a little Hell. Far less on Darkness Rising than I would have liked…but that was due to the fact I was so damned busy most of the year raising Hell elsewhere that I simply didn’t have time to give this blog the attention it deserves. Traveling due to politics, mainly. Lucrative and fun, and for that I am most thankful. (And I’m pretty sure some of you are as well ; )…) I'm also very thankful for the fact my contacts in this field simply don't give a damn one way or the other what I write or say in my native state. I have no masters - and who wouldn't be thankful for that?

For what else am I thankful? Family and friends, for certain: Understanding and loving, compassionate and loyal…I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

I am also thankful for the grace and style, beauty and wonder that has grown in my world this year. You can’t put a price on such things…but you sure as Hell can be thankful everyday that your life is filled with them. And I am.

As concerns more Darkness Rising related material, well…

I’m thankful that some flailing enterprises mercifully ended. Well, except for whatever looms as a result of “robocall” issues, anyway. Done is done…and except for any subpoenas to come, that effort was done before it started. I think most everyone knows that.

I am also thankful for those who consider me an enemy or opponent or whatever term you choose to apply. Despite their collective, ridiculously amateurish, efforts – not to mention the fact certain of these folks have pretty much legally trip-wired themselves – many of these self designated opponents provided me with much laughter – and many options. As a show of gratitude for my thankfulness, I offer just this tidbit: Never take action based on emotion. Let the blood run cold first.

Of course, as an unapologetic muckraker, I am also thankful that certain ludicrousness exists now - and that more is on the horizon:

(Baltimore County Republican Central Committee Chairman Tony Campbell’s choice for President pardons Tony Campbell…uh, I mean the Thanksgiving Turkey)

As concerns the Maryland Democratic Party, I really have nothing to be thankful for, other than it has once again shown how the campaign game is played.

As concerns the immediate future for the MDGOP, I am thankful that it has a chance to reshape itself after years of cult-like devotion to one man…a devotion I once helped engender and enforce. Of course, in mid December a new party chairman will be chosen, and for that I am thankful. Considering some of the candidates running, however, the MDGOP folks with a vote should also be wary. Consider just a few of the candidates:

Carmen Amerdori, who has jumped from candidate from this office to candidate for that office as often as former Governor Ehrlich says “Obviously.”

Mary Kane, who’s running as what? – the torch bearer of the Ehrlich 2010 Legacy…or perhaps to help keep those contracts coming?”

Mike Esteve, who earlier this year said (about Brian Murphy primarying Bob Ehrlich)
“…The governor’s race is one that we have a particularly good chance of winning and any distraction that could in any way inhibit Bob’s run should be regarded as high treason given the importance of getting a Republican governor in office in 2010” …and “…because Bob has a primary to deal with officially, many organizations, including the MFCR have legal obstructions they must circumvent in order to participate in the governor’s race.”

“High Treason” if you backed Murphy over Ehrlich….”legal obstructions they must circumvent.” If you didn't back Bob it's "High Treason." Just damn.

Finally, I’m thankful for you – those of you who take the time to read these sporadic and oft times erratic rants, essays, whatever you want to call them.

If so inclined, between now and the end of this year you should come down to the Waterfront Hotel in Fells Point around 9PM on a Monday night. (I say that because the Waterfront is changing hands on the first of the year and our “meetings” may change time, date and location as a result.)

Join the political discussions with yours truly and/or former Ehrlich speechwriter and fellow blogger Richard Cross and others. “Others” have included members of the House of Delegates, Don and Gloria Murphy, Reporter Brian Sears, one-time reporter Tom LoBianco, former Baltimore County GOP Chair and Ehrlich Field Ops guy Chris Cavey, former HOD candidate John Fiastro, one-time 42nd District GOP Club President, Julianne Grim and former National YR Chair, Nicolee Ambrose. (On any given Monday, we've had as few as two people - and as many as 10.) For each of them I am thankful – and you will be as well, should you post one night when the discussion is on.

And, of course, we meet at the Waterfront because I go there Monday nights to hear the incomparable Bonnie Leigh (Boswell) belt it out to the Heavens. And for her, I’m pretty damned sure the universe is thankful.

Whatever…you and yours, friend or foe or somewhere in between, I wish a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving. We’re all in this together…even when we are kicking each others asses.
Oh – Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the “Renegade Room.” It’s coming to a convention near you. Happy Thanksgiving!

WBAL's Credibilty is Crashing with Air Ehrlich

2010-11-20T19:39:00.008-05:00

A few blog postings ago ("Silent Issue"), I wondered how long WBAL radio was going to allow Talk Show Host Kendel Ehrlich to not discuss the 2010 Ehrlich Campaign’s foray into robocalls designed to suppress votes in African American communities. (Federal charges have been filed in this robocall matter, and sources tell me other investigations are ongoing.)

Well, as blogged today by The Baltimore Sun’s David Zurawik:

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/zontv/2010/11/bob_ehrlich_further_embarrasse.html
…So, it seems this “silent issue” has grown even more curious as former governor and twice defeated gubernatorial candidate Bob Ehrlich was the “Mystery Guest” on the WBAL radio show his wife, Kendel, hosts

Considering what was – or, rather, wasn’t – said on Kendel Ehrlich's show, is it any wonder that neither I, nor most political minded people I know, listen to this drivel?

What wasn’t said, of course, was Bob Ehrlich commenting on any aspect of the currently-being-investigated robocall scandal his hired consultant, Julius Henson, orchestrated on election day on behalf of the Ehrlich 2010 Gubernatorial campaign. Do recall, that in an interview with WJZ TV, Henson stated that the nefarious “voter suppression” calls were made with the approval of some of Mr. Ehrlich’s top aides.

In light of Mr. Ehrlich’s stonewalling silence, two things come to mind:

The first is that Bob Ehrlich is in denial – denial that he got blown out in his most recent effort, denial that his political career ended in such a way, and denial that at this rate his legacy is going to make Spiro Agnew’s look like Mother Theresa’s. He is also seemingly in denial that this robocall issue simply is not going to go away quietly.

(Yeah, I used this pic before, but what the Hell? It works – especially since by his silence Mr. Ehrlich seems to consider Julius Henchman - I mean...Henson non-existent to his world.)

The second, and more important, concern than Mr. Ehrlich’s denial of the mere existence of the robocalls is the continuing demise of WBAL radio as a legitimate and credible news source. Being the unofficial flag station of ERR...uh, Air Ehrlich during the campaign was ludicrous enough and did some damage to the station’s reputation – but allowing Mr. Ehrlich to publicly air his denial for all not to hear is both pathetic and inexcusable.

As Zurawik points out in his piece, WBAL newsman Robert Lang did do his best to get an answer out of Mr. Ehrlich regarding the robocalls. Of course, as Mr. Lang discovered you can’t really force anyone to say anything they don’t want to say. And Mr. Ehrlich didn’t. Say anything, that is.

Everyone with whom I’ve personally spoken – and from what I’ve read and heard, most everyone else - knows that Mr. Ehrlich is finished as a force in this state as well as seriously tarnished to the point of having little left when it comes to credibility. As for WBAL, Mr. Zurawik points out that Mr. Ehrlich continues to embarrass the station. Well, yeah, but only because WBAL allows him to get away with it.

If WBAL doesn't soon remember that it is a news station independent of Air Ehrlich – and one that expects - demands - fairness and integrity out of its hosts and guests, it is well on the way to fully joining Mr. Ehrlich on the credibility sidelines.

Right now, this inexplicable allowance WBAL has for the Ehrlichs is a disservice to its listeners and, in that regard is, quite the shame. However, what it's making WBAL out to be is nothing less than a sham.

Tony Cambell's Attempt at Capitulation

2010-11-18T16:02:00.008-05:00

You ever see pictures of those billboards of a smiling former President George W. Bush that bear the slogan, “Miss me yet?”

I wonder if former Baltimore County Republican Central Committee (BCRCC) Chairman Chris Cavey is considering launching a serious of similar ads, be they on billboards or otherwise.

Cavey, who was serving as Field Ops Director, or something like that, on the Ehrlich for Governor 2010 campaign come election day, was defeated in his own re-election bid to Chair the BCRCC by one Antonio “Tony” Campbell - who as my fellow blogger Richard Cross reminds us here: http://rjc-crosspurposes.blogspot.com/2010/11/republicans-foroliver.html was a one time member of Republicans for Obama.

Cross also prints, verbatim, in his blog posting a copy of the same letter forward me that Chairman Campbell sent to certain BCRCC members concerning why it would be a good thing for the BCRCC to support Councilman Ken Oliver to become the first African American Chairman of the Baltimore County Council.

Now, ignoring the fact for a minute that Campbell, also African American, is couching this as an effort for the GOP to perform outreach to African Americans in general, there are two problems inherent with this ridiculous suggestion:

1) Tony Campbell is the Chairman of a REPUBLACAN Central Committee and Ken Oliver is a DEMOCRATIC Councilman.

2) Ken Oliver pleaded guilty in 2009 to two campaign finance related theft charges.

While it is all well and good - and, Hell, in Maryland, necessary - for the GOP to reach out to African Americans, is Mr. Campbell’s vision for the GOP supporting Ken Oliver, an African American Democrat who is an admitted thief, for a Council Chairmanship a smart move?

Perhaps Campbell didn’t notice that two new Republicans, David Marks and Todd Huff, will be serving on the Baltimore County Council, as well. Or, perhaps he simply doesn’t care, because even though they are Campbell's fellow Republicans, Mr. Marks and Mr. Huff are not - you know - African Americans.

Sadly, it appears that Tony Campbell is more interested in supporting someone strictly because of his or her race – political party and criminal history be damned! – than he is supporting members of his own party. Well, damn y’all, that’s just what the white folk have been accused of doing for years in the old South!

Now, of course neither David Marks nor Todd Huff would be elected Chair of the Baltimore County Council. The Democrats control the Council and it’s a pretty good bet that Councilman Johnny Olzsewski will be again tabbed as Chairman – no matter what is Tony Campbell’s preference.

For the record, though not all that well, I’ve known Tony Campbell for years. He’s an energetic guy and nobody’s fool. Or wasn’t, anyway. But now…

From Republicans for Obama to Republicans for Oliver to, what’s next -

(Don't play the sad violin Reverend Farrakhan. At this rate, BCRCC Chairman Tony Campbell may soon be pushing you for a chairmanship somewhere, somehow...)

There are ways to reach out to minorities and there are ways to embarrass yourself and your party. What Campbell is proffering here isn’t an outreach suggestion. This is an embarrasing capitulation based solely on race…and in spite of a record of acknowledged theft on Councilman Oliver's part.

All I know is if Chris Cavey hasn’t started working on those “Miss me yet?” billboards - for the sake of sanity and a sense of self worth among Baltimore County Republicans this may be a good time to start.

The Hypocritical Oath?

2010-11-16T21:35:00.005-05:00

At some point in the process of becoming an anesthesiologist, I'm pretty sure that Dr. Andy Harris took the Hippocratic Oath.

Alas, at first blush, it would appear that now GOP Congressman-Elect Andy Harris has taken the Hypocritical Oath.

As reported first by Politico and, by now, about a million other sources, during a closed door orientation session, Doctor Congressman-Elect Harris asked about the health benefits available to him as he transitions from Conservative Crusader to Washington Insider.

When Harris was advised that once he was sworn in as a Congressman, he would have to wait 30 days before his health benefits kicked in, he demanded to know why this was the case. Seems the good doctor was advised that such was the law.

That’s a shame.

Even more of a shame is that, since he’d have to wait a month for his new insurance, Harris asked if he could purchase insurance from the federal government to fill the gap of time between when his current health benefits end and his new government benefits kicked in.

Excuse me for a moment…

Dear Senator Harris: Many folks would consider that – purchasing health insurance from the federal government when they have no other option - to be…oh, I don’t know, akin to something you campaigned against – the PUBLIC OPTION (which, for the record, I oppose…just as I oppose any Government takeover of Healthcare) - the very PUBLIC OPTION your defeated opponent, Democratic Congressman Frank Kratovil voted against.

(It's a little early to call in the EMS for Andy Harris' Congressional career...isn't it?)

Okay, I’m back…

You know, now that I think of it, maybe, after years in the medical field, Congressman-Elect Harris simply never heard of COBRA. You know, COBRA, where you can choose to continue your current health care by paying premiums. COBRA is a private enterprise kinda thing as opposed to a PUBLIC OPTION.

Of course, there may be something other than an unbridled sense of entitlement, a deep respect for irony or a lack of knowledge of COBRA laws at play here – something else that has driven Andy Harris’ seeming hypocrisy in this instance.

In fact, I’m wondering if maybe Andy Harris is preparing to primary himself for Congress in 2012 and this clever health care demand is merely the first step toward doing just that.

Consider: First, there would be the stridently conservative candidate version of Andy Harris who opposed Obamacare – and then there would be the Washington Glad Hander who’s moderated his views when it comes to the need for individuals and families to have health coverage – even if it means buying it from the Federal Government.

After all, with the strong possibility that Governor O’Malley may redistrict the “conservative” Andy Harris right out of Congress, Andy Harris may need all the ploys and surprises he can muster – and a more “moderate” Andy Harris might just have a better shot of getting re-elected in what chances to be the new O’Malleyized First Congressional District.

And, of course, in the process he'd get to keep that Government Run Healthcare he so desperately wants. ; )

Silent Issue

2010-11-15T19:30:00.002-05:00

Former MD First Lady and incumbent political talk show host (Hey, at least she’s an incumbent somewhere, somehow!) Kendel Ehrlich has never been known for her silence.

Whether it’s threatening the lives of overrated pop divas or touting what she saw as the accomplishments of her husband, the twice pummeled former MD Governor, Bob Ehrlich’s, tenure as Top Dog, Kendel Ehrlich could always be counted on to verbally rip and roar, gnash and thrash, until everyone got her point.

"Got it?"

So, rhetorical question here, why is Kendel Ehrlich remaining astonishingly silent regarding the Julius Henson run robocall scandal that has, thus far, served to disallow her husband’s disastrous 2010 campaign to recapture the Ehrlich Glory Years be suitably buried?

(Landslide-Defeated former Governor Bob Ehrlich and Julius Henchman…uh, I mean Henson: Guess which one will not be a guest on Kendel Ehrlich’s WBAL talk show?)

Mrs. Ehrlich is, of course, remaining silent on the robocall scandal specifically because it is the cherry on top of one of the worst run campaigns in recent history. (And can anyone, with even a remotely objective eye, argue otherwise?)

See, this robocall scandal goes well beyond embarrassment and witch hunting and, even dirty politics (thank you, very much!). This goes to the issue of race and of suppressing voters. And it goes to possible illegalities involving a consultant Mr. Ehrlich hired – a consultant who once called Bob Ehrlich a “Nazi” no less. And, of course, all of the nastiness of this matter could go beyond Henson and right to Mr. Ehrlich's staff. Afterall, despite AG Doug Gansler's contention that he has "no reason" to suspect anyone beyond Henson of this robocall "mischief," Henson himself used the word "we" when discussing the decision making process regarding whether to cut loose with the robocalls.

Despite being well aware of Julius Henson’s history, Ehrlich hired him, nonetheless. Henson is the type of guy who, figuratively speaking, puts the razor blades in candy apples at Halloween. And now Mr. Ehrlich will take his plausible deniability, feign surprise that Henson would engage in such nefarious acts, refuse to so much as acknowledge the robocall scandal as anything other than silliness, and pretend his reputation is not forever tainted by the racial aspects of this issue.

And he is doing this with the able assistance of his wife, political talk show host, Kendel Ehrlich. That’s great, I guess, Mrs. Ehrlich playing the loyal wife and all.

But since she is a political talk show host, how long can the station that employs her – WBAL radio – continue to allow her to shy away from one of the potentially biggest political scandals of the year (coming out a week or so before PG County Jack Johnson’s bra stuffing episode)? Doesn’t WBAL have a responsibility to be more of a talk and news show than a continuing arm of the now defunct Air Ehrlich effort?

If it makes Kendel Ehrlich feel better personally to not further embarrass her husband’s politically fatal 2010 effort by discussing the Ehrlich’s biggest scandal since – well, me – okay. I get that on one level. But as a wannabe media pro, she should know better.

And, even if she doesn’t, WBAL should remind her that it’s her job to discuss all MD based political issues, even scandals involving her husband’s campaign.

Chicks for Bobby?

2010-10-20T22:51:00.005-04:00

I saw that new Ehrlich for Governor ad today, the one that is roundly touted as “Bob will…,” the one in which he riffs off of the 1980 Ronald Reagan line, “Are you better off today than you were four years ago?” Well, what it lacks in originality, the ad makes up for in an equal lack of sincerity. Very few folks are better off today than they were four years ago. If the Ehrlich camp hasn’t noticed, we are in a national recession – not something germane to Maryland.

As are most political ads, the “Bob will…” ad is a cynical ploy aimed at the politically-less-than-observant. Of course, as concerns Maryland’s governor’s race, both former Governor Ehrlich and Governor O’Malley have exercised their respective rights to air various made-for-TV cynicisms.

Speaking of cynical political ads aimed at the politically-less-than-observant, there’s the one ad that pretty much takes the cynicism cake this political season, at least as concerns the Maryland Governor’s race. (Not that I mind a good dose of cynicism, mind you - Hell, at times I live for such moments. But, because of Team Ehrlich's history, this ad is ridiculous.) I am, of course, writing about the breathtakingly audacious Team Ehrlich ad that I’ve dubbed “Chicks for Bobby.”

As the former governor attempts to woo Chicks with this ad, which features a number of women extolling the virtues of a future Ehrlich Administration, I would like to take this time to both remind and inform these “Chicks” of what went down in the previous Ehrlich Administration. Let’s start with a quote from none other than former First Chick, Kendel Ehrlich, as relayed to me by one her (former) top (female) aides:

"It's (the Ehrlich Administration) not a chick-friendly place. Deal with it."

Well, that about sums it up, but in the wake of the “Chicks for Bobby” ad, there is more to tell about this non chick-friendliness.

Consider the case of one Elizabeth Krum, whom I knew as one the most conscientious and gentle souls in the Ehrlich Administration.

As was widely reported at the time, at a February 15, 2006 Board of Public Works meeting, then Comptroller Willie Don Schaefer leeringly made very suggestive comments to Ms. Krum. Schaefer had asked for some tea and Krum responded by bringing him some. Schaefer leered at her backside as she walked away from him, and then beckoned for her to return. Krum obliged and Willie Don told her, "Walk again," and ogled her backside as she left the room. It was a degrading and nasty exercise in sexism. And what did Governor Ehrlich, a front row witness to this display, do in response? He laughed, of course. Bobby just loves those Chicks!

Another case to consider is that of erstwhile wallet padding Ehrlich Communications Guru, Paul Schurick. A man of exquisite taste and an anything-but-business attitude, Mr. Schurick had a thing for Chick’s Legs. Especially shapely Chick’s Legs. On the state dime and time, Mr. Schurick – a mainstay in the “Chicks for Bobby” movement - ordered government photographers to take photos of various women’s legs, which he filed and kept in desk drawer. This I know for the simple fact the once showed me the file.

(Could this photo have been taken from a camera that had been strategically placed under the desk of one Paul Schurick? Nah, he’s too lazy to take the pics himself...)

Of course, perhaps the most telling comment about how the then Ehrlich Administration viewed the fairer sex came from former Governor Ehrlich, himself.

After knocking off former LG Kathleen Kennedy Townsend in the 2002 gubernatorial campaign, Mr. Ehrlich ventured out to a sporting event to celebrate his win. Accompanied by some supporters and staff – all male - Mr. Ehrlich stated that “No Chicks” were allowed at this particular victory celebration. Now, look, I’m all for guys and girls nights out…but “No Chicks?!” What the Hell? Such a comment – in front of the media, no less – is very telling. (God, hasn’t that frat boy mentality grown just a little tired by this point?)

So…at the very least, Mr. Ehrlich’s wife advises a former aide the Administration is not “Chick Friendly” (and to deal with it)…the former Governor laughs off the fact his pal Willie Don is leering at an assistants derriere…his top communications guy kept a file of leg-shot pics in his desk drawer – AND the former Governor himself refers women as “Chicks” when he would rather no allow "Chicks" to do whatever.

Well, if nothing else, Mr. Ehrlich at least allows Chicks now – at least when it comes to filming TV ads in an effort to restore the “not Chick Friendly” Ehrlich team to power.

As stated above, this move is cynical and audacious. It will be interesting to see if enough Chicks buy it to also make it successful.

You’ve come a long way, "Chick." But, to those in Ehrlich World, how much difference does that really make? I guess you'll have to ask them.

If they let you.

No Bussing in the Homeless for You!

2010-10-18T19:55:00.007-04:00

From what I’ve been told by friends, in the second debate between them (a debate I did not watch, by the way – no need after seeing the Titanic hit the iceberg in the first debate) Governor O’Malley tagged former Governor Ehrlich with the “Bussing in Homeless Folks from Philadelphia to Work the Polls Handing Out Fake Ballots on Election Day 2006” debacle.

I bring this up now for the simple reason that twice over the past four or five days I’ve been asked if I was behind, or had anything to do with, that disaster.

Excuse me? How could anyone suspect such a thing...unless this is what they are being told by certain folks in order to keep all campaign related heat on me.

Dear reader, please do not allow anyone to taint my bad name by tying me to that exercise in lunacy.

To begin with, while I ran pretty much unbridled in the political universe for the better part of 20 years before being…uh, discovered…the blanket of anonymity on the Bussing Escapade was blown in – what? – 15 minutes. Hell, everyone knew that scheme was perpetrated by Team Ehrlich before the last vote in the 2006 O’Malley victory was even counted.

Secondly, for people who don’t know the time line, I was long gone from the Cult of Bob by the time the Bussing Debacle occurred. You can look it up.

Although I’m not sure exactly who in Ehrlich World was responsible for the Bussing Mishap…I have heard it was once and again Ehrlich campaign Political Director, Bernie Marczyk. Regardless, I now offer comment on why the Bussing Disaster WAS a Disaster…rather than a successful footnote that may or may not have been discovered years later. Further, not that I would EVER condone or perpetrate such tactics, I also offer constructive advice in a sort of 20/20 is hindsight kinda way.

1) First off, I’d have to ask the person behind the Bussing Effort – what do you have against homeless Baltimoreans? Why go to Philly for this masterpiece of subterfuge? Hell, at least some of the Baltimore homeless may actually have been able to find a way to vote for Ehrlich in 2006. And, in that vein, taking advantage of local folks leaves no record of bus rentals on the Campaign Finance Reports with which to be concerned. Seriously, you could have just had erstwhile Ehrlich aide Greg “What the Hell am I doing here?” Massoni track them down and bring them on board with promises of grandiosity equal to his own. It’s not like he ever had much of anything else to do.

2) Since you insisted on renting busses to use for underhanded political tactics, however…uh, with tongue in cheek I suggest you may have wanted to, you know, “Slush Fund” the project rather than use official campaign funds. Again, it’s much harder to follow money that is not being officially spent. Guess you know that now, though, huh?

3) “Obviously,” as you are by now well aware (and probably ashamed to admit), it was not wise to allow the various media outlets to access Bussed-in Homeless Folks. Yeah….some of those homeless folks rather vocally voiced their respective displeasure upon being informed that they’d been “had” by Team Ehrlich. What with being told Ehrlich was a Republican even though the ballots they’d handed out on his behalf were made to look as though he was a Democrat, the Homeless had been made to look foolish. See, you’ve got to control the media, guys, not let it control you – which, judging from that press mess you’ve got going this year, is a lesson that you haven’t quite gotten. That’s a shame.

4) Uh…to me, this is the lesson that is most obvious: You are bussing in homeless minorities from Philadelphia to hand out deceiving ballots in minority districts designed to get minorities who are registered Democrats to vote for the Republican by making it seem as though Ehrlich is in fact - as opposed to merely governing as - a Democrat, right? The absolute last thing you do is have the then Governor’s wife, former first lady Kendel Ehrlich, greet these folks as they get off their respective busses. What the Hell were you thinking? That was ian nsane decision of cataclysmic proportiosn. Unless, of course, Kendel, herself, came up with the plan or knew about and/or approved of this tactic.

Hmmm…come to think of it…

So, dear reader, I hope that, no matter what you may hear, you can see why I had no part in Ehrlich’s Bussing in Homeless Philadelphians for this fun and electoral profit scheme: It was too inane, laughable, ridiculously executed, and far too amateurish.

And to my friends in the Ehrlich Camp, the sad fact is that you guys are so “obviously” out of your league when it comes to the more nefarious aspects of campaigning. With that being said, please feel free to run any last minute campaign explosions by me before igniting them yourselves. Be it teleporting Martians to the polls as a mere distraction, or cabbing those folks who were CASA de Maryland in the days Governor Ehrlich was funding CASA (and, yes, he was – I attended various CASA events at the request of other Ehrlich Administration officials) to help in voter suppression efforts in the city, I will be glad to offer my advice.

Will said advice help the Ehrlich Campaign recover enough to pull out an election victory? Not likely. But if certain folks are going to whisper that I was responsible for an election trick with which I had nothing to do (the aforementioned bussing), I may as well actually have some input.

It's only fair. And, after all, all’s fair in love and war. ; )

David Over Goliath

2010-09-12T13:01:00.006-04:00

The MDGOP gubernatorial primary to be settled on September 14th offers the Party faithful a stark choice: A heretofore unknown conservative novice (who's far to the right of this more Libertarian inclined author on social issues) versus a professional politician of a far more moderate stripe. One is a businessman who has actually created jobs, the other is a former governor who is bordering on lifetime “perpetual candidate” status in the hopes that the electorate will keep giving him a job.

As is well known by this point, this primary pits conservative renegade Brian Murphy against the guy who seemingly still can’t believe he’s not finishing his second term, former Governor Bob Ehrlich.

It’s an interesting race, to be sure. Just look at some of the deep background (ancient history) for an example of the dynamics of this contest:

When Bob Ehrlich first made a splash as a candidate for the House of Delegates in 1986, he did so by running against a slate of incumbent GOP delegates – Ellen Sauerbrey, Wade Kach and Tom Chamberlain. Ehrlich was disdained by many in the GOP establishment for daring to run against what many viewed as “Ellen’s slate.” But, run he did – and he won, eking out a primary victory over Delegate Chamberlain in the primary first, and then scoring a modest victory in the general election a few months later. The rest is history.

The bottom line of that story is that the young Mr. Ehrlich was brash and determined. He was not going to let theMDGOP establishment dictate what he would and wouldn’t do.

Brian Murphy, whom Mr. Ehrlich is challenging (and I word it that way for the simple fact Murphy was an announced candidate for Governor in 2010 long before Mr. Ehrlich officially entered the fray) in the MDGOP primary told me on one of the grand total of two times I’ve spoken with him that he was staying in the primary race for Governor no matter who gets in. To his credit, he’s been true to his word. Like Mr. Ehrlich all those years ago, he is bucking the wishes of the MDGOP establishment - and, unlike Ehrlich in 1986, Murphy's not even running against an incumbent Republican office holder.

As anyone closely following politics knows, Brian Murphy has been endorsed by Sarah Palin, Concerned Women for America, former GOP Presidential candidate Gary Bauer, pro-gun groups, anti-tax groups (though he can’t officially endorse, Americans for Tax Reform’s President Grover Norquist spoke on behalf of Brian Murphy at a Murphy fundraiser) and assorted other social and fiscal conservative groups and activists. He’s also been endorsed by Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, the darling of Maryland’s anti-illegal immigrant posse.

Murphy has run hard and well and for the most part has offered specifics to address some of the harsh realities facing the citizens of Maryland.

Former Governor Ehrlich, meanwhile, has run defensively without much specificity other than the fact that he is “Bob Ehrlich.” His campaign has been relentlessly unimpressive and the media related screw ups and missteps would be far more understandable if they were coming from the camp of a novice like…say, Brian Murphy…than that of a campaign of a former governor. It is a campaign filled with their being “No there, there.”

Additionally, Ehrlich’s current TV spot in which he has “on the street” folks talking about how we need better schools, more jobs…yadda, yadda, yadda…does little more than beg the question: Why didn’t Ehrlich take care of these problems in his one term as governor?

And if the answer to THAT question is, “Well, the legislature wouldn’t let him,” the obvious follow-up question is, “Should Mr. Ehrlich be (re)elected governor, what makes anyone think this term would be any different than the last one?”

Still, Bob Ehrlich IS Bob Ehrlich and, as such, he is the face and “force” of the Party Establishment – the very sort of establishment he brazenly challenged back in "The Days of Having A Spine." As a result, the honchos at the MDGOPolitburo have done everything to stack the odds in Ehrlich's favor and against his renegade upstart conservative opponent, Brian Murphy.

(Yep, that's what we're looking at here...)

Okay, onto the list of accomplishments and whatever else strikes my fancy:

For Mr. Ehrlich, as governor he did not raise the sales tax or the personal income tax. Nor did he address the structural deficit via budget cuts. What Mr. Ehrlich did do, however, is increase property taxes by nearly 60 percent, cost each of us money for flushing the toilet, ack up other assorted and sundry fees and blow spending through the roof in the last year of his term.

Another accomplishment Mr. Ehrlich has that Brian Murphy can't equal is that he has already proved he can lose a race to Martin O'Malley - which, in the end, is the true lasting legacy of his one term.

Brian Murphy, on the other hand, has no political accomplishments. None - which, at this stage of the game is a plus. Murphy's accomplishments have all been in the private sector, an area in which has actually created jobs rather than just discuss the need to create jobs.

In addition, Mr. Murphy is campaigning as a staunch conservative on both fiscal and social issues: Pro-business, anti-tax to the point of signing the aforementioned Grover Norquist’s “No Tax Pledge,” pro-life and pro-gun.

As a result, Mr. Murphy has become a lightening rod for the conservative movement that normally makes up the base of the GOP primary electorate.

So, considering the dichotomy present in the MDGOP Gubernatorial Primary, the choice is, indeed, stark.

But...considering what makes the choice so stark, both for this year and as concerns the future direction of the MDGOP, is there really a choice at all in this particular primary? Really?

No, there really isn’t.

Brian Murphy for Governor.

Ehrlich Uber Alles

2010-08-08T23:30:00.004-04:00

I just don’t get it. I mean, it’s been a few days since the news first broke and I’ve yet to receive a job offer from Governor O’Malley.

Of course, the news did only appear in one media outlet that I could find. Additionally, the slight coverage the news did receive came out right around the time former GOP VP candidate and conservative icon Sarah Palin endorsed renegade GOP gubernatorial candidate, Brian Murphy in the MDGOP primary (more on that later this week), but still – O’Malley simply had to hear this news. And, yet…. no phone call from him or his campaign.

Why would I expect a phone call from Democratic Governor O’Malley, you ask? Why not? Hell, considering the news I’m writing about here, the precedent for just such a call has been set by his one time – and in the running to once again be – rival, former GOP Governor, Bob Ehrlich.

The news I am writing about, and for those who’ve yet to hear, is thatBob Ehrlich hired long time Democratic political hit man, Julius Henson as a consultant (As reported in The Baltimore Sun: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/2010/08/robert_ehrlich_julius_henson.html)
The reason I opine on this is that, in 2002 while working for LG and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Mr. Henson called Mr. Ehrlich a Nazi: Not a rightwing nut or extremist or any other of the standard fare leftwingers throw out there, but a Nazi. Henson’s exact quote to The Washington Post was…

“Bobby Ehrlich is a Nazi. His record is horrible, atrocious. ... He should be running in Germany in 1942, not Maryland in 2002.” For good measure, Henson added that Ehrlich was against “blacks, schools and old people.”

And now, in Henson’s own words to the Baltimore Sun just last week…

“I'm going to be doing some work for Ehrlich, yes,” Henson said. “I've already begun consulting.”

(An Ehrlich campaign t-shirt idea? Perhaps it was ditched for being, well….too “obvious.”)

Henson’s hiring by Ehrlich is funny as Hell in context since all I resigned over in 2005 was being tied to rumors concerning Governor O’Malley’s personal life – an action, no less, that Mr. Ehrlich told at least one appointee late in the 2006 campaign season served to protect a certain someone that the O’Malley camp was really after. Of course, that’s ancient history at this point.

What’s not ancient history, however, is Ehrlich’s hiring of Julius Henson and - besides the fact that Henson is apparently now a Nazi sympathizer - that hire simply begs the question: What type of man hires someone who called him a Nazi? Seriously, who does that? It makes no sense whatsoever unless….

…just for the sake of political expediency to get out the vote (of what - all those Brown Shirts?) - “Bobby Ehrlich (is a Nazi)” will do damned near anything.

Or maybe it’s just that former Governor Ehrlich simply doesn’t mind being called a Nazi. If that’s the case, I can’t wait to see his election day palm cards.

Of course, even if Mr. Ehrlich finds being labeled a Nazi to be without problem, I have to wonder how Mr. Ehrlich’s supporters feel about the very fact that Mr. Ehrlich has no problem with wearing that armband…uh, I mean hat...er,...description. Do they have any problem at all with Ehrlich's apparent acceptance of the Nazi tag as evidenced by his hiring the very man who tagged him with it?

Ehrlich uber alles?

Whatever.

And, with Sarcas-Ometer turned up full, I have to ask: How about it Governor O’Malley? It’s not like I called you a Nazi or anything. ; )

Memorial Day

2010-05-30T20:54:00.003-04:00

My father fought in World War II, and though he survived the war he recounted stories of terror, death and bravery beyond the scope of full understanding to those who have never actually faced such travails. He knew many who were killed in battle.

I was only 16 when the Vietnam War ended in 1975, but I well recall the damnable treatment many of the surviving Vietnam Vets received upon returning home. Opposed to that (or any other) war? Fine. But honor the men – and now women – who honor the directives of America and fight to ensure our freedoms.

I also well recall the televised pictures of the body bags containing our slain soldiers.

Of course, there have been wars with American involvement that have raged – and are presently raging – since Vietnam, but the message is the same: These soldiers are heroes. They fight, and many times die, to protect and defend this country and our liberty.

(The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier)

Memorial Day is set aside to honor those soldiers who died in the defense of this nation so on this day, we especially honor and thank them.

However, to all of those who have ever worn the uniform of one of America’s branches of military service - to the spirits of those departed and to those who are still with us, retired or in service…

Whether you were killed in battle, were injured in battle, passed away after having served honorably or remain whole…whether you were in previous military service to America, or are serving currently, thank you. I say it again: Thank you.

People such as you – brave, proud, determined and vigilant – have made, and continue to make, it possible for the rest of us fortunate enough to be Americans to live in freedom.

All the rest of us can do is honor and thank you...and probably never enough.

Is the SSA Backing Ehrlich for Governor...?

2010-05-18T14:08:00.007-04:00

The answer is "No," of course the Social Security Administration (SSA) isn’t backing former Governor Ehrlich for Governor.

However, David Nawrocki – father of GOP Baltimore County Council candidate, Ryan “Shall Not Abuse” Nawrocki is backing Ehrlich, which is certainly his choice. David Nawrocki is, in fact, the 7th District Coordinator for Ehrlich’s 2010 MD GOP gubernatorial campaign.

What I didn’t know until last night, however, is that David Nawrocki, who was former top dog at the Republican Club of Northeast Baltimore County and who graciously hosted “Ehrlich Theme Team Meetings” at his Perry Hall abode, also works for the SSA.

So what? You may ask. Who cares? You may wonder.

Check out this completely verbatim (formatting changes from the cut'paste and the partial redaction of his phone numbers, notwithstanding) email from David Nawrocki that was forwarded to me last night by an individual on Ehrlich’s campaign list who was among its recipients….

From: "David Nawrocki mailto: David.Nawrocki@ssa.gov
To: Undisclosed recipients:;
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 4:16:21 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
To All:

Governor Ehrlich informed me that you would like to volunteer on his campaign.

Please click on the Forward button first - (do not reply because we will lose your information)

Copy and paste my email below into the “To” area of this email.

Then fill out the information below so that we can add you to our 7th District Ehrlich Volunteer Team!

Fill in your name, address etc and then place an X in each of the boxes which describes the ways that you would like to participate.

Also, we are looking for Precinct Captains for each precinct in the 7th Legislative District. Please see the attachment above for a list of precincts in the 7th Legislative District. If you would like to be a Precinct Captain please let me know.

Name
Address
Phone Home/Cell
email
Make Phone Calls
Door to Door
Lawn Sign
4x8 Sign
Poll Worker
Sign Wave
Write Letters to the Editor
Host a Meet n' Greet

Thank You!
David Nawrocki
Dnawrocki6@comcast.net
Home - 410-529-XXXX
Cell - 410-818-XXXX

Did you catch it - David Nawrocki’s odd wording in the body of the email that tells recipients to not reply because “we will lose your information,” but to instead “Copy and paste my email below into the “To” area of this email?” Why would Nawrocki made that suggestion?

Take another peek at the originating email address…which just happens to be David.Nawrocki@ssa.gov.

Can you say “Violation of the Hatch Act?” I knew you could. So did an attorney who was asked.

The fact David Nawrocki illegally sent an Ehrlich Campaign email from his federal government email account begs many questions, the least of which being: Considering David Nawrocki sent this email to the Ehrlich list on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 4:16:21 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern (and was forward to me within 45 minutes) couldn’t he have waited a few hours to get home before sending it out?

Who the Hell is he trying to impress? What the Hell was he thinking? Is intelligence hereditary in the "family?"

Another, more serious, question would be: What is the Social Security Administration going to do about the fact its employee David Nawrocki used its computer/email accout to send out an absolutely blatant political email intended to bolster the election efforts of former Governor Ehrlich?

If the SSA is backing Ehrlich…we could expect Nawrocki to likely slide through unscathed for wasting the taxpayer dime and time in his political pursuits. If, however, the SSA is not backing Ehrlich, I would think it would want to prove its displeasure by taking appropriate measures against an employee who used its taxpayer funded time and dime to violate the Hatch Act.

(If the bosses at SSA kick David Nawrocki to the curb for his abuse of taxpayer funded equipment and time…perhaps he will end up cracking un-hatched eggs as a short order breakfast cook at some fine eatery…)

Whatever comes of this ludicrous "Duh!" episode, one thing is certain: David Nawrocki has proven that certain folks are no longer operating under the same old standard of mundane incompetence and stupidity.

By sending out a pro-Ehrlich "Let's-get-Volunteers" political email from his federal government computer – and violating the Hatch Act in the process – David Nawrocki has founded, and presently stands proudly alone on, his own Special Level of Idiocy.

What If....?

2010-05-16T14:22:00.006-04:00

With the Preakness Stakes having now been run this year at the delightfully ambient Pimlico race course - and with no report of a reprise of “The Running of the Urinals” - I got to thinking what a lot of others have wondered over the past few years:

What if Maryland were to lose the Preakness?

Having toyed with that notion for awhile, not that I have any stake other than to mouth off in those stakes, I began to consider a number of other “What Ifs?” – the majority of them, of course, being politically related..

To keep this both distended and open-ended, in this posting I offer no direct opinion regarding any of these “What ifs?. Rather, I hope that the diverse readership of Darkness Rising (and I thank you all) would enlighten and enthrall us with your/their take.

(Considering recent developments, this particular “What if?” is certainly open to any number of meanings…)

So, Dear Readers, I ask…

What if Governor O’Malley hadn’t jammed through his mind-boggling tax increases in the Special Session a few years back?

What if former Governor Ehrlich hadn’t given us the mind-boggling “Flush Tax,” jacked up toll fees and ratcheted up property taxes during his one term?

What if George Owings attracts the moderate Democrats in the Dem Gubernatorial Primary?

What if Brian Murphy attracts Republicans with conviction in the GOP Gubernatorial Primary?

What if the MD GOPolitburo hadn’t jammed Rule 11 (arcane, I know) in favor of non-filed, kinda-sorta candidate, Bobby Grudgematch?

What if the MD Democratic Party eventually proves Womble Carlyle was serving as an unofficial campaign headquarters for the aforementioned Mr. Grudgematch?

What if Governor O’Malley hadn’t effectively snuffed the Death Penalty in Maryland?

What if the Kendel and Bob radio show was cancelled and nobody noticed?

What if former damned-near-everything Carmen Amedori hadn’t jumped on/off the Brian Murphy for Governor ticket?

What if Ehrlich Senior Advisor and Crisis Communications Guru Paul Schurick returned his friend’s phone calls in a timely manner?

What if new Ehrlich campaign mouthpiece, Andy Barth, knew what the Hell he was talking about?

What if George Owings could get a decent shake from the media?

What if Bob Ehrlich hadn’t refused to allow Brian Murphy to appear on his radio show?

What if Governor O’Malley’s Band Played On?

What if Kendel Ehrlich had been packing heat when Britney Spears toured the general vicinity in 2009?

What if Daniel “The Whig Man” Vovak had become MD GOP Chair rather than Audrey Scott?

What if Governor O’Malley had been Governor without the national economy tanking?

What if former Governor Ehrlich didn’t force damned near everyone running as part of his ticket to endorse a candidate who’d been issued a “Shall Not Abuse” Temporary Restraining Order?

Yeah, of course some of it’s gratuitous - but what else did you expect? And, yes, I also know there are US senate and congressional races going on. But what the Hell? It’s a Pleasant Valley Sunday and these are the "What ifs?" came to mind.

So, what do you think? Got any answers or opinions regarding these "What ifs?" Got any “What ifs?” of your own? Of course you do - afterall, you're smart enough to be reading this blog. ; )

Let 'er Rip.

In Her Own Words (with Comment)...

2010-05-02T19:21:00.004-04:00

As many of you know, former Delegate and Parole Commissioner, Carmen Amedori hung GOP gubernatorial candidate Brian Murphy out to dry by dropping off of his ticket, on which she'd agreed to be LG, right before the just concluded MD GOP Convention. Since then, fingers have been pointed as to who did, what, why and how. The two most recent conspiracies I've heard are:

1) From last night - a ridiculously inane conspiracy that somehow Amedori was "seduced" (the conspiracist's word, not mine) onto the Brian Murphy ticket by former Delegate and lobbyist, Don Murphy, for the purpose of jamming both former Governor Grudgematch and Amedori while simultaneously assisting Don Murphy's chosen candidate for U. S. Senate, Doctor Eric Wargotz - against whom Amedori was running in the MD GOP Senate Primary, and...

2) From earlier today - an equally ridiculous conspiracy that Amedori contacted WBAL radio to complain that Brian Murphy was getting shafted by the lack of coverage of his campaign - with the understanding that someone at WBAL wouldn ensure that this call on his behalf would get back to Brian Murphy - and that a dialogue would begin in which she would hint at being his running mate...and the rest is history.

Both theories are simply unbelievable. I had planned to run Carmen Amedori's direct responses to me about why she ditched her US Senate bid to join Brian Murphy's ticket, anyway, but with these asinine conspiracy theories blowing around, I would do so now even if I hadn't planned on it before.

As background, Amedori had asked me what I knew about how she came to join the Brian Murphy ticket as his LG candidate. Below is the exchange that followed, an exchange in which Amedori told me I "could use it all." This is verbatim - a literal cut and paste with only formatting from the emails to this blog coming into play. Not a single word, comma, period or whatever else has been changed:

(For reference sake, in Amedori's response(s) "DM" is Don Murphy and MOM is Martin O'Malley)

Joeph Steffen:

I was actually going to ask you how the Murphy-Amedori ticket came into being. Haven't heard much, actually - but here are the basics:

1) You couldn't raise money for the US Senate race

2) You were pissed off at Ehrlich because he didn't immediately endorse you over Wargotz - so this is a form of revenge.

3) I've heard you went to Brian rather than Brian seeking you out.

4) I've heard Jim Pelura brought you and Murphy together as a means of sticking it to Ehrlich.

There's a lot of fog out there on the topic - but none of it seems to have any real substance. So, what did happen? On the record - if there is any part you want off the record, let me know.

BTW, I did hear Brian got a killer applause in Frederick last night.

Carmen Amedori:

1 I raised $22,000 in 3 weeks. My 1st FR would have brought 10 to 12,000. But I was having second thoughts about the US Senate because the fight needed to be taken to Babs "yesterday", you know? And with the primary it was expected that I be at all the GOP functions or risk being labled as snubbing them. And I just knew such a race against Babs cannot be won in the time allotted between Sept and Nov.

2 I never sought an endorsement from Bob. He would always mention my name at speaking engagements even if Wargotz and others candidates were present. So this has nothing to do with Bob other than I am really tired of celebrity politicians and thought others were, too. Apparently, they aren't. Or are they?

3 Brian called me and asked to have lunch. I had seen him at candidate forums and he has a great message. I called him once to talk about the MOM debate challenge. And, because I like to right the wrongs told him I called WBAL and told the producer that there was a primary in both races that should not be ignored. And I did not think such a debate could be on the radio or risk FEC equal time violations. Brian thanked me and said I was "principled". Maybe. I was only trying to do what I thought was the right thing. He then called me about a week later. When we met, he had a template of the Murphy/Amedori signs on his cell phone to show me. I was hoping he would take Rutledge from the US Senate race. Wargotz is a RINO who cannot fool the people - so I was not worried about him. Besides, he has DM on his side and that is always a failure. But in line with my folks-are-tired-of-the-Celebrity-politician thinking, I felt they found Rutledge attractive for that reason. Though I know only a woman can beat Babs.

4 I don't know Jim Pelura. I have spoken to him once at the RNC convention and once since I joined the ticket at the Murphy/Amedori announcement. I have no reason to want to stick it to Bob. Though I have been told that this is all DM's work. That he made the suggestion to Brian's camp so he could get me out of the US Senate race. And we all know DM is in things for himself. He could care less who, if anyone beats MOM. He only interested in sticking it to Bob. I have firmly told Brian that at the first hint that DM is involved in this camp, I am done. OUT. I cannot be involved in something with DM. He still makes shit up. For instance, said I "bolted" from the Allegeny Co dinner. It never happened.

When I met Brian for lunch at Cave's Valley Country Club, we spoke and I liked what I heard. He has a good vision for MD. He is an honest and geniune young man. And, I thought about it all. But it seems, people still want the MOM/Bob grudge match. They are still blood thirsty. But on the other hand, aren't people sick and tired of the celebs? And, why would there be so much support for someone who already lost to MOM? Additionally, doesn't the lawfirm Bob works for represent Cordish and Cordish is suing the state over the slots licensing. How does a Governor handle that conflict?Well, that is all I have to say. And, I was really wondering if you know about DM being involved in my campaign. Brian says no. I want to believe him. He says DM hands out his palm cards but that is it. Though it seems DM is everywhere Brian is.

************************************

And there you have it, Carmen Amedori in her own words.

It's up to you to decided what, if anything, stands out to you. In light of Carmen Amedori's recent actions of dropping her Senate bid, joining with - and then screwing over - Brian Murphy and almost immediately endorsing Murphy's opponent, Bob Ehrlich in the MD GOP Primary, here's what sticks out to me:

1) Amedori admitted that a race against “Babs” (Senator Mikulski) couldn't be "won in the allotted time frame between September and November." I'm sure those who are hoping Amedori jumps back in the Senate race are pleased to hear that.

2) As for Amedori being tired of "celebrity politicians," well...I guess she changed her mind.

3) Amedori understands that former Governor Ehrlich jumping into the primary race for the chance to run against Governor O'Malley in November is, indeed, a "Grudgematch."

4) Amedori was concered about a possible "conflict" should Ehrlich be re-elected Governor since the law firm for which he currently works is representing Cordish, and Corish is suing the state over slots licensing. She wondered how a governor could "handle that conflict." Yet another item on which I guess she's changed her mind.

5) Finally, Ms. Amedori asks why there would be so much support for someone who already lost to Governor O'Malley. Exactly! But, I guess that's not such a concern for her now either...

Whatever, this will be all Darkness wrote concerning this Carmen Amedori Misadventure. In one fell swoop she greatly enhanced Brian Murphy's relevancy while rendering herself virtually irrelevant. How can either side of the growing MD GOP split now really trust her?

Seriously? Anyone? (And please, spare us those conspiracy theories. Or at least come up better ones - you know, ones that might be at least a little believable...)

Don't Cry for MD, Amedori: Murphy's Got Mettle

2010-04-30T18:24:00.010-04:00

I was among those in attendance at the Baltimore Area Young Republican (BAYR) Brew-Ha-Ha at Aldo’s in Little Italy last night to hear Gubernatorial candidate Brian Murphy, Ehrlich Campaign Representative Henry Fawell and US Senate Candidate Eric Wargotz speak and take questions. It was there that GOP gubernatorial candidate Brian Murphy stunned the room by announcing that former Delegate, former Parole Commissioner, former US Senate Candidate Carmen Amedori called him a half hour or so prior to the event to say she was now also his former Lieutenant Governor candidate.

Couldn’t she have screwed Brian Murphy before he bought all those damned Murphy/Amedori bumper stickers?

Damn! (Okay, stop laughing at Carmen. Seriously, the comments and jokes I have heard today from both Murphy and Ehrlich supporters - almost made me blush. Further, I'm sure some of what was said requires a medical degree in order to properly diagnose. Besides, I like Carmen.)

Anyway, the first reaction among most people in attendance last night was that either A) Amedori was set up with Murphy to…uh, set him up, or B) The Ehrlich Machine, as dilapidated as it may be, somehow muscled Amedori out of the race or bought her off.

I didn’t think Amedori was part of a “set up” - even though her departure just prior to the kickoff of the MD GOP Convention in Ocean City makes the timing of her metaphorically flipping Brian Murphy the bird more than a tad suspicious. As for her being muscled out or bought off by the Ehrlich Camp, Ehrlich primary rival Brian Murphy certainly thinks that something along those lines is what took place.

“After agreeing to be on our ticket weeks ago, and being an outspoken opponent of Governor Ehrlich's failed policies, she (Amedori) has abruptly succumbed to pressure from supporters of my opponent, Bob Ehrlich, and has done an about-face,” Murphy said in a statement. “When she joined the ticket, she did so with the firm belief that Maryland was headed in the wrong direction. She acknowledged that I was the person to lead Maryland forward.”

Carmen Amerdori must have thought I’d be wondering what the hell was up since, when I got home last night there was an email from her in my inbox regarding her rationale for leaving the ticket. Though I will not divulge the contents of the private emails, I will say _ for what it’s worth - that she would not agree with either popular assertion concerning why she hung Brian Murphy out to dry.

However, in a previous message she said I could make public, Amedori said if she percieved that former delegate and lobbyist, Don Murphy (no relation to Brian), to be deeply involved in Brian Murphy’s campaign, she would exit the ticket. When I informed Don Murphy of what Amedori said, he replied:

"Typical Carmen....Blame someone else for your troubles. First I was blamed for getting her in, and now (I’m) blamed for getting her out.”

It’s no surprise to most GOP activists that Don Murphy is both loved and hated, depending on whom you ask – but, if he is the reason Amedori dropped from Brian Murphy’s ticket, what does that actually mean? That she accepted an Ehrlich lobotomy or walked into the sunset because someone was actually trying to help the ticket on which she was running? What the Hell? You don't have to like someone in order to work with them. Besides, if one is to believe Amedori, than I guess one must also believe there s no way an Ehrlich operative would "prove" to her that Don Murphy was involved with Brian Murphy's campaign - in order to get her to bolt. Mmmhmmm.

Regardless, Amedori has now dropped out of two races in as many months. How could anyone ever again trust her when she says she is going to do something? Her Senate supporters? Brian Murphy supporters? Even those in Ehrlich World?

In a few days I am going to post verbatim comments from Amedori on how she originally came to leave the US Senate race to be a part of the Brian Murphy ticket. These comments were obtained via an email Q and A – one in which she said I could “use all of it.”

Considering the fact Amedori today endorsed Murphy’s opponent, former Governor Bobby Grudgematch, these comments are both intriguing and instructive – and I’m a little surprised Amedori was so quick to endorse Ehrlich considering a few of the comments she made about him. Then, of course, there is the fact that Brian Murphy’s already growing relevance has greatly expanded as a result of her departure from the ticket (talk about unintended consequences!).

(After years of painstaking effort the man in this picture has finally been identified: He is Brian Murphy, 2010 MD GOP candidate for Governor…)

As for Brian Murphy, himself, how did he handle the news that Amedori had been, as he said, “pressured” off of the ticket right before the GOP convention? All things considered, he aced the situation. Rather than timidly slink off into the corner, he vowed to continue the campaign with renewed vigor.

My favorite Brian Murphy comment of the night (before he announced Amedori’s political fickleness) was as follows:

“Some people say I’m going to ruin my political career by doing this (running against Ehrlich). I say, ‘You Promise’?” Now, THAT is a true outsider talking.

Then, expressing his surprise at the decision of the women he says gave her word that she’d run on his ticket to go back on her word, candidate Murphy said:

“They got to her (Amedori), You want to test my mettle? Well, it’s just been tested – and I’m still here.”

That very comment resulted in a Harford County Republican with money connections to shout out a sincere offer to help Mr. Murphy raise money.

Regardless of whether the Ehrlich folks bought or muscled out Amedori, and most everyone I’ve spoken with since she reneged on her word believes that to be the case, one thing appears certain: Brian Murphy is in this GOP gubernatorial primary to stay. Of course, that will mean Ehrlich World may look for other means to put an end to his candidacy.

I wonder if they’re already thinking “Pink?”

48 Hours (Give or Take)

2010-04-28T22:53:00.010-04:00

The past 48 or so hours has seen a couple of interesting developments unfold: One of which comes as no surprise, one is, perhaps, a surprise to some…and one that shows yet again just why a certain gubernatorial candidate is missing the big picture while focusing on how best to keep Greg Massoni busy now that Andy Barth is the one offering bumbling comments for this candidate’s campaign.

First off…Governor O’Malley fooled no one with his "waiting game" to announce he is seeking re-election as Governor of the Not-So-Free State. Joining former Delegate and Ehrlich Cabinet Secretary George Owings in the Dem gubernatorial primary by kicking off his campaign in Fells Point (within stumbling distance of a few of my fave Fells Point haunts, no less. Governor, you should come up to the Waterfront Hotel one Monday night to hear Bonnie Leigh Boswell sing - Hell, I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you joined in for a song or two!), O’Malley stated that the choice for governor came down to going backward versus moving Maryland forward. Okay, but forward to what?

Assuming he considers former Governor Bobby Grudgematch the “going backwards” candidate he thinks he will be facing come November and that he is the “Moving Maryland Forward” candidate, we can only hope that Governor. O’Malley does not intend to move us forward towards another tax increase. Thing is, if he does intend to reach deeper into our pockets, his chances of doing so are far greater if Mr. Ehrlich is the candidate he faces in November. That’s not just me talking, folks. I hear such sentiments all the time from both Republicans and Democrats who are activists, strategists and political pros.

And then, there’s this…

Former Governor Ehrlich has had an interesting and quirky start to his campaign. He’s made some moves and at least one endorsement that has raised some eyebrows and set off a cornucopia of reasons for concern. And now, he jumps into a contested GOP Senate primary and endorses one known Republican over another.

Delegate J.B. Jennings and former Delegate and Ehrlich appointed Maryland Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer are going head to head in the 7th Legislative District GOP primary for State Senate to replace departing Senator Andy Harris, who looks to knock off first term 1st District Congressman Frank Kratovil.

Both Jennings, a former Ehrlich Congressional intern and staffer who was elected Seventh District Delegate in 2002 and Redmer who once represented the 8th Legislative District as a Delegate and is now running in the 7th, have ties to Ehrlich – yet Ehrlich jumps into the contested primary and endorses Jennings for the 7th District Senate Seat by saying:

“(J.B. Jennings) is uniquely qualified to help me lower taxes, create jobs and reign in government spending in Annapolis. He helped me defeat $7.5 billion in tax increases during my first term as governor and I need his leadership to prevent another massive tax increase next year.”

Though Mr. Ehrlich may be a little optimistic in his OBVIOUSLY optimistic take on his chances of being elected governor, the real question is why he would inject himself into this race by endorsing Jennings over Redmer since he will need both Jennings and Redmer supporters come primary day. Additionally, Jennings has a fundraiser coming up in May, and said fundraiser features none other than Bob Ehrlich as the special guest.

As I have said before, I like both J.B. Jennings and Al Redmer, although I’ve questioned the carpetbagging by both Redmer and Dem Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith regarding possible runs in the 7th.

And finally, there’s this…

On the night of Monday, April 26th, the Frederick County GOP held its annual Lincoln Day Dinner. The dinner featured firebrand Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann as its guest speaker. Though I wasn’t there, an event attendee told me that 300 Republicans attended the event – and why not? Congresswoman Bachmann is a national figure and quite a draw.

As would be expected, GOP gubernatorial candidate Brian Murphy (whom, I was told, received very enthusiastic applause) was in attendance. As would be expected, the other GOP gubernatorial candidate Bob Ehrlich….was not in attendance?!

(Brian Murphy for Governor supporter and immediate past Chairman of the MD GOP, Jim Pelura, probably couldn’t believe that Ehrlich dissed the Frederick County GOP base. Or…maybe he could...)

Okay, I’m back to asking the question: What the Hell is Mr. Ehrlich thinking? He has an upstart opponent in the GOP gubernatorial primary, Brian Murphy – who, by all accounts is catching some fire here – and he blows off the Lincoln Day Dinner of one of the GOP’s most important counties? Frederick County is a jurisdiction the Republicans need not only win but win big…and Bobby Grudgematch opts to not attend the dinner? What in Maryland could be more important that night? If there was a way in which Mr. Ehrlich could have better spent his candidate-time, please let me know. And I doubt it was because Ehrlich was meeting with his folks to plan policy, platform and platitudes since that meeting occurred today (Wednesday).

Mr. Ehrlich’s disrespecting of Frederick County Republicans goes right to the heart of one of the biggest criticisms of him, that being that he ignores the Republican base…which is something Brian Murphy OBVIOUSLY does not do. See, if you are part of the Republican “base” you don’t get much more of a chance to show it than by being at an event featuring Congresswoman Bachmann in Frederick County.

Amazing and frightening for those die hard Ehrlich sycophants, isn’t it? You see where ignoring the GOP base got Bob Ehrlich in 2006, right? It got him and his wife, Kendel, a radio talk show.

It was suggested to me by a well known GOP strategist that Mr. Ehrlich believes Frederick County will simply support him over Brian Murphy no matter what – even with Murphy’s pickup of former Ehrlich Parole Commissioner, Carmen Amedori, and – further - it is in Ehrlich’s interests to simply ignore Murphy.

Well, that being said, someone is most definitely not ignoring Brian Murphy or Carmen Amedori. As Murphy reported days ago, someone had trashed his Wikipedia page with “lies” that involved some “typos” (Uncle Jeff, call home!). Murphy added that someone is even going so far as to attempt having his Wikipedia page “deleted.” Additionally, someone writing in as “Jose Ortega” had ripped Amedori in a way that borders defamation on the Carroll County Times comment threads.

That doesn’t sound like ignoring your opposition. That reeks of desperation. And, especially if Mr. Ehrlich is going to continue blowing off the GOP base, he should feel desperate. Some way, somehow, somewhere along the line, Bobby Grudgematch has become politically tone deaf. And Brian Murphy appears more than willing and able to take advantage of it. It just makes me wonder whether the MD GOP party regulars will continue to allow themselves to be ignored…or whether they will look to a candidate who gives enough of a damn to show up.

Regardless, it’s going to be a glorious political season – and, from my perspective, one that chances to be more fun than should be legal.

All The (Right/Wrong) Moves

2010-04-15T15:18:00.006-04:00

What candidates do early on in their respective campaigns does give a great indication about what may be expected down the road.

For instance, consider the two announced MD GOP candidates for Governor. From the “One Gratuitous Slap Deserves Another” category there is this:

As I have previously blogged, the day before he announced he was ending his Hamlet run and announcing his candidacy for the right to take on Governor O’Malley this November, former Governor Bobby Ehrlich endorsed Ryan Nawrocki for Baltimore County’s 6th Councilmanic Seat at Nawrocki’s April 7th undraiser. As most folks who read Darkness Rising know, Nawrocki had a “Shall Not Abuse” order issued against him by a Baltimore County Court as a result of a domestic “dispute.”

I guess Council candidate Nawrocki will need Mr. Ehrlich’s endorsement to counter the endorsement he won’t be getting from the House of Ruth.

Regardless, in all seriousness, is Mr. Nawrocki the type of candidate Mr. Ehrlich truly believes is best able to represent the citizens of Baltimore County’s 6th Council District? Is he the type of guy Mr. Ehrlich truly believes will speak to the hopes and fears of female voters in Baltimore County, not to mention all of Maryland? As I have previously asked and - judging from emails I have received, others are now asking – what on earth is Mr. Ehrlich thinking? Unless, of course, Mr. Ehrlich does believe Mr. Nawrocki IS the type of candidate that best represents the GOP.

And then, from the “Anything is Possible” category there’s Ehrlich’s younger, more conservative and, apparently, more in tune with the need for the GOP to attract women voters, counterpart for the MD GOP Gubernatorial nomination, businessman Brian Murphy. Something is going on with the Ehrlich camp’s fans, as evidenced by this following exchange between former Ehrlich Cabinet Secretary and "If Ehrlich doesn’t run," MD GOP Gubernatorial candidate, Larry Hogan in a recent Facebook exchange with me on lobbyist and former delegate Don Murphy’s page.

Larry Hogan:
Gimme a break guys. So this kid (Brian Murphy) worked at BG&E and now he has a bakery that bakes 20 cakes a week? Not sure that makes him qualified to run the State of Maryland.

Joseph F. Steffen:
Larry - I never thought I'd see the day you would be mocking a small businessman running for any political office. Just damn!

Larry Hogan
I'm not mocking him. He's just not capable of being Governor. Just think he shouid maybe try running for the board of his homeowners association or for a town council or something. I'm sure his cakes are good.

You can decide whether you think Mr. Hogan was mocking Brian Murphy for being a small businessman who owns a bakery. I do think it is relevant when the GOP smacks at a conservative outsider and legitimate businessman - mocking his product in the process - who has likely created more private sector jobs than has his primary opponent who is 20 or so years his senior and has been in elective officer for 20 of the past 24 years. It is absurd.

(Someone’s with Stupid…and all I know for sure is that particular someone is not, and does not involve, Brian Murphy)

What is not absurd, however, is that just a week or so after Bob Ehrlich officially endorses Ryan "Thou Shall Not Abuse" Nawrocki, Brian Murphy is going to be announcing that his running mate is going to be a woman. And not just any woman, either.

Brian Murphy will be announcing, likely tomorrow, that his Lieutenant Governor candidate is none other than former delegate and Ehrlich-picked Parole Commissioner, Carmen Amedori.

A long time darling of the Right in the Maryland GOP, Amedori - who had been running for the U.S. Senate - brings both experience and bona fides to Mr. Murphy’s ticket. In addition, she will bring a great number of the party activists – those who put up signs, go door to door, and sure as Hell go out and vote come rain, snow or tsunami. Carmen Amedori was conservative before conservative was cool, while it was cool, while it was on the outs – and, I’m sure, remains so now that it is in its ascendancy, at least nationwide.

In addition to her ideology and experience, the other noteworthy development she brings to Brian Murphy is that she is the second one-time Ehrlich team member that has opted to Buck Bob and (in her case more than) Back Brian. The first of these was former MD GOP Chairman, Jim Pelura (whom I’ve previously torched on Darkness Rising).

However, the MD GOP Gubernatorial primary plays out in September (and as of this writing Ehrlich remains the heavy favorite) one thing is certain:

With Bob Ehrlich again picking up Bernie Marczyk as Political Director and now, unbelievably, endorsing Ryan Nawrocki - while Brian Murphy has secured the backing of Jim Pelura, the MD GOP Chairman under Ehrlich, and picked up former delegate and Ehrlich-tapped Parole Commissioner Carmen Amedori to join his ticket as his running mate, it is Mr. Murphy who has folks saying, "Wow!"...and it is Mr. Ehrlich who has folks saying, "What the F***?!"

But then, as one-time Ehrlich Cabinet Secretary Larry Hogan might say to those who dare suggest Murphy may make a race of it or question any moves the Ehrlich camp makes,..."Let them eat (Brian Murphy's) cakes." ;) (Sorry, Larry - just HAD to add that...)

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

2010-04-08T20:31:00.005-04:00

Okay, so as of yesterday, with former Governor Bob Ehrlich bringing down the curtain on his extended run of “Hamlet,” GOP gubernatorial candidate and small businessman, Brian “Leading a Return to Principled Governance” Murphy, has some primary competition.

Yes, Mr. Ehrlich announced - and yet the earth remains spinning. No explosions in the sky, no Four Horseman ringing in the Apocalypse: Just more the same old, some old. More or less.

As if you really needed or wanted it, here is a brief recap as told to and/or reported me by some folks who were at the various venues…

Ehrlich announces in Rockville to a crowd estimated between 100 and 150 – not too bad for a scorching hot middle of the week workday, but not great either. Interestingly, Bobby Grudgematch took no questions from reporters. In contrast, Governor Martin O’Malley, who knocked Ehrlich out of the State House is 2006, yesrerday held a little news conference or press availability or whatever the Hell you want to call it down at the Annapolis docks – and took questions for over half an hour. (That's almost as interesting as the fact that O’Malley said he’d debate Mr. Ehrlich on Ehrlich’s own WBAL radio show. Loaded for bear or what?)

Anyway, then there was Wednesday night’s post-announcement celebration tossed by the Ehrlich camp. As reported by Ann Miller of The Republican Examiner, 500 people posted for that little shindig. Not bad? Well, one attendee told me the crowd was “underwhelming” because, as another put it, “I was stunned at the poor turnout last night...They had expected 1000 people” to attend. Half full or half empty – in this instance there is no way in Hell “half” is good for Bobby.

What I find more interesting than the End of Hamlet, however, is some of the late moves and scheduling decisions made by Bobby Grudgematch in the days leading up to his announcement. Call the top three of these moves, “The Good, the Bad and The Ugly.” They are as follows:

The Good…

In what is likely the best decision Mr. Ehrlich has made in ten years, he has hired Baltimore County GOP Chairman Chris Cavey as his Director of Field Operations. Cavey, who announced this week that he will not be running for another term as Chairman, is a bright, shrewd, dedicated and knowledgeable player. If there is a harder worker than Cavey in the MD GOP, I’ve never met him. He is excellent with people on a one to one basis and, I would imagine, with groups as well. On top of that, Cavey has a brass set – and I am hoping he can hold onto them while dealing with the likes of Bernie Marczyk and the rest of the Ehrlich “Brain Trust.” Good luck, Chris. I think you’re going to need it.

The Bad…

Former TV News Guy Andy Barth has been hired as Ehrlich’s press secretary. While picking up Barth is as obvious an upgrade over former Ehrlich press flack Greg Massoni as is the cell phone over two tin cans tied together by a string, most replacements for Massoni would fit that bill. But why would Ehrlich hire a former left wing Democratic congressional candidate who got smoked by Congressman John Sarbanes in the 3rd District Dem primary a few years back to be his spokesman? Does Ehrlich think Andy Barth will appeal to the very base he ignored in 2006 - or does Bobby just plan on running to the left of Governor O’Malley? Were there NO GOP leaning spokesman that Mr. Grudgematch could have tapped for this role?

The Ugly…

What did Bobby Grudgematch do the night before he officially announced his candidacy for governor? How did he spend his final night before entering the do or die race of his life? Contemplating the races to come, both primary and likely general? Coming up with new talking points, if not ideas, as to explain away his fee increases? Uh….no. He spent that night endorsing Ryan Nawrocki - at Nawrocki's fundraiser - for County Council in Baltimore County’s 6th Councilmanic District.

That’s right, Ryan Nawrocki, the guy I blogged in my “A Dumb and Dumber Young Truck” post a year ago was endorsed by Mr. Ehrlich the night before Ehrlich’s announcement. Without rehashing the entire aforementioned post, this particular Young Turk was hit with a “Shall Not Abuse” order from a Judge in Baltimore County Circuit Court. To be fair, I have since been advised by friends of Mr. Nawrocki that there were mitigating factors – yet these same friends of his asked that I not rehash the issue on Darkness Rising, even if it meant explaining some of those factors.

The thing is, I likely never would have mentioned the matter again…except for the fact that the former Governor spent the last night before officially launching his campaign endorsing the guy. And, what’s behind THAT, anyway? If your political career is on the line, why in the Hell are you endorsing a guy who’s been court ordered to “Not Abuse?” Is it blind loyalty…or sheer stupidity? Sheesh.

(The Good, The Bad and The Ugly…or Dazed and Confused? You decide. It’s been a long day and I need a drink.)

Amidst this good, bad and ugly, perhaps the most humorous statement I heard yesterday came from a very conservative GOP insider who is, nonetheless, supporting Mr. Ehrlich.

“It’s an anti-incumbent year and an anti-Democratic year and that’s why Bob Ehrlich can’t win. He’s too much of an incumbent – and too much of a Democrat.”

I wish I’d come up with that.

Regardless, the race is on. Two contested gubernatorial primaries – Bob Ehrlich versus Brian Murphy and Martin O’Malley versus George Owings (with talk of others maybe to come.)

It’s going to be a fun year – good, bad or ugly.

POD Hall of Fame Induction #8

2010-04-04T01:31:00.007-04:00

Happy Easter! This year, I will be celebrating with a fresh Induction into the Prince of Darkness Hall of Fame. And who better to induct than a man who was, in fact, just inducted by former Governor Bob Ehrlich to be his Political Director as Mr. Ehrlich goes gunning against Governor Martin O'Malley for his old job in 2010: The Year of the Re-Grudge Match.

Our 8th Inductee is certainly a known, though not necessarily universally loved, commodity among Maryland GOP activists – more than a few of whom have registered their outrage and/or disgust to yours truly, so much so that this very Induction could have been a novella. Anyway, on with the Induction, itself!

Our Inductee once embarrassed the former governor and undermined much needed support in the process, by alienating voters in Western Maryland via his arrogantly lecturing them as to the difference between taxes and fees. Money of the pocket is money out of the pocket...but apparently not when it's money out of the pocket. Or something like that.

Having made his mark in his “official capacity,” he then turned his “people skills” on the Young Republicans who, in 2006, had offered to launch a cost-effective door to door campaign on behalf of Mr. Ehrlich’s failed 2006 re-election bid. So insulting was our 8th Inductee to those now alienated YRs, he was soundly rebuked for dissing yet another much needed group of supporters.

On more “self gratifying notes,” this newest addition to the POD Hall of Fame is such a fan of himself that, during those halcyon days of the Ehrlich Administration, he both asked for - and got - lobbyists to throw birthday parties for him during the MACO conferences in Ocean City.

Chances are these parties didn’t occur on Fridays, however, as our Inductee was more or less a “no-show” on that particular weekday, especially during a particular season. It was widely known, if not understood, that Fridays were his “golf days"...even though he reportedly did not take personal time for this…uh, part of his “job.”

But, wait! There’s more to warrant this gent’s Induction into the Most Hallowed of Halls: It has been reported to your humble Prince by a few sources that his…hmm, how to word this…”dating pursuits” developed into a legendary source of State House gossip. I guess that had something to do with him dating a subordinate while in the Governor’s Policy Office. Interesting “policy,” to say the least, and certainly Hall of Fame worthy…

Most of all, though, our 8th Inductee has more than earned this immense honor for his renowned political acumen and directives, which include the following …

…the infamous decision to intervene in the recording of messages in a Carroll County delegate race – a move that resulted in members of the Carroll County campaign office resigning in protest...

...was one of the genius architects of the “Where else are they going to go?” campaign strategy that blew off the GOP base in favor of doomed outreach efforts to solidly Democratic constituencies, and lastly….

...was said to be responsible, along with Ed “I don’t know Jack (Abramoff)” Miller, for the infamous, and disturbingly stupid, fiasco of busing homeless Philadelphians into certain key precincts to distribute “questionable” literature at the polls on Election Day 2006 - after having been greeted while getting off the bus by none other than former First Lady and fellow Prince of Darkness Hall of Fame Alum, Kendel Ehrlich…

Without further adieu please join me in welcoming to the Prince of Darkness Hall of Fame, the once and again Political Director for former Governor Ehrlich’s campaign apparatus…Mr. Bernie Marczyk! Now…let’s listen in as Mr. Marczyk imparts unto us his own special brand of political wisdom. I’m told his particular “speech” is from the 2004 MACO Convention (Be advised – it is very “Bathroom,” if not downright scatological, in its delivery…)

Thank you for those pearls of wisdom, and welcome, Mr. Marczyk! Amazingly, the very fact that Mr. Ehrlich asked that you come back on his campaign for another go-round despite the tragi-comedy of 2006 makes it an even bigger honor to have you here…but please do clean up after yourself!

On Announcing the Announcement

2010-03-30T23:52:00.011-04:00

You know, here I was all ready to blog a neat, fun, piece about former delegate, lobbyist, and MD Delegation Chairman to the 2008 Republican National Convention, Don Murphy, saying he was considering a run for Governor in the Maryland GOP Primary this year, and what happens? Former Governor Bob Ehrlich picks today to initiate phase two of his Bataan Death March – not to election day 2010, mind you – but to his own damned announcement. How many times do these guys plan to leak this?

Whatever, onto the Don Murphy scenario first…

As is my wont when I am in the burg, I go to the Waterfront Hotel in Fells Point to relish in the etherally charged vocals of Bonnie Leigh (Boswell). On most such occasions, I am joined in this Heavenly pursuit by one or more GOP political types. This past Monday our group, which included former National Young Republican Chair Nicolee Ambrose, former Ehrlich speechwriter Richard Cross and yours truly, was joined by the aforementioned Don Murphy.

Though he told me this morning (prior to Mr. Ehrlich announcing his intentions to announce for governor on April 7th) that it was the “Beer and bravado talking,” Murphy told me last night that a potential run for governor on his part was “in the mix.” As MD point man for the 2008 McCain Presidential campaign and Senior Advisor to MD GOP U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Eric Wargotz to go with his other credentials, Murphy undoubtedly has a set of...bona fides.

While discussing a possible gubernatorial run, Don Murphy did joke, however, that he “didn’t want to split the Murphy (primary) vote,” a reference to young GOP businessman and upstart candidate, Brian Murphy, who is already running for governor in the GOP primary.

Who knows? Maybe an actual Ehrlich run will entice Don Murphy into the campaign, concerns over splitting the Murphy vote be damned.

And that brings us to todays announcement by Bobby GrudgeMatch via a conference call with reporters that April 7th was the announcement.

(Former Governor Ehrlich confirmed today that he will be Grudging...excuse me, running for Governor in 2010. By all accounts, it was a Titanic Decision.)

Yes, tired of playing Hamlet - or of having his ear chewn off - Mr. Ehrlich is in the race, hitting it with announcements at his boyhood home in Arbutus, followed by another announcement in Montgomery County on April 7th. The train wreck then continues on a three day tour across the Free State.

Did I say “train wreck?” I sure as Hell did. Why? Well, off the top of my head consider…

1) As of the last accounting in January, Ehrlich was oh, approximately $4.9 million behind Governor O’Malley in available campaign cash. Though it’s true O’Malley is facing a stalking horse candidate in former delegate and Ehrlich cabinet Secretary George Owings, that is still one Hell of a mountain for Ehrlich to climb.

2) From: TeamErhlich@BobEhrlich.com

To: ******************

Sent: 3/30/2010 6:22:01 P.M. Eastern Daylight TimeSubj: Please Join me April 7th

Above is the header of the email the Ehrlich camp sent out to supporters (I redacted the name/email address of the recipient who forwarded this to me – many thanks!). Please note that “TeamEhrlich” misspelled “Ehrlich” in the link. What the Hell is wrong with the former governor's folks when they cannot even correctly spell his name? If you can’t get the details of the “easy stuff” right, how are you going to handle the major issues? As for Bob Ehrlich, he must feel like Rodney Dangerfield among his own staff - but he has no one but himself to blame. And, if he doesn't feel like Rodney Dangerfield...well, that's a whole different issue he's got.

3) Speaking of the staff and its issues….Those Crisis Manufacturers – Paul Schurick, Greg Massoni and Henry Fawell have allegedly already left the offices of WCSR are on campaign payroll, and are holed up in a campaign office in Annapolis. Incredibly, Mr. Ehrlich really did take those guys with him – which must simply delight the O’Malley team to no end. If there is a crisis, as they have proven with alarming regularity in the past, these guys will extrapolate it beyond believability. If there isn’t a crisis, well, just give them time. Word is, that team has been joined by former Ehrlich staffer, the incomparable Bernie Marczyk (a POD Hall of Fame Candidate, to be sure!), who is taking on the role of Political Director.

Not joining the official campaign team, however, is one-time "Sign Boy" and current Director of Americans for Prosperity, David "Sloopy" Schwartz. Amazingly, Sloopy opted to keep his AFP job and forsake any campaign-staff skinny dipping parties that may pop up this year. Actually...I don't know who wins by Sloopy not accepting the Ehrlich Team's offer - the Ehrlich Team, or Sloopy. Additionally, the Ehrlich camp has opened up a satellite campaign office in Timonium that is said to occasionally be haunted by Ehrlich Money Guy, Dick Hug.

Money guy(s) or not, allusions are already being made that this race is not about money but about issues, which is pretty much what all candidates getting creamed in the race for campaign cash always say. Regardless, on the issues, Bobby GrudgeMatch has repeatedly called out Governor O'Malley for being a big spender and for jacking up taxes in the still of the night. No doubt, but in doing so Mr. Ehrlich is de facto trying to set himself up as a fiscal conservative.

Beyond then-Governor Ehrlich's 2006 taxpayer-dollar-spending-spree-for-votes, THAT brings us back to the libertarian leaning conservative Don Murphy, who when talking about Mr. Ehrlich in the context of being conservative with the tax dollars offered this priceless observation:

"Saying Bob Ehrlich is a fiscal conservative is like saying Ocean Gallery (http://oceangallery.com/) is an art museum."

That wasn't the beer and bravado talking - but it was the best line of the night. And, hey, isn't the best humor always rooted in the truth?

Regardless, those of you who are hopelessly lost in the Cult best get out your marching boots. The Bataan Death March to The April 7th Announcement is underway...and you know what happens to those who complain or do not march as expected.

And if you're not in the Cult, come join us one Monday night at the Waterfront Hotel (email first to make sure Some of us are going). The list of attendees varies, but what the Hell? We can't all be wrong ; )

Luck of the Irish

2010-03-24T22:04:00.003-04:00

Well, if the report today is accurate, it sure as Hell looks as though Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley is going to get what he wants – a rematch with the man he beat by 120,000 or so votes in 2006, former GOP Governor, Bob Ehrlich.

According to WJLA, an “informed source” says that Ehrlich is in the gubernatorial campaign – presumably for real (this time!) – and will officially announce the Grudge Rematch on April 7…this year, folks…not in 2011.

Any guesses as to the identity of that informed source? Could it be Greg Massoni of WCSR’s Crisis Manufacturers Communications Team…who once actually worked for WJLA? It makes me wonder if this was a purposeful leak, or whether Greg just, you know, accidentally let the air out of the mattress a little early.

But, I digress…

So…after tossing out misinformation that led some to believe Mr. Ehrlich may run for the US Senate for the joy of taking on Senator Barbara Mikulski, it does look as though this time it’s for real. Really. I’m not kidding.

And who do you think is particularly happy about this development - besides former First Lady Kendel Ehrlich, the chefs at the “The House,” and those tried and true Crisis Manufacturers? Well, sure there are some die-hard Cult of Bob types for whom there is no other GOP choice…but one of the happy guys right now is none other than Governor O’Malley.

Today, after being informed that Hamlet was ending its run, the Governor told WJLA,
“"Hey, he's welcome (to the race). I enjoyed it the last time and I'm looking forward to it this time."

While there was certainly a major shot of bravado in his words, I somehow doubt Governor O’Malley was simply putting on the face of a Happy Warrior. Hell, he’s lucky Ehrlich is back in the game – and he knows it.

(Luck of the Irish…Oh, Hell yes, O’Malley’s got it….)

I say that for the simple fact that when former Ehrlich Cabinet Secretary Larry Hogan ended his Gubernatorial Exploratory Committee a few months back (despite, in Hogan’s words, the news from the Committee said he “could and should run”), at least one O’Malley insider believed the Governor’s political team no longer had to whistle past the graveyard…so to speak.

What this anonymous insider said was that the O’Malley camp was relieved to hear that Hogan was out of the race. Seems they weren’t sure how to handle – and were somewhat nervous about - a Larry Hogan candidacy. He then added that they weren’t worried about an Ehrlich candidacy because, “We know how to beat Bob.”

So, unless this “planned” leak is a sick joke, Ehrlich’s in the race…both giving Governor O’Malley what could prove to be his four leaf clover, and proving that there is, indeed, something to be said for that whole “Luck of the Irish” thing.

Let the good times roll.

5 Reasons Hamlet Drops Skull, Goes Gov

2010-03-19T21:28:00.007-04:00

A few days back, political prognosticator and one time candidate for MD GOP Chairman (among other interesting background tidbits), Daniel Vovak, authored an article detailing 17 reasons why he believes Bob Ehrlich is OUT as a gubernatorial candidate in 2010.

Mr. Vovak’s pointed yet, I believe, misguided, piece may be found here:
http://montgomerycountydaily.blogspot.com/2010/03/opinion-17-reasons-bob-ehrlich-is-out_8250.html

I disagree with Vovak’s rationale for the simple fact he was being, of all things, rational. On top of that he was using logic. And, well, neither rationale nor logic has much place in what is driving Mr. Ehrlich’s decision concerning whether to turn the relative boredom into a yawn by again running for Governor.

For Daniel Vovak’s 17 reasons on why Mr. Ehrlich is OUT, I have five reasons that I believe Hamlet will toss the Skull he’s been holding for over three years and stumble himself into a rematch with Governor O’Malley. With tongue partially planted in cheek, the first four of these reasons are:

Reason Number One: Hamlet’s wife, former First Lady, Kendel Ehrlich

Reason Number Two: The House, also known as the the Governor’s Mansion – which Reason Number One desperately wants back.

Reason Number Three: The chefs which, as I have previously blogged, Reason Number One has stated on the record that both she and the former Governor “miss.” (It must be brutal making those PBJ’s all by your lonesome…)

Reason Number Four: The Crisis Manufacturing Communications Team currently housed at the Womble Law Offices on Pratt Street: Seriously, what else are these guys – Paul Schurick, Greg Massoni, and Henry Fawell - going to do in the long run? There simply must be some gravy train to try to hitch a ride on…and US Senate Staffers normally don't receive police cars with sirens they don't know how to turn off.

Anyway, as pitiful as it may be, these illogical, non-rational, reasons on why Ehrlich will run for governor will literally defy the logic of any cogent reasons the Vovaks of the world may impart on why he won’t run.

I say this in spite of the fact that the Ehrlich Camp engaged in what I believe was the recent misdirection that Mr. Ehrlich was considering a run for the US Senate. The problem with that theory is that a U.S. Senator does not receive with his or her office free housing complete with kitchen crew. (Of course, if Hamlet really is considering a Senate run and thus, treating the MD GOP primaries as his own personal political buffet, it proves the belief of some that he simply must hold some office – any office - for the sake of his ego.)

Besides, former State Delegate and Maryland Parole Commissioner, Carmen Amedori, has jumped into the MD GOP US Senate primary, a contest which also features Dr. Eric Wargotz (Dude, what the Hell is that “birther” talk about anyway?) and attorney Jim Rutledge. The victor, of course, has the daunting task of doing battle with Senator Barbara “Shove this Health Care up Your A$$” Mikulski this November.

Now, would Ehrlich win that US Senate GOP Primary were he to forsake the chefs? Likely, yes, but not without being bloodied up by Amedori, who - if conservatives vote their principles and not for “the (faded) star" - should have the GOP’s conservative base tightly locked up come primary time. Ehrlich has the name ID (and a mesmerizing loss) to his “credit.” Amedori has the conservative street cred. An Ehrlich “win” against Amedori would likely be close enough to be embarrassing to him.

(Bobby Hamlet may stumble at the hurdle, but it won’t be in the MD GOP Senate Race)

And that brings me to the fifth reason Ehrlich will run for Governor: Larry Hogan.

A while ago, former Ehrlich Cabinet Secretary Hogan suddenly discontinued his Exploratory Committee effort to see if forging a gubernatorial campaign would be a worthwhile undertaking. In an open thread on Mr. Hogan’s Facebook Page, I asked him whether his exploratory effort concluded that he should drop his gubernatorial run. Hogan responded saying that the opposite was true – that his exploration into a gubernatorial campaign showed he “could and should run,” but only "IF" the former governor was not running.

So, that being the case…why did Hogan suddenly snuff out his own effort – especially after he’d already loaned his campaign – what - a few hundred thousand dollars? It’s one of those “Do the math” things and, in doing the math, I keep coming up with Bob Ehrlich plus Entering the Governor’s Race Equals the sum of Larry Hogan deciding to not run.

Still, I must admit that it is more than a little curious that our former governor keeps pushing back an announcement. What is the cause of the current delay? Doesn’t he realize we are quickly closing in on April Fools Day? Or, perhaps, is April Fool's Day what Team Ehrlich is waiting for?

Yeah, I know – that doesn’t make any sense. But, seriously, look at the past few years: When has “not making sense” stopped Team Ehrlich before?

...On second thought, using that style of "it makes no sense" logic, maybe Ehrlich will run for Senate ;^)

Surprising Summit: An Evening with Leatherface

2010-03-13T01:49:00.005-05:00

All of this is a bit “inside baseball,” but what the Hell? It’s Gonzo Blogging in a caustic, chainsaw slashing, kind of way. And, most importantly as concerns all Maryland Politicos, it shows a continuing deterioration in the Land of Bobby Hamlet.

Arranged by Garland Greene, aka Richard Cross, former speechwriter to former Governor Ehrlich, a “summit” between your humble Prince of Darkness and my one-time/longtime political compatriot, Craig “Leatherface” Chesek, took place the evening of Monday, March 8th at The Waterfront Hotel in Fells Point.

For those of you who need a refresher, under Governor Ehrlich, Chesek was the Chief of Staff at Ken Schisler’s Public Service Commission. Additionally, Chesek and I shared some interesting times while toiling together on various Ehrlich efforts and in the then Congressman’s office.

As with me – but to a less “grand” scale – Chesek got caught up in Ward Coe’s costly and ridiculously inept Employee Rights Inquisition that basically proved nothing other than that Special Legislative Committees sure as Hell know how to blow a million or so dollars on total Bullshit.

Anyway, as politics and providence would have it, Chesek and I developed some “issues” with one another, issues that led to us talking maybe once in the past three years. Hence, the summit...

So, beneath the Majestic voice of Bonnie Leigh (Boswell) serenading the universe as is her Monday night gift to mankind, and with beer and whiskey flowing, Darkness, Leatherface, and Greene sat down to engage in some joyously snarky chit-chat before business took center stage.

We laughed at the Obama Health Care fiasco, discussed Tea Parties, Birthers, Ehrlich's Crisis Communication Manufacturers, the supposition that a certain former governor has no spine, as well as what each of us is now doing – and found that we were all pretty damned happy with where each of us were: Your humble correspondent has been busier than Hell (one of the main reasons there has been no blogging) Greene has a very nice gig, and Leatherface is in business for himself in Pennsylvania.

(Doing well in his own business, Leatherface will soon be upgrading his…uh…bling)

Towards the end of the getting reacquainted part of our conversation, Past Young Republican National Federation Chair, Nicolee Ambrose, delighted us with her presence and weighed in on her thoughts on the upcoming elections. After a few moments, with Bonnie’s voice being every bit as booming as it is glorious, Chesek and I stepped outside so that we could better hear one another for the actual “summit” part of the summit.

There, Leatherface divulged the real reason he always carries a chainsaw…well, actually, Chesek and I cleared the air as to some fairly serious, in-depth, political and personnel (as opposed to personal) rifts that had arisen between us – rifts that had many in the MDGOP both curious and, interestingly enough, some pleased.

Anyway, we discussed our respective testimonies (including Chesek’s answering nearly four year old Ward Coe-led Inquisition questions in PA a few months back), alleged comments about one another, loyalties, misplaced and otherwise, etc. In the end, neither of us had any personal animosity toward the other despite some things that were said and done – as well as some things that weren’t said and weren’t done. From both sides, it was strictly business – always - and as it should be.

As things played out, it was almost like old times…which may yet prove to be to the chagrin of select others. This is especially true considering that Craig Chesek is yet another one-time hardcore acolyte that has escaped the Cult of Bob. How do I know this? Well, upon my asking what he planned to do for a future Ehrlich campaign Chesek replied that other than “maybe” helping the Ehrlich camp with energy issues, he wanted “nothing to do with it (the campaign)." Nada. Nothing. Leatherface has broken free!

Before we parted ways, I also asked Chesek whether he thought Ehrlich could win a rematch with Governor O’Malley. Chesek’s answer was an emphatic and succinct “Hell, no!” What makes Chesek’s “Hell, no!” even more impressive in its finality is the fact that when Ehrlich was running for Congress in the mid 1990’s, he referred to Craig Chesek as “the best (precinct) numbers guy” he’d ever seen.

I guess Craig Chesek just doesn’t see an Ehrlich 2010 Gubernatorial victory in those damned numbers…but then I also guess Bob Ehrlich will now change his mind on Chesek’s ability to read races via the numbers.

Whatever.

In the end, this summit, an Evening with Leatherface, if you will, was highly informative and should prove beneficial all the way around for everyone concerned. Well, almost everyone...

Back soon.

Thanks!

2009-11-25T13:02:00.009-05:00

I don't know how 2009 has thus far played out for each of you but this has been one of the oddest, most rollercoaster-riding, years of my life. At this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for every delicious second of it and for those with whom I've shared the ride - one way or another.

To break it down a bit more, politically I am thankful for,,,

Former Governor Ehrlich's decisive Hamlet Act (by the way, Happy Birthday, Bob Ehrlich!) which has caused, in equal measure, more hopeful - if not wishful - thinking and gales of laughter from more corners than most folks would deem imaginable (not to mention give me a lot to write about!).

For the decision of former MD GOP Chairman Jim Pelura to Kamikaze himself out of the State Party Chairmanship, thus saving everyone further embarrassment.

For the Tea Party Movement. It's nice to know the Spirit of American Revolution is not only still alive, but is most obviously kicking.

For the sheer idiocy displayed with absolutely alarming regularity by certain Political Tough Guy wannabes such as Yellow Timbers, Sloopy Schwartz, Uncle Jeff and a few others. Want a laugh? Check out the ramblings of one poster who goes by the screen name "senatorjames" on the Baltimore Sun Talk Forums. The fact this good uncle is posting is living proof that some political organizations - as it were - will indeed engage, if not "hire," the handicapped to do their bidding. "senatorjames" redefines the term "unintentionally funny." Speaking of which...

(Former President George W. Bush gives thanks while....hmmm..."enjoying" his Thanksgiving Turkey. Now THAT's offbeat...)

Speaking of which, again...Off Beat stuff for which I am thankful:

For ideas that come and are built up over a bottle of bourbon, hand-rolled cigarettes and a choice cigar. And the choice idea, itself, IS offbeat - just enough so to ensure lightening will strike.

For the chance to have traveled and done some damge - uh, I mean....have made a difference in certain areas and aspects of both this land and people's lives.

For the opportunity to have my spirit continually uplifted by the otherworldly vocals of one Bonnie Leigh Boswell. Seriously: Greatest Female Vocalist Ever. Listening to Bonne is akin to traveling on an Astral Plane.

For Matt "With the Hat" Kelly's (at the suggestion of my good friend Richard Cross) arranging and performing (at one of the aforementioned Ms. Boswell's performances) an acoustic version of that old Aerosmith rocker, "Love in an Elevator." You simply had to hear it to believe it.

For the reunion of many of - get this - the Sacred Heart School, Glyndon Maryland, graduating class of 1973. Who the Hell does THAT kind of thing? We did.

Closely personal stuff for which I am thankful...

For my children, eldest to youngest, Jen (and her boyfriend, Broch), Ryan, and Sarah (and her fiancee, David) - and, of course, the birth of Sarah and David's son, my grandson, Gage.

For my Glorious Friends (both professional and personal) and Equally Glorious Heartbreakers and Enemies. Without them, life would be colorless and too somber for words. With them, Let's Rock!

For God and the Universe. Like it or not, we're all in this together. I, for one, love it. It's all good. And instructive. And necessary.

And I'm thankful for you. You guys are great.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Strange Days

2009-11-20T20:12:00.005-05:00

Well, if Thursday, November 19th was any indication, it promises to be a strange election season here in Maryland. Far stranger than I expected.

To begin with, Thursday night MD GOP gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan gave his first post-MD GOP convention speech in front of the Howard County Republican Club in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Claiming that "By any measure, Maryland is far worse off than ever before," Hogan, one-time Cabinet Secretary to former Governor Ehrlich, excoriated Governor Martin O'Malley over the fact that "people are suffering, families are struggling and small businesses are either leaving the state for friendlier pastures or shutting down all together." Hogan added that, "Marylanders deserve better,"

Nothing too strange about that you say? Afterall, since the only current competition Hogan has in the MD GOP gubernatorial primary is Delegate Pat McDonough (R-Hairpiece), he is the overwhelming favorite in the race and, as such, it is incumbent upon him to kick the crap out of the incumbent Democratic Governor, Martin O'Malley.

However, as Hogan was lambasting O'Malley for pretty much being the worst thing in the history of the world, O'Malley was enjoying his Governing Magazine cover photo after having been named one of the mag's Public Officials of the Year. Timing is, indeed, everything.

But, what the Hell? Hogan's being aggressive - he's going to take his shots on his time frame and damn the torpedoes.

Still, it was transpired earlier in the day that really gave the day its strangeness.

Dave "Sloopy" Schwartz, Maryland Director for Americans for Prosperity (AFP), was guesting on the C4 show on WBAL Radio. For those unaware of either AFP or Schwartz:

AFP bills itself as independent grass roots organization. They are in the "Tea Party" and "Kill Obama's Health Care" Rally Biz. ot that there's anything wrong with that, mind you. Overall, AFP's goals are very much to the right of the political spectrum.

As for Schwartz, lovingly referred to as "Sloopy," he is a former "sign boy" for Bob Ehrlich's gubernatorial campaigns, fundraiser for State Senator Andy Harris in Harris' failed 2008 congressional campaign against NOW Congressman Frank Kratovil, playboy extraordinaire (see my blog posting "Hang on Sloopy" for further details) and hanger on who managed to landthe post of Maryland AFP Director.

Anyway, along with another guest, longtime conservative activist Schwartz is chatting it up with C4 about various upcoming debacles when - a veritable bolt out of the blue - Schwartz urges a gubernatorial campaign by this guy:

(MD Comptroller Peter Franchot: "Hmmm...if AFP's Maryland Director David Schwartz really meant what he said he'd want it to be me standing right here giving my State of the State Address...Hang on Sloopy!)

You see, the other guest with Schwartz on the C4 Show was none other than Comptroller, Peter Franchot.

Unfortunately for Schwartz, upon his urging Franchot to stage a gubernatorial challenge to Governor O'Malley, the slightly taken aback Comptroller expressed his thanks to Schwartz, but added that he'd already filed for re-election to his current office.

Unwilling to leave well enough alone, Schwartz then goes on to tell Mr. Franchot that he (Franchot) is one of the most honest men in Annapolis (a statement with which I would agree) and that he (Schwartz) would vote for Franchot for damned near "any office" for which he runs.

While Franchot remained slightly taken aback, C4 was nothing if not stunned at Schwartz's declaration. Schwartz exuberanlty added that, though he was now a registed "Republican" he was going to change his voting status to "Independent."

I guess those ol' Skinny Dipping Partys in which Republican Sloopy partook didn't pay off quite the way he'd hoped.

Regardless, AFP is an independent organization - and its Maryland Director, Dave Schwartz, is more than free to register as he pleases and support and vote for whomever he pleases.

With that in mind, however, I would hope he realizes that the Comptroller's Office is not known as a major "policy setter." The Governor's Office, however, is a policy setter and, dare I say it, as governor most of Peter Franchot's policies would likely be anathema to the goals of AFP MD. Regardless, though no matter what he may say in the future, it's obvious Schwartz has written off a Hamlet comebac. But, if he's pushing Franchot to run, what's that say regarding his - and AFP's - thoughts about GOP candidate Larry Hogan?

As for MD Democrats, they can chuckle over Schwartz's statement - like they really need AFP's or his help in THIS state. For MD Republicans, however, it might behoove them to remember well Schwartz's call for Mr. Franchot to run for Governor - and his added assurance that he would vote for Franchot for most "any office" - the next time AFP comes looking for financial or crowd building assistance.

Lastly, I've gotta wonder what Schwartz's former political bosses, Bob Ehrlich and Andy Harris, think of Schwartz's unequivocal statements (Though I'll bet Sloopy'll start getting pretty damned equivocal pretty damned quickly!) Now that I think of it, they'll probably just brush it off as more of that MD GOP "party building" thing we've all been hearing so much about.

Strange Days, indeed. Most peculiar, Sloopy.

7th (District Political) Heaven

2009-11-15T22:44:00.008-05:00

Now, why in the Hell would 7th District Delegate JB Jennings blow off his roots and his past in order to invade the 8th Legislative District in order to run for State Senate? Seriously, what is he thinking?

A known commodity in the 7th District, you would think Jennings would stick to what he knows and not brazenly jump district lines to take on Democratic Senator Kathy Klausmeier. Come on, JB! Leave the 8th District to those who know it best!

Oh, wait. Never mind. Just kidding folks. As many folks well know...

JB Jennings is most certainly running for Senate - but he is not bolting the 7th in order to run in the 8th. Jennings is running for the 7th District Senate Seat being vacated by Andy "Why am I not in Congress?" Harris, who is vacating the 7th District Senate seat to again give it a go against NOW 1st District Congressman Frank Kratovil.

It is former 8th District Delegate (and Insurance Commissione) Al Redmer who is ditching his 8th District ties - and not challenging Senator Klausmeier - for the more fertile 7th District grounds.

And it's a shame, really. Despite this Redmer-led attempt by the denziens of the 8th Legislative District to turn the 7th District into its own occupied territory, I have both a history - and a genuine liking - with and for both Al Redmer and JB Jennings:

I've known Jennings from his earliest Bob Ehrlich campaign and congressional staff days and I've known Redmer since 1986, when I was the Baltimore Region whipping post for the Linda Chavez for Senate campaign and he was running for delegate. Later, as you may know, when Al was Maryland Insurance Administration Commissioner, I worked communications for the MIA - which included that delightful time period in which Hurricane Isabel graced all of us with her presence.

(Isabel races up the coast back in the day...wreaking havoc and prepping to Kick Maryland's Butt. But...we at the MIA are ready....right? Damned right, we are! We...uh, mmm...well, there wasn't really a lot that MD could do. Just ask the Feds after Isabel Kicked our Butt.)

Kicking Butt.

That's what Al Redmer said he wanted to do for "you" during his announcement speech on November 11th. I'm just not sure who "You" is since a great number of those at his 7th District Senate race kickoff likely can't vote for him in the primary for the simple fact they don't live in the 7th District. Still, I know Al Redmer - and if the past is precedent he will certainly attempt to Kick Butt in the primary.

As for Delegate JB Jennings, he had his much ballyhooed Breakfast Fundraiser that was headlined by former Governor and current Talk Show Host Bob Ehrlich. Word is from most all camps that the Ehrlich Camp really wants Jennings to win this race. With that in mind, however, I have to ask - What the Hell has JB Jennings done since said breakfast? Though Jennings is one of the busiest and accomplished (certainly for his age) men I know, as concerns his fledgling Senate campaign it appears to me that he is doing a great job of walking around and bumping into walls.

Maybe it's that "occupied territory" thing. It kind of threw the Poles for a bit of a loop. Did wonders for Sarajevo, too. (And, NO, I'm not comparing anyone to Nazis or anything else along those lines: This disclaimer brought to you by Darkness Enterprises, 2009.)

Still, the possibilities for a raucous 7th District primary campaign are rife and if, as is being chattered about, well-heeled former Delegate Ken Holt enters the race as a bit of a dark horse, the possibilities will be even rifer. (Rifer?)

So, as concerns the voters of the 7th, they have the choice of the "Known Commodity" in Jennings, the "Occupied Territory" candidate in Redmer and, perhaps, the "Dark Horse" candidate in Holt: The Insider, The Outsider, and - maybe - The Outrider.

Two is extremely uneasy company. Three (hopefully) will be one very unruly crowd.

Damn, this could be fun.

W(h)igging Out

2009-11-11T17:52:00.006-05:00

“Audrey Scott? Audrey Scott, (former Governor Bob) Ehrlich’s Secretary (of Planning)? Great…more of the same old sh*t .”

Thus was the response I received from a noted GOP activist the day after Scott first stated she was gunning for the chairmanship of the MD GOP.

And with State GOP First Vice Chairman Chris Cavey having dropped out of the race in order to avoid the type of bloodbath that usually accompanies perceived “close” contests, it appears former Secretary Scott is the odds-on favorite to become MD GOP Chair when the vote goes down this weekend at the State Republican Convention.

Yet, this contest for MD GOP ain’t quite over yet – at least not if relative newcomer to MD GOP politics, Daniel “the Whig Man” Vovak, has anything to say about it.

First a little background:

After Ehrlich’s choice, Jim Pelura set a precedent for disastrous Chairmanshipping (Yes, I made up that word) as the head of the MD GOP by ignoring the term “leadership role” and for jettisoning fundraising into the abyss – which resulted in him receiving a vote of no confidence (eventually to mercifully bolt his position), First Chair Chris Cavey temporarily took over the mantle of MD’s GOP.

At that point, it became immediately evident that Cavey was going to run for Chairman on a more permanent basis. It also became immediately evident, and as I had heard from numerous sources, that the Ehrlich Camp was “ABC” – Anybody But Cavey.

It is for that reason that many folks assumed the Ehrlich Camp coaxed his former Cabinet Secretary, Audrey Scott, into the Race for Chair. However, I have been told emphatically that this simply was not the case. Ms. Scott entered the race of her own accord and, so it appeared, a battle for the GOP top spot between Cavey and Scott was ON!

Only…not so much. As stated earlier, citing upcoming elections in 2010, Cavey bowed out to avoid a bloodbath in a close Chairmanship race. Party Unity and all, you understand. Sigh.

Cavey's departure leaves Audrey Scott as the prohibitive favorite – in the name of unity, no less. Okay, but as Red Maryland points out (http://redmaryland.blogspot.com/2009/11/irony-of-using-name-scott-and-party.html) Ms. Scott’s son is a Maryland-centric “slash and burn” GOP consultant. Not that I have a problem with THAT, mind you, but I do have to wonder if part of Audrey Scott’s rationale for running is to ship her progeny some work.

Can’t you hear it now? GOP candidates statewide saying to themselves, “Hey, let’s stay on the Chair’s good side by giving her son some work…”

Well, that won’t come to pass if firebrand newcomer Daniel “The Whig Man” Vovak has his way.

(Yes, I’ve thrown my wig into the ring. No, this will not be a mandatory GOP hairstyle should I become MD GOP Chairman)

Daniel (Don’t call him Dan) Vovak is one Hell of an interesting guy. Working on a movie called “The Blue Dress” (Think Bill Clinton, Monica,…Stains), Vovak is known for giving speeches while wearing the wig of a Whig – and for being bypassed in favor of Extreme Bloviator Alan Keyes for the right to get his ass kicked in an Illinois Senate race by now GM CEO and Wanna Be Surgeon in Chief, Barack Obama.

And now, one thing is certain: If Vovak is going into that cold, dark night in running against Audrey Scott for MD GOP Chair, he ain’t going quietly.

Vovak has sent out numerous releases and statements – most of which have merit well beyond the first blush, the only one with which I really differ is his pseudo-defense of former Chairman Pelura’s tenure. But then, as a candidate, Vovak is undoubtedly trying to pick up some disaffected supporters of the thankfully former Chairman.

As for his other statements, Vovak called on Nominations Chairman Mark Uncapher to recuse himself due to Uncapher’s public endorsement of Audrey Scott. Vovak adds that Uncapher violated two Republican bylaws – a point my quick research into the matter pretty much confirms.

Additionally, Vovak details how Audrey Scott attacked him in front of 50 or so people at the MD GOP Headquarters by claiming (falsely, according to Vovak) that Vovak had no nominations for the GOP Chairmanship. The Whig Man adds that Anne Arundel County Chairman Alan Rzepkowski publicly rebuked Audrey Scott over her comments.

All well and good but, despite standard press releases and statements, why should Maryland Republicans elect the little known Vovak over the more name-brand Audrey Scott? And what the Hell would the Whig Man do to put the MD GOP back in the black?

According to Vovak, “The reality for Republicans in Maryland is that there are minimal barriers for new candidates to enter the political process in this State and win.” He helpfully added that, “Since the Maryland Republican Party is the weakest in the United States, our Party cannot afford to discriminate against any newcomer.”

Well, I gotta say…it's tough to argue with that point about discriminating against newcomers. I mean, really, look where the tried, tired and well known has led the state GOP.

As concerns the MD GOP’s financial woes, Vovak points out that “The biggest creditor the Maryland Republican Party has is $71,000 to MichaelSteele for Maryland, which is appalling and highly ironic.” In defense of Pelura - a defense I don't quite fathom, but what the Hell? - Vovak adds that “There was a concerted effort by a number of people to railroad Chairman Jim Pelura and the way they did it was to punish him by lessening the fundraising. I know Audrey Scott returned from political retirement just two months ago, but I wish she would have been helping Dr. Pelura for these past three years.”

Okay, Daniel, take your shot at Audrey Scott, but what are YOU going to do to raise money for the MD GOP?

“Any new chairman will have a tough time raising funds, including myself,” Vovak says. “The bottom line to raise new funds is to call new people and to keep the phones ringing until the debts are paid.”

Easier said than done, of course. But, it is a plan. Well, it is at least as long as the MD GOP can keep the phones turned on.

One thing is for sure - whatever happens this weekend at the MD GOP Convention, Vovak has kept the race for MD GOP Chair interesting. As Mr. Whig points out, and as common sense dictates, regardless of whether it is the favorite, Audrey Scott – or the fireballing, rabble rousing, newcomer Daniel Vovak, who eventually becomes chairman, either would have serious problems regarding fundraising.

So, with that in mind, the choice for MD Republicans pretty much boils down to this: A recognizable, comfortable pair of old gloves – or one of those electric handwarmers that, if you’re not careful, could burn your skin off; More of the same old, same old– or taking a walk on the wilder, wigged, side.

Desperate Times call for Desperate Measures. How many risk takers are there left in the MD GOP? Guess we’ll find out in a few days.

NJ, VA and....Now What?

2009-11-05T11:08:00.007-05:00

To begin with, congratulations to both new Governors-Elect, Bob McDonnell of Virginia and Chris Christie of New Jersey. May their respective victories scare the Hell out of those on the fence concerning Obama's Health Care Reform Debacle to the point that this "Reform" dies on the operating table. Then, onto Cap and Trade, Bigger Government generally...you get the idea.

As for the two soon-to-be governors, while it became clear over the past month or two that McDonnell was going to destroy the mealy-mouth VA Senator Creigh Deeds, the Christie versus Goldman-Sachs Democratic Governor John Corzine race got alarmingly interesting and was pretty damned tight down the homestretch.

Still, once Christie handily dispatched the Americans for Prosperity candidate, Bogota New Jersey Mayor, Steve Lonegan in the NJ GOP gubernatorial primary, it was Christie's race to lose. And he hung on to not lose it, thus striking a blow against corrupt lunacy. Or something like that.

Perhaps more importantly for national GOP prospects in 2010, both Deeds and Corzine were defeated in spite (maybe because) of, heavy campaign lifting done by GM CEO Obama on their respective behalfs.

But what about the implications for Maryland in 2010? What do the Christie and McDonnell victories mean for the politics of the Free State? A lot of folks seem to have a lot of questions on their minds - one in particular, of course, that being,...

Well, I can't think of it now, but damned if it didn't take too long for certain MD GOP events to start unfolding:

The day after the Christie and McDonnell victories, MD GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Pappas drops out of the race and endorses Larry Hogan, Appointments Secretary under former Governor Bob Ehrlich, for the MD GOP nomination.

Hogan, who is in the race until and unless Ehrlich decides to Drop That Skull and jump in himself, thanks Pappas for the endorsement and praises Pappas for having gotten in the race and building a solid grassroots effort.

In addition, in response to the Christie and McDonnell wins, 2006 Ehrlich campaign manager and all around "Par-Tay activist," Bo Harmon advises Hogan on Facebook to “Get ready. You’re next.”

Oh, yeah! I remember that other question now. It's pretty much...

Well, in the words of one elected official with whom I spoke late Tuesday night, "It's going to be a lot harder for Bob (Ehrlich) to say no (to running for governor in 2010) now. He's been saying for months that New Jersey and Virginia were going to go a long way in helping him decide (whether to run)."

Indeed. As a big part of Keeping the Buzz Alive, the former Loved Gov has been using that line - so much so that I received a number of messages yesterday from Hardcore Ehrlich-ites saying things like "See, NOW he's going to run!"

So, the perception among some very vocal MD GOPers is that Mr. Ehrlich is going to now run for governor in 2010, no ifs, ands or buts. Despite their wishful-thinking sentiments, however, I happened to catch the former governor on WBAL's Ron Smith Show Wednesday afternoon - and wonder how many of them did as well. Smith asked Hamlet what, in the wake of Tuesday's election results, he was going to do. Gotta tell you, even with the Christie and McDonnell wins, Ehrlich sounded reticent. At best.

Despite the fact the most recent Clarus Research Group poll (which shows Governor O'Malley leading Ehrlich 47-40 in a rematch) had O'Malley getting under 50% - which is never good for an incumbent, Ehrlich's reticence leads me to believe two things:

(1) I do not think Ehrlich expected Christie to take out Corzine in New Jersey - and because he's been touting the Christie and McDonnel elections as being being barometers for him, the Christie victory adds increased pressure to make a decision, and:

(2) At this point, the former Gov has no fire for this race. He personally does not want to run, but is considering doing so at the urging of his Echo Chamber and the Cult of Bob types who insist Bob is the "only one" who could beat Martin O'Malley in 2010. Hell even Bob Ehrlich doesn't think he is the only one who could beat Governor O'Malley next year. Don't believe me? Listen to Ehrlich, himself, who said that announced GOP gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan is "one of the few guys in Maryland who could win" against O'Malley. Yes, Mr. Ehrlich said "One of the few."

Regardless, whoever is the eventual MD GOP nominee for governor in 2010, although I expect the anti-government movement to not only continue but pick up steam, it must be stressed that 2009 is not 2010. Additionally, Maryland is most certainly not Virginia as concerns the respective states' political dynamics. For that matter, Maryland isn't New Jersey, Martin O'Malley (Governing Mag's Governor of the Year) is no John Corzine (Are you kidding? Where do you start with THAT guy?), and Bob Ehrlich circa 2009-2010 isn't Chris Christie.

A few weeks ago, I was growing more and more convinced that Mr. Ehrlich was, indeed, going to give it another go. Now, though I still think that he likely will run - with or without his knowledge, there are some hilariously inept attempts out there trying to clear the ground behind the scenes for him - I found the hesitation in both his voice and comments on Ron Smith's show to be instructive as to why he continues the Hamlet act.

And then there is Larry Hogan, who is getting encouragement - and loving it - from many quarters. Unlike the former governor, Hogan is chomping at the bit for a run against O'Malley. And just as Ehrlich is no Christie - Ehrlich has a record to defend - Hogan is no Ehrlich.

Though it's a given that Bob Ehrlich would win any MD GOP primary he enters, maybe Hogan simply needs to say he is in the MD GOP gubernatorial race regardless of what Bob Ehrlich does or doesn't do. It would certainly help battle the whisperings of "seatwarmer," and "mirage" that occasionally still bubble up around Hogan's candidacy.

For the MD GOP, it would be so much better to have Mr. Hogan with fire in his belly than to continue hanging hope on a man who, as of now, appears to not want to run every bit as much as he fears losing if he does.

Scariest Politico Contest (Happy Halloween!)

2009-10-31T18:42:00.005-04:00

I don't know about you, but this Halloween Season - Hell, the whole month of October - has been a terror for your humble host here at Darkness Rising.

There have been an amazing amount of Worms, Cunning Viruses...and Ghosts in the Machine, the machine in question being my laptop. (Shriek!!!)

As a result of this laptop disaster, I've missed some fairly big - and scary - developments, such as the Horror of Democratic Baltimore County Councilman Vince Gardina's Giant Pension, and of Baltimore County GOP Chairman Chris Cavey's departure from the race to be Maryland State GOP Chairman. (Gasp!!!)

As for the former, well, Vince's going to do what Vince is going to do. As for the latter, Cavey's departure leaves the MD GOP with former Ehrlich Cabinet Secretary Audrey Scott running against The Whig Guy, Daniel Vovak. The real horror there awaits the winner of that contest as he or she will then be facing The Gaping MD GOP Deficit. (Groan!!!)

Well, with THAT out of the way, let's get into the more serious stuff. The Scariest Politico Contest, based upon the entries of YOU, our dear readers. (As stated at the time I announced the contest, no names would be attributed to the entries unless the entran's name was included in the body of the email. )

Before listing the top entries, however, I want to make a comment about this guy...

How many horrors are out there, real and imagined, and this guy gets TWO names (one of those being former Governor Ehrlich's Legal Counsel, Jervis Finney) compared to him by two differant entrants. I never realized the Crypt Keeper was that big a deal. Must be a generational thing...

Anyway, with baited breath and an unsual amount of solemnity, onto the Top 6 Entries precisely as written by the entrant (Comments in paranthesis after each entry are mine):

(6) Mike Miller as the human Q-tip. But he wants to clean out more than your ears. (Perhaps the MD Senate President does need to consider dying his hair...)

(5) Joe "Prince of Darkness" Steffen because nothing is scarier then an evil clown, and thats you Steffen! (Though, I'm not sure I qualify as a politician, I am both humbled and honored. I think.)

(4) Roscoe Bartlett: Obviously it all depends on whether you're thinking of whether they are scary because of policy of scary because of looks, but I think Roscoe Bartlett is a contender, especially when it comes to looks, specifically because he's remarkably similar to the crypt keeper. Just a thought! (Just a thought - and a damned good one at that! But, I wonder how Jervis Finney feels about the comparison between the Crypt Keeper and Congressman Bartlett. Hmm...)

(3) Pat McDonough: Just look at him! No one wants to be near him in a stiff breeze to see the flying carpet - Adam Pagnucco. (You mean I'm NOT the only person who realized that Delegate McHairpiece was wearing a hairpiece?!)

2) Bobby Ehrlich: Think about it, Joe. He is playing Fred Gwynne playing Frankenstein as Hermann Munster. Looks scary and formidable, but is really bumbling and hapless. (Scarily funny, no doubt!)

1) Peter Franchot: Scariest would be something unusual and out of the ordinary that instills fear in all those he regularly deals with, so to me the scariest politician is the only honest politician in Annapolis --Peter Franchot. (I love the convoluted logic because it is soooooooooo convincing. Therefore, it is my choice for #1)

And there you have them, Darkness Rising's 6 Scariest Politicos of 2009! Hope they terrified the pants of off you...so to speak. Thanks to all who participated, and to all...one Hell of a Good Halloween!

Carpetbagging in Maryland's 7th

2009-10-08T21:22:00.006-04:00

Yep, that's him: That's thankfully term-out Baltimore County Executive, Democrat Jim Smith, flying overhead.... carpetbagging into Maryland's 7th Legislative District with his eye on the Senate Seat being vacated by State Senator Andy Harris.

So, uhh, when did Maryland's 7th Legislative District become a micro-epicenter of Maryland's political universe?

Yeah, I know caustic battles are being - or are getting ready to be - waged in other MD jurisdictions (see: Chris Shank versus Donald Munson in Washington County, for one), but what's going on in MD 7 is getting to be ridiculous.

According to various reports, lifelong Reisterstown resident Jim Smith is uprooting his roots and setting down new carpetbagged roots in Cockeysville so, he can "stay involved in public service."

MmmHmmm. Carpetbagging under the name of public service - or to simply remain in the ego-feeding limelight - is still carpetbagging.

And then there is all the talk about Iconic former 8th District Delegate and Maryland Insurance Administration Commissioner under Bob Ehrlich, Republican Al Redmer, running for State Senate in the 7th. The 7th?! Toying with running either for Congress in the 1st District against Andy Harris in the GOP primary for the right to take on CongressWaffler Frank Kratovil, 8th District legend Redmer has apparently opted to run for State Senate in the 7th (the 7th!?).

Look, Al Redmer's a friend...but I must say - running from what he once described as his 7th District "summer home" takes some gumption. Further, he's so into his as of yet unannounced candidacy that he's already - today - telling people that he's the only Republican who can beat carpetbagger Jim Smith.

(Here come the Carpetbaggers...flying into Maryland's 7th Legislative District to stake claim to what's rightfully not theirs.)

It's funny, but I have to think one of the reasons Smith is carpetbagging into the 7th is for the sole purpose of taking on Redmer, should Redmer actually give this race a go. These two guys do not like one another - and Smith would probably love a repeat of the Hurricane Isabel related dance they did back in 2004.

The other reason I think Smith is alighting his magic carpetbag in the 7th is that he'd like nothing more than to turn that district into a sort of cold war scenario between Governor O'Malley and former Governor Hamlet Ehrlich (whom I do think is running - more on that in a few days) with the eventual GOP nominee.

What Smith apparently forgets, however, is that approximately 40 percent of that district is Harford County - and in Harford County they give less of a damn about how badly he's screwed Baltimore County than do Baltimore Countians.

Okay, so what about the (prospective) candidates for the State Senate seat that do actually live - and/or have actually lived - in the Seventh District for longer than it takes me to finish this sentence?

Well, there is that guy Vince Gardina, of course. But don't make me laugh. Please. Seriously, I can't handle laughing right now. Sore throat, you understand.

One name not yet mentioned publicly, but who is planning to run is Ken Holt, a former GOP Delegate in the 1990's, who lost a 6th District Senate race to - what the Hell was his name? Oh yeah, Senator Mike Collins. Yeah, barring a sudden change of plans, sources tell me that Holt - someone else I've always considered a friend - is in the race to replace Harris.

And then, of course, there is the one officially announced candidate, current GOP Delegate J.B. Jennings, someone else I consider a friend. Jennings, who has actually lived in the 7th Legislative District his entire life, is actually running for Senate rather than merely playing coy and toying with the idea. Jennings has, in fact, already filed his paperwork for the race.

"I'm running," Jennings told me today. "Everybody else is just prospecting."

Or will be once they learn the lay of the land in Maryland's 7th.

Interestingly enough, the only candidate who's actually announced, filed - and who has former Governor Ehrlich speaking at a fundraiser for him later this month - is the only candidate with anything on the line.

"I'm the only one who has anything to lose," said Jennings, who is giving up his safe seat in the House of Delegates as a result of making the race for Senate. "But someone had to actually make the run for Senate and not just play games."

Now, I wonder what the voters of Maryland's 7th District think of having a non-carpetbagger who's actually represented them for eight years running to represent them again? Considering all the chaos descending on them in the names of the sudden "at home" agents of Carpetbaggery, they must be both shocked and pleased.

Regardless, Maryland's 7th District promises to be a most entertaining venue for 2010. If nothing else, it may be time to take the carpet(baggers) to the cleaners.

Spin This!

2009-10-03T00:52:00.008-04:00

The Associated Press reported Friday that Maryland Governor, Martin O'Malley, is one of eight officials who will in November be named one of eight public officials of the year for 2009 by Governing Magazine.

Say what?

How in the Hell is the MD GOP - and it's not like they don't have enough concerns as it is - going to spin THAT come 2010? Aren't the behind the scenes operatives already attacking O'Malley as being an incompetent liberal? Of course they are (A shout out here to The Baltimore Sun Talk Forum's Yellow Timbers!).

Well, I somehow doubt even Governor O'Malley would argue with being called a liberal. And, since Maryland is a decidedly liberal state, that doesn't hurt him much, if at all. But how does the MD GOP make a credible argument that O'Malley is an incompetent when he is deemed one of the top Officals of the Year by a magazine that claims to be non-partisan and all about good governance?

Well, having my own doubts about Governing's non-partisan status, I did a little research of my own and found that one of their past awards went, in 2000, to former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening. That means two of Maryland's past three Governors - and both being liberal Democrats - were bestowed with the title of "Public Official of the Year."

Aha! Got them - damned leftist propagandists! Governing Magazine is nothing other than a tool to prop up the nut-case iberals amongst us! Right?

Well...uhh, no. Not so much.

Not if you consider last year's Governor tabbed as one of the top Public Officials. And certainly not if you consider Governing Magazine's Governor choice for 2006.

See, the liberal O'Malley may be getting the award for 2009, but the mag's 2008 gubernatorial choice was none other than noted "liberal" Mitch Daniels: The same Mitch Daniels who is the moderately conservative Republican Governor of Indiana. The same Mitch Daniels who was once the OMB Director for that noted "leftwing" president, George W. "Have a Drink on Me" Bush.

As for 2006, Governing Magazine's "Governor" of the Year was none other than "radical leftist" Governor Haley Barbour of MS. Yeah, that's right - the same Haley Barbour who was once a political point man for "whacko lib" president, Ronald Reagan.

(Governing Magazine's 2006 Public Official of the Year, Governor category, Haley Barbour, shakes hands with President George W. Bush, the one time boss of the mag's 2008 Governor category choice for Public Official of the Year, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. Damned incompetent liberals! They're everywhere and they're winning all these damned awards....!)

So, again, what does the MD GOP do to counter this award? Granted, many Marylanders are unhappy, and will vote against O'Malley to show their displeasure. But then, many Americans are unhappy, too - but most of them aren't in states as Blue as Maryland, a state in which O'Malley can more easily survive "automatic" protest votes.

Now, O'Malley isn't going to argue much with the "liberal" tag that the MD GOP will try to stick him with. But the thunder of the "incompetent" tag is about to be stolen from them. Hell, Maryland Republicans can't even really attack Governing Magazine itself for tabbing O'Malley as a Public Official for the Year, 2009 - because, by doing so, they are also attacking the mag's choices of Mitch Daniels and Haley Barbour in previous years.

So, go ahead: Call O'Malley a lib. He is. Call him incompetent if you want, but a truly non-partisan source is prepping to say he is anything but. In fact, they're about to name him as one of the top Public Officials of the Year for 2009.

Good luck spinning that.

No matter who the Party's gubernatorial candidate may eventually be, a long, hard road for Maryland Republicans looking to oust Governor O'Malley in 2010 just got a little longer and a little harder.

And it's not even 2010 yet.

Who's the Scariest Politician of Them All (2009)?

2009-10-01T23:00:00.006-04:00

In 2005, the Baltimore City Paper put out an issue featuring my smiling face as one of a number of "Halloween Masks" for that year. I think they called me "Igor" or something like that. (Igor? Oh, the indignity!)

Whatever, it was funny as Hell and I've still got my copy of the damned thing lying around somewhere. More importantly as concerns the present moment, it fostered in my head the diabolical idea of doing something for the wondrous season of Tricking or Treating.

Though not putting the (in)famous on makeshift paper masks, we at Darkness Rising have nonetheless decided to entertain ourselves by indulging in a little Halloween creativity - creativity featuring you, our much beloved and cherished readers.

Can you say "Scariest Politician Halloween Contest?"

Of course, you can.

Here's the deal, my fellow goblins...

Email me with your choice for scariest Maryland and/or national political figure - and why you've chosen that particular politico for such a dishonor. For instance:

Is your choice for scariest politician Governor O'Malley for the manner in which he ravenously feed at the public throat?

Is it the Ghost of former Governor Ehrlich, because he just won't stop haunting the damned place?

Maybe it's Delegate Rick Impallaria for his hideous mutilation of...the English language.

Or...maybe it's Doctor Barack "Death Panels" Obama for his desired slaughter of our Health Care system.

You get the idea.

(You Reap what you Sow, so Start Sowing. Don't hide your Darkness under a bushel or SHE may be coming for you. Hmmm...on second thought....NO! Enter the contest!)

Contest Rules:

Though you are more than welcome to comment on the blog, contest entries must be emailed to me at wheretheywander@hotmail.com by October 27th, 2009.

I will list the top 5 to 10 entries, depending on the number of entries received.

No names will be mentioned for a given entry unless specifically requested and verified by the entrant.

As always, no threats of violence or gratuitous obscenity will be allowed.

Hey, it's almost Halloween - celebrate by (metaphorically) driving a stake through the heart of the one you choose as "Scariest Political Figure 2009."

Indulge YOUR Darkside - and enter the Contest of the Damned!

Shanked!

2009-09-28T23:04:00.006-04:00

In golfing terminology, a "shank" is a shot that veers off wildly - usually to the right. With that in mind, there is going to be a GOP primary in Western Maryland. And it promises to be delicious.

Neil Parrot, a conservative activist Republican who has been a key organizer of tea parties opposing ObamaCare and tax increases is scheduled to formally announce next Monday that he is gunning for the Maryland House seat currently occupied by fellow conservative Republican Chris Shank.

Now, why would Parrott be going after Shank, a fellow Brother-in-Rightwing-Arms when he could continue being an impact player as an activist and organizer?

In fact, according to The Herald-Mail of May 30, 2009, Parrott said, "I'm not going to run against Chris Shank. I'm very happy with the conservative values he brings to this district." Parrott added that he would "reevaluate" his political options if Shank went after State Senator Donald Munson.

Well, given Parrott's announcement that he is planning to run for Shank's seat, one of two things is about to be proven true: Either Neil Parrott was lying when he said he wouldn't run against Shank...or the much hinted at challenge Delegate Shank was said to be mounting against 2nd District Senator Munson is about to take place.

(Ask not for whom the bell tolls, Senator Munson...that damned tone has your name ringing all over it.)

Senator Don Munson has often been described as a "moderate Republican." While some may consider that a complimentary phrase, to many in the MD GOP, he works way too often - and in far too cozy a manner - with the Democrats.

What seems to really infuriate the people with whom I've spoken in and around his district is that Munson is in a seat where he has no need to mollify the Democratic Imperial Heirarchy in order to get re-elected. In fact, his cuddling up with the Dems is precisely what has led to the challenge he is likely to face from Chris Shank.

So, why does Munson do it, play overly nice with the Democrats? What the Hell? I guess his true political colors are shining through, and that's fine...other than the fact they just may cost him re-election.

Expect a Shank/Munson primary, with Shank and Parrott teaming up when it benefits them both, if not simply just teaming up for the duration.

Regardless, however this one turns out, it's going to be a grand spectacle to watch. Unless, of course, Senator Munson does something totally unexpected.

Like retire before he chances getting his ass handed to him. Yeah, I don't think so either.

Hogan's Run

2009-09-24T20:29:00.004-04:00

Well, former Ehrlich Cabinet Secretary Larry Hogan's "testing the waters" entrance into the MD GOP gubernatorial primary certainly came at an opportune time.

In fact, the timing and tone of Hogan's announcement that he has launhed an exploratory committee must seem positively euphoric to many in the GOP, considering the results of the Gonzales poll released this week - and oddly soon after Hogan's announcement.

That particular poll showed, should the election be held today, Governor O'Malley leading former Governor Hamlet 49-38 percent with 13 percent undecided.

Extrapolate those numbers and you have a 54-46 O'Malley victory over the as of yet undeclared Bob Ehrlich.

And, yes, despite the murmerings of the poll having "oversampled Democrats," and Ace Rhetoric Guy - but apparently NOT an expert poll reader - Richard Vatz's column in The Baltimore Sun complaining about the lack of "intensity" of support questions, the poll is legit as these polls go.

In other words, while true the Ehrlich camp has done what it can (or at least thinks it has) to "Keep the Buzz Alive," that old adage is true: The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Okay, with that now as the overall picture, Larry Hogan' Hogan for Maryland Exploratory Committee has started raising money. And, among Maryland Republicans and some Independents, I do believe that raising money is something Hogan will be able to do. Hell, the guy came within an eyelash of taking out Steny Hoyer in 1992, and then there is his family pedigree. The Hogan name does carry weight.

And serious money, of course, will need to be raised for two basic reasons:

(1) Despite the Governor's missteps and the upcoming budget disaster, it's going to take a ton of money to have any shot at taking out O'Malley in 2010

(2) If the GOP gubernatorial nominee has money to spend running against O'Malley, it forces O'Malley to spend money in his own race...rather than use it to carpet bomb the state on behalf of fellow Democrats in the legislative races.

But one reason other than money that Hogan's entry into the race is good for the MD GOP is the fact his entrance now gives Maryland Republicans three distinct choices, those being the traditional GOP voice in Larry Hogan, the outsider voice in Mike Pappas, and the...the...that guy who I think wants to raise money for his re-election to the House of Delegates by claiming he's testing the waters for governor, 7th District Delegate Pat McDonough.

(And, they're off! Hogan, Pappas, McDonough...try to out-trunk one another for the lead! Oh, look! That last guy dropped a hairpiece....)

Point being, with those three in the race it's not like Maryland Republicans are now hurting for choices and voices. In fact, if all three men stay in the race, though it would drain money to go after the Democrats in 2010, it could prove to be quite a feisty primary - one that could help decide the future direction of the MD GOP. And, damn, if the MD GOP doesn't need a direction! Now.

Still, I gotta say there is one aspect of the Hogan announcement that a number of folks I've spoken with find troubling - and that is his disclaimer that he will step aside if Bob Ehrlich does decide to stop staring at that damned skull and eventually grace the political campaign universe with his presence.

I guess you could make the claim (which I have) that Pappas has a brass set of...nerve, and that Hogan has great loyalty to his friend, Bob Ehrlich. That's all well and good for Hogan, except for the fact that it is costing him credibility points with some of the GOP faithful.

Since Hogan announced his waters testing, I've heard ad nauseum and ad infinitum from folks that they believe Larry Hogan is merely serving as a stalking horse for Bob Ehrlich - in other words, Hogan as Ehrlich's placeholder - continuing to strangle the MD GOP money trickle completely until Ehrlich gets in the race.

Though he is without doubt causing excitement and renewed vigor within the MD GOP, THAT is an impression Larry Hogan is going to have to overcome. Knowing this, I asked Hogan directly whether he was merely serving as a stalking horse for Bob Ehrlich. His answer was short and delightfully succinct:

"I am in it to win it."

Okay, then! That being the case, can Maryland Republicans honestly say there is any longer a need for Mr. Ehrlich to get in the race? In an odd way, the impact of that waiting game is now over, or at least it should be. Being rendered obsolete can come about in the damndest ways, can't it?

Regardless, with Larry Hogan now being the odds on favorite, the MD GOP potentially has either a killer primary on its hands - unless, of course, Pat McDonough is actually Ehrlich's stalking horse - or a name candidate that's not making them wait or beg.

Either way, it's certainly a reason for the MD GOP to celebrate.

Pelura Caves: Let the Fun Begin

2009-09-16T22:55:00.008-04:00

It was in a tersely worded announcement (released at 10:14 PM on September 14, 2009) that Jim Pelura submitted his resignation as Chairman of the MD GOP effective November 14, 2009.

So, coming a few months after suffering a humiliating vote of no confidence, and less than one month after saying he would not bow out, Jim Pelura performs his greatest act as Chairman of the MD GOP and does, indeed, resign.

Once a favorite of former Governor Bob Ehrlich, as many in the MD GOP cheer...or is it jeer - Hell it all sounds the same at that depth - Mr. Pelura will now prepare for his swan dive into oblivion.

(Well, technically the chair is not vacant…or at least not any more vacant than it’s been since Pelura first became chairman…well, actually it’s LESS vacant than it has been during Pelura’s chairmanship because now First Vice Chairman Chris Cavey take over – at least for a few months.)

Yes, MD GOP 1st Vice Chairman takes over the Party Chair until November 14, during which time he gets to grease the transition process – for what? Perhaps a more permanent Cavey Chairmanship?

That’s tough to say at this point. At least Cavey isn’t saying. Not to me, anyway.

But, as could be expected Cavey’s name has been bounced around quite a bit in the last few days. Of course, so have a few others, including:

Former MD State Delegate and Maryland Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer and relentless self promoter, Daniel “The Whig Man” Vovak, whose main claims to fame appears to be his occasional donning of a white wig when giving speeches and being passed over in favor of Alan Keyes for the right to get annihilated by now President Barack Obama in an Illinois US Senate race.

As concerns Vovak, well, he really wants the job – so much so that he reports he has already spoken to both Ellen Sauerbrey (whose name, the Washington Post reports, has also been floated as a possible candidate for MD GOP Chair) and Montgomery County Chairman Mark Uncapher, who is boss man of the nominating committee. Vovak has also requested to talk with Cavey, but I am unaware if that conversation has taken place.

As concerns Al Redmer, well, he doesn’t want the job in the least – having reiterated that he has committed to seek elective office, though which elective office he still won't say. (Psst - Hey, Al - Washington DC is beautiful in the spring...)

And that leaves Chris Cavey. At least for now.

Though other names likely will surface as contenders for the MD GOP chairmanship, I believe the party will serve itself well if it does elect Chris Cavey Party Chair. As anyone who knows him will attest, Cavey is an excellent organizer, relentless campaigner, and won't play nice just for the sake of playing nice. While I won’t go as far as to say he led the revolt against Pelura, he certainly filleted him in previous quotes and greased THAT transition.

This, of course, means that Cavey has built-in enemies going into the nomination process, which ain't necessarily a bad thing. The MD GOP needs to be shaken and shaken hard if it is to have any success in the relatively near future and, after all, a man with built-in enemies has “shaken and shaken hard” to get to that point.

As an aside, Chris Cavey announced on Facebook tonight that he was at Goucher College waiting to hear Karl Rove speak. Considering Jim Pelura’s sudden resignation and all that led to it, I have to wonder if perhaps it isn't Mr. Rove who can learn a thing or two from Mr. Cavey.

Just wonderin’.

POD Hall of Fame Induction #7

2009-09-09T20:25:00.008-04:00

Yeah, I know....it's been awhile. Yada, yada yada.

Nonetheless, this one is SUCH a gimme. What is this one, you ask? Why, this one is the induction of our 7th member of the Prince of Darkness Hall of Fame! And a truly worthy induction it is at that!

Until recently, our 7th inductee was considered quite a milquetoast career politician, one of those guys you've never really heard of...but, when his name was mentioned, you kinda thought maybe you should have heard of him. Prior to his recent "police escort," this guy was quietly "serving" in his second term in the House Representative from the 11th Districit in Baltimore County.

Then all Hell broke loose, at least enough did, I'm sure, to shake his lethargy from sonombulating as the Chairman of the Election Law subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Of this new inductee, as quoted by the Baltimore Sun, Democratic Delegate Curt Anderson said, "How in the world did he get something like that? If I wanted to do this myself, I wouldn’t have the first clue as to how to get that accomplished. This is totally astonishing that a state delegate, especially one from Baltimore County, could commandeer the forces of the Baltimore City Police Department like that. It’s a big waste of the city’s money if that actually happened.”

What did this guy do? In what way did he commandeer Baltimore City's Police Department (and it's not as if they don't have anything better to do, right?) Why, he asked his girlfriend to marry him: On a boat, during a proposal that featured Special Guest Appearances of a police helicopter and assorted police officers.

This is also the man of whom Delegate Curt Anderson said on WBAL's C4 show last week, “(He) never came forward and said, ‘I did this and that’s how it happened,’ That’s the way you take responsibility — not apologize after the fact and write a $300 check.”

I am, of course, referring to the incomparable Delegate Jon Cardin (D-Proposal FUBAR) - whose apparent banality can only be equaled by his breathtakingly moronic sensibilities.

You know, in proposing to the future Mrs. Cardin and keeping the uproar to a bare minumum, Delegate Cardin should have proposed in a manner a bit more dignified and far less diabolically stupid, say something like this:

On his website, without offering any detail as to how he set things up with the Police, Cardin has apologized in a letter to his constituents for "errors in judgment." MmmmHmmm. For those unaware, Delegate Cardin has also paid $300 to cover the costs of the Cop Surprise Party, helicopter fuel, etc. MmmmHmmm.

To Cardin, this whole embarrassment is now over. In fact, in a September 1st interview, Cardin told Patuxtent Publishing's Political Editor Bryan Sears, "“I’ve apologized. I’ve reimbursed. That’s it. Done.”

Ahhh...not quite, Delegate Cardin.

For his immense lack of sensitivity and elitism in these ridiculously strenuous times as concerns both the economy and Baltimore's crime situation, let us welcome that unthinking and rightfully humiliated delegate, Jon S. Cardin, as the 7th Inductee into the Prince of Darkness Hall of Fame! May you share this fitting tribute with future generations as they decide whether to go the Cop Route or to call in various Fire Departments for their respective marriage proposals.

Welcome, Delegate Cardin. Uncle Ben must be so proud!

Labor(less) Day

2009-09-07T18:25:00.005-04:00

As the Labor Day weekend stumbles to its end this year, I have to ask: When it comes to “labor,” what the Hell is there to celebrate?

The economy is floating in the toilet. Politicians and those who “know best” are yammering on about a “jobless recovery,” and various segments of the media insist on telling us to ignore our own eyes, experiences, thoughts and concerns because, well, the outlook ain’t really all that bad. “They” say things are improving – so they MUST be! Right?

Bullshit.

The official unemployment rate has ballooned to just under 10% (and it's not topped out yet), lending institutions aren’t lending, thanks to bailouts by both former President George W. Bush and GM CEO and Chief Doctor Wanna Be Obama, cars are being built that few will (or can afford to) buy, Obama’s stimulus plan has generated nothing other than a few more generations of debt (government spending NOT working – say it isn’t so!), the dollar is getting creamed and, so, the downward swirl threatens to continue unabated.

Things are so bad, in fact, that at the Tawes crab feast earlier this year, Annapolis lobbyist extraordinaire, Bruce Bereano, told me the economy is even affecting him. (Shock! Horror!) Even those who ply the “nudge and wink” trade are hurting, therefore you know it must be bad because those are the types who are usually last hit by bad economic news, if ever.

(This labor day, the one thing working the hardest appears to be the unemployment rate. It just keeps climbing and climbing)

In the 1980’s, the term “Enterprise Zones” had a fair amount of cachet. Without going into mind numbing details, the basic idea was to take any geographic area that was hurting economically and transform it through tax cuts and other “allowances” into an “Enterprise Zone” – as a means of spurring growth and creating jobs.

To paraphrase former Congressman Phil Crane (R-Ill), it’s way past time to make this entire country an “Enterprise Zone.” Still, the hole in which we currently find ourselves in is so deep, a national Enterprise Zone, or take it even further - pure capitalism set free - would take a while to set pull us up and out.

Lastly, as for the all those usual Labor Day events - cookouts, last-of-summer parties, what have you - I can only think that for those who have been unsuccessfully looking for work, the only Labor Day “Event” on their respective minds is landing that elusive job, or nailing that contract, or getting that loan to start their own business.

Good luck, and here’s to you! Happy Labor Day.

An Open Letter to Bob Ehrlich

2009-08-21T18:40:00.005-04:00

Dear Bob,

Somewhere, right now, despite all the woes Maryland is currently facing, Governor Martin O’Malley is laughing his ass off.

To tell you the truth, Bob, so is almost everyone in Maryland who is interested in politics, issues, and campaigns.

What are they laughing at, you may ask from within your protective bubble?

You, Bob. They are laughing at you. Not with you as you opine on the Kendel and Bob Show most Saturdays, but at you. In particular, they are laughing at your reticence in making up your mind regarding whether you are going to run in the MD GOP primary for Governor in 2010.

Worse than the laughter of these people, though, is their genuine – and growing – disgust with you for doing nothing other than pointing your finger at Nero, who is fiddling, while Rome burns.

I hear it every day, Bob. Every. Single. Day.

These folks are disgusted because they want you to make up your mind about whether you are running for Governor in 2010 – and state it plainly for all in the MD GOP to hear.

Run, or don’t run. Most of the GOP regulars I talk with don’t much care one way or the other whether you run. They just think you owe it to the party to make, and state, your decision. Look, I know you are interested in "keeping the buzz alive," but the only "buzz" anyone is hearing is that of the flies in the political graveyard.

I hear it every day, Bob. Every. Single. Day.

Why, you may ask, is it important for you to state definitively – one way or the other – whether you are going to run for Governor when Mike Pappas has already announced his candidacy? Hey, it’s not like the MD GOP won’t have a candidate if you don’t run, right?!

It’s important that you plainly state your plans because too many folks are hedging their bets that you may run…and, therefore, aren’t donating much needed early money to the Pappas campaign, that’s why.

What are you going to tell these folks if a millennia or so from now you decide you’re not running after all – and by then it’s too late to help Pappas in any meaningful way? To paraphrase “Animal House’s” Otter, “You fucked up. You trusted us.” Is that what you’ll tell the very people who helped land you in the State House?

Of course, at this point, as concerns (potential) candidates for the GOP nod for governor in 2010, this goes beyond the Mike Pappas campaign.

Within the past week or so, both Delegate Pat McDonough (R-Hairpiece) and your very own former Secretary of Appointments, Larry Hogan, have expressed an interest in running. Whereas McDonough announced he is officially “testing the waters,” as reported by the Washington Post, Hogan is telling people he may run if you don’t get in the race.

So, now you’re reticence is not only blocking Pappas from raising much needed funds, it is keeping your own friend and former Cabinet Secretary, Larry Hogan on hold - and staving off a definite run by Delegate McDonough (which, granted, concerning the latter, may not be that bad a thing).

Can you really not see how badly your fence-sitting Hamlet routine is hurting the very party that once made you a star? Can you really not see that? This is no way to build a party, Bob. If you're not running, say so - and let a feisty three (or more) way battle once again excite the MD GOP faithful: THAT will help build the party.

This past week, speaking on your (as opposed to Kendel or your father's) behalf Henry Fawell, told the AP that "The football player still runs in his (your) veins. He loves to compete. He loves to win, but he also doesn't run fools' errands."

Of course you love to win, Bob - we all do - but do you really consider running for governor in 2010 against the man who beat you a “fools’ errand” unless you are guaranteed to win? I would think the football player in you knows that, in competition (as opposed to a coronation) there are no guarantees.

Bob, I reiterate: Where you are concerned, the grassroots is torn between laughter and disgust.

I hear it every single day, Bob. Every. Single. Day.

The party that bled for you when the bleeding was good really would like an answer as to what your plans are for 2010. Although Fawell told the AP that you are “comfortable” playing the waiting game and “taking the temperature in the state,” the MD GOP faithful is anything but comfortable waiting for Godot. Or Hamlet. Or whatever.

You do care about what the MD GOP grassroots, money folks, and die-hards think and feel, don’t you Bob? You do want to rebuild the Maryland Republican party...or, at least, let it rebuild itself, don't you?

Of course you do – wait, unless…you think this is isn't about the MD GOP or the future of the state of Maryland...but that it's really only all about you...

You're not playing this waiting game and refusing to state your intentions because you think its really only all about you...are you, Bob?

Are you?

All the best to you and the family, Bob. I do hope everyone is well.

Raising Hell(th)

2009-08-12T23:19:00.009-04:00

This past Tuesday, the Campaign for Liberty, Harford County Maryland Chapter, tossed a protest outside the Bel Air office of Congressman Frank Kratovil (D-1). This soiree, which came a day after Senator Ben Cardin's Health Care fiasco at Towson University, kicked off at 4PM and was slated to end two hours later.

Though I can't vouch for the exact start and finish time, having arrived at fifteen minutes after the Horn-Blowing-A-Thon began and making my exit fifteen minutes prior to its scheduled end, I can tell you this much: These protesters meant business - although it seems, the protesters and the "politely staying close to the door" staffers from Kratovil's office differed on what the protest was all about.

For clarity's sake, I am going to pretty much split this long posting into three parts: General observations, Humorous observations, and then what each side had to say about what the Hell was actually going on.

General observations:

By my estimate, about 255 protesters were present, holding signs, trying to not die of heat stroke, and venting their respective spleens. Of the 255 or so protesters, 250 were of the anti-Kratovil, anti-Obama Socialized Medicine variety. There were 5 or so youngsters in their late teens/early twenties present who were openly mocking the anti-Kratovil protester. I say this because these five, four guys and a gal, were holding up a slew of handmade signs which, among other sayings, variously read:

"I Like Cheese," "Nixon in 2012: Just Kidding," "Why are We Yelling?" "Why Didn't My Mother Love Me?," and "Anyone up for Scrabble?" One of these male protester-protesters at one point even shouted out "Play Freebird!" It was mildly amusing, yes, but also wholly ineffective to the hordes of drivers cruising by and blowing their horns in support of the 250 others who were actually protesting the escalating leftwing assault on America.

Of course, almost every one of these anti-Kratovil protesters were also holding signs, the vast majority of which were professionally made - black lettering on yellow background, reading: "No Obama Care: No Socialized Medicine."

Others of the the anti-Kratovil/anti-Obama crowd held handmade signs bearing such slogans as, "Kratovil: You work for Us," "Union Member Against ObamaCare," "No to Cap and Trade, Yes to Free Markets," and "ObamaCare Equals Slavery." In addition, approximately 5 folks were toting flags bearing the slogan "Don't Tread on Me."

Unfortunately for everyone concerned, a late 30's couple arrived around 5PM and roamed the crowd bearing professionally produced signs featuring a pic of President Obama sporting a Hitler mustache. Beneath the pic was the subtle slogan, "Obama's Health Care Plan: Drop Dead." Close inspection of the sign, however, showed that these idiots were not associated with anyone other than that nutcase, and one time perenniel Democratic and Labor Party presidential candidate, Lyndon LaRouche. Of course, even the fruit loops have First Amendment Rights...but this really doesn't help the cause of the conservatives. libertarians, and constitutionalists.

Also unfortunate was the instance in which a man in his 20's bearing an anti-ObamaCare sign stepped on a few of the signs the female protester-protester had laid on the street - just as she was bending to pick them up. This caused her signs, as nonsensical as they were, to bend in the middle, making them useless for the rest of the protest. This happened two feet in front of me, and was most certainly done on purpose and to intimidate. Most uncalled for and, again, not something that helps the protesters' cause.

As for the effect the protesters had on passersby, well, it was impressive - at least if such things can be measured by the number of blowing horns and people shouting out support from inside their cars. Between that and the crowd occasionally breaking into chants of such things as "No Obama Care" and "Kratovil's a Coward (for not being present)," they pretty much got their message across.

Humorous observations:

You knew there had to be some, and one of the most humorous of all was - looking as dapper as ever - "Ziggy" incessantly circling the block in his "Bring Back Ehrlich" truck. As always, the truck was complete with trailer carrying the billboard featuring a smiling Governor O'Malley lifting a few dollars out of a wallet and the slogan, "Welcome to Maryland: What's in Your Wallet?"

Now, what made Ziggy's "Bring Back Ehrlich" efforts especially humorous was that he was racing around the block with music blaring and occasionally speaking over a loudspeaker. What this accomplished on more than one occasion was to make it pretty much impossible to hear what various speakers were trying to impart to the crowd via their own loudspeaker. So, as a result of Ziggy's high decibel meanderings - or perhaps as a result of a benevolent God - I was, for the most part, unable to hear Republican Delegate Rick Impallaria mangle the English language for more than a moment as he spoke. While I may have appreciated that, I can't speak for others in the crowd.

Also humorous, and again involving Ziggy, was Ziggy's insistence on getting the attention of the Maryland Chapter of Americans for Prosperity Director, GOP Young Turk and one time "Sign Boy," David "Sloopy" Schwartz. Sitting at a red light in front of Kratovil's office, Ziggy got on his loudspeaker and loudly called out "Dave! Dave!" Though it took a moment for Schwartz to notice and respond to Ziggy's call, a number of people heard it and glanced around in abject confusion. Guess you had to be there...

However, the funniest sight I observed the entire time was that of an elderly, white haired, woman in conservative dress standing on the top step leading into Kratovil's office. What made her funny? You mean besides the fact she was proudly holding a home made sign above her head which read, simply, "Led Zeppelin Rocks!"

And that gets us to most ironic "humor" of the day. Those 5 protester-protesters who were holding the other nonsensical signs? Well, at around 5:20 they entered Kratovil's office, not to step back out for the rest of the time I was around. Before going in, they leaned their collection of signs against the steps leading into the office. Do the math. (Pssst, next time, don't be so obvious. You punked yourself. It still doesn't excuse the sign-standing incident that occured earlier, though.)

(Doing the Hand Jive: Frank Gets Down with Obama! At least he does according to the Campaign for Liberty)

What each side said about what was actually going on:

Now, before I get into this, please know that I am opposed to any manner of Socialzed Medicine (including Medicare/Medicaid, but that's a different story altogether). And don't even start me on Cap and Trade and the Stimulus Package. Sheesh! That being said, here's what reps of the respective sides at the protest had to say.

Let's start with Kevin Lawler, press spokesman for Congressman Kratovil, the latter of which was in the Middle East on a "fact finding" mission. Wonder if he thought that was safer than dealing with protesters outside his own front door? Whatever...

When I asked Lawler what he thought of the protest, he said that the people protesting seemed to be protesting Obama's health care bill, "HR 3200, which the Congressman is opposed to." When I pressed him about the protesters themselves, he blithely replied "They have no interest in hearing anyone speak (meaning him). They are more interested in hearing people blowing their horns."

Okay.

Later, I asked Jeremy Walker, Campaign for Liberty, Harford County MD Coordinator, what he thought of Lawler's statement that Kratovil opposed "ObamaCare." Walker insisted that Kratovil favored the bill or was, at the very least, talking out of both sides of his mouth on this issue.

"He gave us the typical runaround that any politicians gives. He tells the audience what they want to hear." In previous discussions (which Jeremy Walker has on video) Kratovil said "The way it stands now, I would've voted against it." Yet...from a Fox-45 video, Kratovil says "If it deals with the issue of rising cost, I might support it." According to Walker, in Forest Hill (MD) "He says that if Democrats and Republicans can agree on good things in the bill then he won't rule it out if it makes the system better."

Lastly, Walker states that Kratovil "clearly fails to mention that socialized medicine is unconstitutional. When asked about the constitutionality of the bill he wouldn't answer the question." For the record, I agree wholeheartedly with Campaign for Liberty's Walker on that point: If it ain't constitutional, don't vote for it.

And, to Kratovil spokesman Lawler's contention that the rally was only about healthcare, Walker had this to say: The rally "was to hold Kratovil responsible for voting for both the Stimulus Package and Cap & Trade, as well as to let him know his constituents do not support socialized medicine. He needed the reminder that he works for us."

I'm sure he did need that reminder. They ALL do. Moreover, as concerns Congressman Kratovil specifically, it would at least serve his interest to know exactly why his constituents were protesting. Judging from what I saw, he - or at least his staff - really didn't know.

Lastly, while the youth brigade holding the nonsense signs were mildy amusing, it also shows a disdain for the very real feelings of very real protesters - which is their right to show. However, and gain, this brigade disappeared into Kratovil's office for an extended period of time. If they were strutting their stuff on the Congressman's behalf at the behest of the Congressman's staff...well Mr. Kratovil should learn to take his constitutents and their concerns a little more seriously and not so openly mock them.

But, hey, it's his election to lose in 2010, and such sophmoric moves will pretty much guarantee that will be the result - at least it will be if the GOP nominates the right opponent.

Welcome to Miller Time

2009-08-09T11:08:00.008-04:00

Contrary to what many folks might think, I do not have a vitriolic, personal, dislike of Maryland Senate President, Thomas V. Mike Miller (D-27).

And before any of the Republicans reading this blog blow a gasket at my apostasy, do keep in mind that even the Ehrlichs - whom Mike Miller steamrolled with alarming regularity during former Governor Bob Ehrlich's term - had the Senate President on the "Kendel and Bob Show" on WBAL radio.

Still, from personal experience, I found Mike Miller to be both engaging and gracious. Case in point: In 2006, the year of my "oathing," I crashed his Sine Die party. He saw me, I approached him, we shook hands and chatted for a good 10 minutes. In fact, he said I should call him if I needed assistance. He also later told the Washington Post that I was instantly "disarming"...which proves he is also very perceptive. ;)

Moreover, in many ways, I think Mike Miller may just be the smartest current elected official in the state of Maryland. Problem is, of course, he's used his smarts to help turn Maryland into a laughstock of ridiculous leftwing-ism. Adding insult to injury, Mike Miller has reneged on his stated retirement.

Mike Miller shouldn't promise he's going to retire unless he means it. That is beyond Gitmo level torture. I say that not on a personal level at all (see above), but on a political level.

Further, if Mike Miller is as smart as I think he is - and since he's decided not to retire - he must know, or will soon realize, that he's got a Lion coming after him.

Mike Miller, meet Ron Miller...the man who is coming to take away your Senate Seat:

(Miller Time! Pull up a stool and grab a beer. This fight's going to get good...)

The differences between the two Millers are as stark as it is sweltering as I write this.

Consider: Mike Miller has been in office for over 38 years. 38 years...thus proving, as he has resided over Maryland's continuing and escalating collapse, my adage that experience eventually turns into nothing other than age.

Republican Ron Miller, on the other hand, is a private citizen who's daring to make a change. A USAF veteran and information technology consultant in the area of homeland security, Ron Miller is a keeper of the faith who terms himself "Christian without reservation or compromise and conservative without apologies." Whether any of us are or aren't the same, all sides can at the very least appreciate the level of honesty and conviction.

Consider: Mike Miller regularly supports the typical (and expanding) leftist agenda that keeps minorities down and "in their place" by tossing all kinds of unearned "entitlements" their way...thus succeeding in both blowing up the budget AND helping to run taxpayers out of state.

Ron Miller, on the other hand (quoting him directly), "writes extensively about identity politics and the repercussions of placing race above values, emphasizing the harmful effects of liberal policies on the black community." Yeah, Ron Miller's a black guy who really knows the deal - and is not afraid to shout it from the rooftops.

While tis true, I could make comparisons between Ron Miller and Mike Miller pretty much until Election Day 2010 actually arrived, I will instead simply pass on what Ron told me were his views on Mike Miller:

"He can't dodge his responsibility for enacting policies that have left Marylanders overtaxed, overregulated and, in far too many cases, unemployed...The first decade of the 21st century is nearly over, Maryland is approaching a fiscal meltdown, and the best he can come up with for answers is a gas tax..."

Just damn.

Lastly, certain folks with whom I've spoken see the fact that Ron Miller is running as a non-office holder as being detrimental to his odds - which are undeniably difficult, regardless. As seems to be his wont, Ron puts his trust in his mission.

"I don't think Mike Miller remembers what it means to be a public servant," Ron Miller said.
Maryland has trusted in government for too long; it's time to trust the people."

Tough road to take out Mike Miller? You better believe it. Impossible. No. 2010 is going to be an interesting year all the way around - and a Lion has just entered Mike Miller's den.

And for Political Buffs, it gets no better.

Welcome to Miller Time: And no more Miller "Lite," please. It's time for the Right Miller, the "full bodied" stuff.

A Senior Moment?

2009-07-31T22:39:00.014-04:00

I wasn't going to blog anything about the recent Destructive Distresses First District Baltimore County Councilman Sam "Make that a Double" Moxley was intent on sharing with his constituents for the simple fact that so many folks were writing about Moxley's drunken mishap.

But then the story has taken a strange twist...

First, for those who may have somehow missed it, to recap Moxley's Mishap:

On July 23, 2009, Moxley was arrested on DUI charges. According to a Baltimore City Police report, Moxley was the catalyst of a four vehicle accident in which, allegedly, Moxley failed to stop for red light at Rt 40 and N. Pulaski Street and hit a vehicle - which in turn started a domino effect that resulted in two more vehicles being hit. The driver of the vehicle that Moxley reportedly slammed into was taken to St. Agnes Hospital. Nice.

Following this "incident," Moxley failed a field sobriety test (imagine that) and refused to take a breathalyzer, probably because he was afraid he'd set something on fire.

In response to the report, Maryland GOP First Vice Chairman and Chairman of Baltimore County's Republican Party Central Committee, Chris Cavey, called on Moxley to show a shred of decency and resign from the council.

In response to Cavey, Moxley's attorney blew off Cavey's demand and, in turn, stated that Moxley and his family were handling this matter "privately."

Privately!? Excuse me, but there is nothing to be handled "privately," when a supposedly drunken councilman is ignoring red lights and slamming his girth mobile into another vehicle - especially since this is not the first time Moxley has faced such a situation. In 2005, Moxley swiped a vehicle on the shoulder of I-695 just off of Wilkens Avenue with a Chevrolet Trailblazer that was owned by Baltimore County. The poor driver of that vehicle was merely trying to change his tire when Moxley opted to engage him in a game of bumper cars.

(Councilman Sam Moxley: Make that a double on the rocks, please. I'm driving)

As a result of the incident of July 23, 2009, the only "double" Moxley should be looking at is his second DUI related accident. And the only thing on the rocks for him, should be his political career.

And that's where the twist in this sad story comes into play.

Over the past few days, I've heard from two well informed GOP sources that there is a movement afoot to draft Bob Ehrlich to run against Moxley for that county council seat. No, not THAT Bob Ehrlich....but his father, Robert L. Ehrlich, Sr., or "Senior," as he has been affectionately known by all people Ehrlich-World.

That development, if it comes to fruition, has some real possibilities for the GOP.

To begin with, Senior has historically been a vociferous and formidable campaigner on behalf of his son, the former governor. A former Marine (I know, Iknow - once a Marine, always a Marine), veteran of the Korean War, and a car salesman, Senior knows how to - well - make the sale. In past elections, in fact, Senior has even gone so far as to dress up as Santa Claus to get attention for - and make the sale on behalf of - his boy.

In addition, Senior and his wife (and Bob Jr's mom) Nancy still live in the Arbutus home in which they raised young Bobby. The "Ehrlich" name still carries a lot of weight there, so much so that Bob Jr. has always performed solidly in that councilmanic district even when not performing as well as expected in other areas of the county, as was the case in 2006.

In other words, despite complaints from some GOP activists that Senior never gave them their due for the work they did on behalf of Bob, Jr., this is a seat that Senior could win...especially against a downed drunkard.

Senior for County Council...who would've thunk it? Well, apparently, someone did. At least they did if talk of the "Draft Senior Movement" is true. Semi-full disclosure: One of the GOP sources who told me of this "draft" also expressed fear that talk of it was merely a plant by "Paul (I will not repeat the descriptive term here) Schurick" as a means of keeping the Ehrlich name front and center.

Whatever the case, it's a fascinating psuedo-development...one that could drive an opponet to drink, which is fine as long as he doesn't drink and drive. Again.

Isn't that right, Councilman Moxley?

If You Can't Stand the Heat...

2009-07-27T19:35:00.016-04:00

To begin with, I'd like to spend a few paragraphs bloviating on Charles County GOP chairman Charles Lollar, who -- what?............Oh. Really!?......Hmmm. That's a shame.

Never mind.

The Lollar "eligibility" fiasco does make you wonder if things really are this bad at present for the perception, if not the reality, of the MD GOP. And it appears the answer is...."apparently," especially considering the "Who the Hell's running for Governor in the 2010 GOP Primary" received a little bump over the past few days, thanks to a recent email sent out of by one Larry Hogan.

Hogan, former Governor Ehrlich's Secretary of Appointments, emailed a number of friends that he was honored to be "called the number one back-up to Bob Ehrlich," should Ehrlich decide that he'd like to continue being a talk show host rather than run for governor in 2010.

Hogan added, "...let me be clear, my friend Bob Ehrlich, after his lifetime of effort, and his many accomplishments, has earned the right to take all the time he needs to make up his mind on this important decision."

Look, I like Larry Hogan - always have liked him, memory lapses, nothwithstanding. That being said, however:

1) Who, exactly, called Hogan the "number one back-up" to Ehrlich should Ehrlich continue to mull himself into further oblivion. I fully realize that I don't hear everything, but I do hear a lot from a lot of people and - prior to the above referenced email - I've never heard anyone state that Hogan was even the number 83rd back-up to Ehrlich. If I'm wrong, please correct me with a link or a url - something!

2) Of course Bob Ehrlich can take as long as he wants to decide if he is going to again run for governor but, at the same time, his lumbering indecisiveness borders on the malicious, considering already fractured - and further fracturing - state of the MD GOP.

In the wake of those "spontaneous" displays of support via those "We Heart Ehrlich" signs at various July 4th Parades, Ehrlich said he wasn't campaigning "this year." This year? I cannot imagine that Bob Ehrlich is so vain to believe that he can wait until 2010 to start campaigning and then think he would still have any shot at beating Governor O'Malley. Maybe it really does come down to how much the former governor and first lady "miss the chefs."

(Could this be the next look of "spontaneous" display of support on behalf of an Ehrlich candidacy? Why not? It's more to the point of why there may be another Ehrlich candidacy.)

Mr. Hogan is a friend of Mr. Ehrlich, and that's great. However, as Ehrlich's friend, I would think that Hogan would tell him to either sheet or get off the pot. Instead by apologizing for Ehrlich's Hamlet Act, all Mr. Hogan is doing is enabling Ehrlich to continue making a fool of himself while simultaneously tying the MD GOP into ever tighter knots.

All of this non-noise distraction from the Ehrlich camp is partiuclarly confusing because the MD GOP does have one eligible candidate in the run for the State House in Mike Pappas. To be sure, Pappas has both his supporters and detractors - some of whom have made their voices heard on this very blog. One thing Pappas does not have, however, is fear or a hint of spinelessness.

More so than waiting for Godot - whether or not they choose to support Pappas in the long run - maybe that's the real reason some in the MD GOP heirarchy have yet to warm up to the very idea of a Pappas candidacy. Perhaps the MD GOP heirarchy is so used to being put on hold and kicked around by the self annointed "bosses," that the party really wouldn't have it any other way because they don't know how to have it any other way: Sort of an abused spouse kind of mentality.

Whatever, if the goal of the MD GOP is to defeat Governor O'Malley next year, and if Bob Ehrlich intends on running, he should get in sooner rather than later - and if a primary fight ensures, let her rip. If, however, he can't stand the heat of another campaign then he should say so loudly and clearly rather than play coy by stating such cutesy things as he's not campaigning "this year."

Bluntly put, even when at the top of his game years ago, Bob Ehrlich wasn't very good at playing coy. Now it's just embarrassing. The irony is that Ehrlich's attempts at coyness are no longer even aimed at his political foes...but they sure as Hell are kicking in the teeth of his own party.

And the Wake Goes On...

2009-07-22T14:32:00.009-04:00

As many of you likely know by now, the MD GOP Executive Committee met in private session,the 18th of July. Considering what's been made "not so private" about this session, it appears to me that a grand time was had by all.

To begin with, to directly quote the missive I received detailing both hard results and alleged conflicts:

"...the Republican Executive Committee passed a resolution of no confidence in Chairman Pelura by a vote of 20-10. However there is not any immediate impact of the resolution. Pelura told the meeting he had no intention in resigning. Under the by-laws, only a full vote of the entire state Central Committee at a convention can remove the Chairman, and a two-thirds vote is required."

Well, isn't that just great? As I (and as I'm sure many of you) expected, MD GOP Chairman Jim Pelura got absolutely smoked by a vote of "no confidence." As was to further be expected, despite being the recipient of this humiliating political version of an atomic wedgie, Pelura refuses to resign.

Old regimes die hard - and, of course, they do have some cold comfort, it not help in hanging on. At least they do if Red Maryland Blog's Micahel Schwartz is any indication In his piece (http://redmaryland.blogspot.com/2009/07/anti-pelura-push-continued.html). from 7/20/9, Schwartz asks that Pelura be allowed to finish his term in peace.

In peace?! This is politics, not a sleepover. And Pelura has been more of a disaster than he has been a chairman, regardless of his "Ehrlich Family" pedigree. Why should Maryland Republicans leave Pelura to finish his term in peace when there exists a chance for the party to begin righting its ship sooner rather than later. I guess I answered my question earlier when I wrote that old regimes die hard.

Whatever, according to the source, the counties voting against the resolution were Anne Arundel, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's, Wicomico and Worcester. Those counties must, retain at least a semblance of confidence in Jim Pelura. Why? For that, you'd have to ask their respective officers.

What this means, of course, is that all Maryland counties not listed above for the resolution. As for Jim Pelura, he didn't vote "no confidence" in himself. He simply didn't vote on the resolution, probably his smartest move since landing the Chairmanship. Regardless, as stated, Pelura stays as Chairman...at least until the convention.

(I see...the future of the MD GOP as long as Jim Pelura remains chairman)

For added spice, the missive I received also included some allegations made about GOP Gubernatorial candidate, Mike Pappas, and Maryland GOP 1st Vice Chairman, Chris Cavey - who just happens to be a top advisor to Pappas - which leads me to believe the sender of this goldmine of information and allegations is no friend to either Pappas or Cavey.

According to the source "The Committee rebuked candidate for Governor Mike Pappas on several occasions. Pappas was representing Baltimore County because Chris Cavey votes as First Vice Chair."

The source goes on to say that Pappas attempted to prevent Chairman Pelura from running the meeting, a move that was defeated. Allegedly, Pappas attempted to close off discussion, although Charles County Chairman Charles Lollar was attempting to be recognized. Despite the Pappas resolution, Lollar was given a chance to extend the monotony.

Finally, it was both alleged that 1st Vice Chairman Chris Cavey took some heat for criticizing Pelura in the media and that some members called on Cavey to resign if Pelura remained as Chairman.

Since Cavey and Pappas were both kicked around pretty good in the missive I received (and I contacted the sender in search clarification on a few items, but received no reply), I asked both gentlemen what went on. In fact, my exact words were "What the Hell happened" at the meeting?

1st Vice Chairman Cavey replied with a written statement which flatly read, "I will not comment on the meeting Saturday; except to say that the future of the MDGOP rests with Chairman Pelura - his decisions and management abilities."

Well, THAT's promising for the MD GOP.

Gubernatorial candidate Pappas responded in a similar vein, saying, "I am bound by duty not to comment on the meeting, and as such, will simply say that the future of a centalized GOP in Maryland rests with Chairman Pelura at this time."

Pappas did expound a bit, however, on what he thought a continued Pelura chairmanship meant for the MD GOP.

"The GOP in Maryland is strong at the local levels, but without a centralized GOP the only coordination and large scale fund rasing that will take place will come from the local and state office holders," Pappas said. "The MDGOP (central office) will be irrelevant as long as candidates and office holders can't count on it for support."

Pappas went on to say that "I can't guarantee that the MDGOP will suddenly become relevant if Chairman Pelura resigned, but I can guarantee that it will never become relevant as long as it can not raise money, and it has not raised money under Chairman Pelura's leadership."

Tell us how you really feel, Mike. Oh, wait...you just did. (How refreshing!)

Whatever his reasons for hanging on, it looks like we'll all still have Jim Pelura to kick around for a bit. That's not even a mixed blessing for Maryland Republicans, though, considering the task ahead for the party, a party that, at present, has but a few brightspots on the horizon - all the while still being chained down by the ghosts of its recent past.

Oh, I just thought of one other bright spot on the horizon for the MD GOP: The next MD GOP Convention should be one for the ages. Hell, at the very least it's got to beat Pelura's ongoing wake.

Tawes to the Wall

2009-07-18T09:30:00.008-04:00

Well, that was interesting.

On July 15th, I attended the billionth annual Tawes Clambake and Crab Feast in Criswell, MD, as part of GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Pappas’ contingent of supporters. And it was quite an eye opener.

Politicos mentioned as being at Tawes are those I either talked with, observed with my own eyes, or were told by eyewitnesses at Tawes were present. A quick recap:

Among those in attendance was Governor Martin O’Malley, who blew in, hung with the Democrats, and blew out, around mid-day. Also there was potential O’Malley primary challenger, former Montgomery County Exec, Doug Duncan (who told Ron Smith on WBAL radio the next day “Somebody is running against the governor, because we need a new governor.” Wonder who Duncan’s talking about? Hmm…)

Former Delegate and Maryland Insurance Commissioner and rumored to be running for Congress in Maryland’s 1st Congressional District, Al Redmer, was glad handing. Speaking of Maryland’s 1st Congressional District, 2008 GOP nominee Andy Harris was making the Tawes rounds, as well – and, oh yeah, the actual Congressman from that district, Frank “Reporting Violations” Kratovil was not present even though it was his backyard we were playing in. Something to do with having to be at work...

Drumming up support as well was up and coming GOP player U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Eric Wargotz (who I just heard on the Bruce Elliott show while writing this, actually). His likely future opponent, Senator Mikulski, of course, was not at Tawes. She has more important things to do, like kill health care in America.

Delegate, and likely candidate for Senator Harris’ seat should Harris give a run for Congress another shot, J.B. Jennings was shaking hands and ginning up support. From what I could see, Jennings looks to be picking up that support in droves.

And let’s not forget Bruce Bereano, Lobbyist to the Czars. There he was, under his large tent (with Peter Franchot signs hanging from them, no less) that seemingly housed those who had nowhere else to go. Or those Bruce was trying to impress. Or folks from both categories, which is more likely.

As far as impact is concerned, it was the much anticipated and potentially volatile 2010 MD governor’s race that was providing the most intrigue at Tawes.

As stated, Governor O’Malley and Doug Duncan, possible primary opponents were present on the Democratic side. As concerns the GOP side of the aisle, as stated, I went with the Pappas team to Tawes, and was highly impressed with what Team Pappas had put together…such as approximately 40 spirited folks sporting Pappas 2010 tee shirts who made the rounds with Pappas and, bluntly put, stole the show.

(Tawes to the Wall: GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Pappas with part of his team storm the Beaches at Normandy…or, at least the Crab Feast in Crisfield.)

Thing is, Mike Pappas did steal the show, and it was noticed by everybody I watched as they were watching Pappas. And it wasn’t just the sheer numbers – no other candidate, in office or seeking office, had anywhere near the number of supporters Pappas had in tow – but it was the known individuals making up Team Pappas that made everyone realize that his effort is both real and to be taken seriously.

Members of Team Pappas included 1st Vice Chair of the MD GOP, Chris Cavey; former MD GOP Delegate and lobbyist Don Murphy (and wife Gloria); former 8th District Delegate (and candidate to reclaim his old seat) John Cluster; 7th District candidate for Delegate, Jim Berndt; Recently dismissed the moronic MD GOP Chairman Jim Pelura, MD GOP Executive Director Justin Ready; and Recently resigned as MDGOP Events Coordinator in the wake of Ready’s dismissal, April Rose.

Quite a nice list of Republicans who have tired of seeing Hamlet reruns.

To be fair, presumed GOP candidate for governor, Charles Lollar did attend Tawes with his entourage of….uh, Charles Lollar, which was more than could be said for former governor Bob Ehrlich. As had been reported prior to the event and as was proven at the event, Mr. Ehrlich was nowhere to be found - but then again neither was MD GOP Chairman Jim Pelura. Nor was there a hint of Ehrlich lapel stickers, tee-shirts, or those “We Heart Ehrlich” signs that had “spontaneously” sprung up at the 4th of July parades. Even with Ehrlich not offiically being at Tawes, you'd still think there'd be at least a wisp of spontaneity in the air...wouldn't you?

Regardless, while it looks like the Dems may already have a gubernatorial primary battle brewing, for the MD GOP – presently, at least – Mike Pappas is the only game in town. And if the showing at Tawes is any indication, they’re playing a good one.

The Doctor is IN

2009-07-13T22:57:00.006-04:00

Taking on United States Senator Barbara Mikulski, Maryland's Mighty Mite (though MD4Bush had quite another descriptive term for her), is no short order. (Pun fully intended.)

But that's exactly what Doctor Eric Wargotz, the elected President of Queen Anne's County Board of County Commissioners, is going to do. Having recently filed to run for the U.S. Senate, Wargotz is looking to play David to Mikulski's Goliath in the 2010 elections.

And I look for it be quite a battle. A long shot, Hell yes (see the David and Goliath reference above) but Wargotz appears to be going about things the right way to at the very least make this one hell of a competitive and interesting race. He insists he will be able to raise some serious cash, and he is building coalitions, both via internet groups and in face to face meetings. If he hasn't been there yet, it's only a matter of time before the doctor makes a "house call" to your neck of the woods.

Not only does a promised real battle work to the benefit of the citizens of Maryland, it helps bolster the state's beleaguered GOP. It's about damned time that some fresh blood came in to shake things up a bit at the higher levels of theGOP ticket (See Mike Pappas, Gubernatorial candidate as yet another examplethat a new day is dawning for the MDGOP).

Yeah, yeah, you might say, some better known Republicans won't challenge Mikulski because they know they can't beat her. And you might be right. Maybe THEY can't beat her...but THEY are not Eric Wargotz. Besides, "name" Republicans have not had the best of luck in high profile races as of late, even in races they should have won. Again, fresh blood might be exactly what is needed, especially since folks everywhere are sick to death of politics as usual.

So, why does Wargotz have a chance of taking down Mikulski when some others don't? Because Wargotz believes he can win, that's why. Belief in something - anything - is the first step in making that "thing" a reality. So, though a long shot, a Wargotz win is anything but impossible.

Think back to 2002: How many people truly believed that a 4 term Republican congressman from a generally conservative district would be able to knock off Bobby Kennedy's daughter to be elected in a state as Democratic as Maryland? That four term congressman, Bob Ehrlich, a lion in courge at the time, believed it - and the rest is history.

Now, you might argue that Kathleen Kennedy Townsend was the worst possible candidate to run against Ehrlich, that KKT was a lousy candidate - whereas Mikulski has proved her electoral mettle time and again. And, again, you might be right. But, again, Eric Wargotz believes he CAN win, yet knows it will take a lot of time, effort and money.

I look for 2010 to bring with it an upswing in GOP fortunes, what with the CEO of GM being the President of the United States, and running the country like he would a bankrupt automaker - so the timing for Wargotz is good. Still, the MDGOP and all Marylanders who are not beholden to the hardcore leftism of the irritable agitator from East Baltimore will have to rally around the good Doctor and get working for him to take her down in 2010.

(...about how sick you are over how Babs Mikulski represents you in Washington. Do something about it, instead: See the Doctor...Doctor Eric Wargotz)

Seriously, does anyone really need to be reminded of the reasons why Mikulski needs to go, or at least she does if you happen to be the right of Fidel Castro? She was a socialist before socialism was chic in the age of Obama. And, unlike a fine wine, she hasn't gotten better with age.

As for Dr. Wargotz, besides being President of the Queen Anne's County Board of Commissioners, he has acted professionally - Ronald Reagan reference HERE - and has been active in about a billion organizations. If that wasn't enough, he is also a Clinical Professor of Pathology, at the George Washington University School of Medicine. I'm assuming Wargotz doesn't get a lot of sleep.

A Renaissance man by my estimation, the good doctor strikes me as a conservative with a strong libertarian streak. In other words, he stands for freedom - freedom, wow, what a concept!

So, if you're sick to death of all the socialist BS, call Doctor Wargotz. He's in - the Senate race, that is. And as ill as this nation is at present, his entry into the fray comes not a moment too soon.

The Not Ready for Prime Time Chairman

2009-07-09T01:39:00.007-04:00

The Not Ready for Prime Time Players are at it again…

Just when you thought it couldn’t possibly get any worse for the MD GOP, the situation the state party finds itself in has gone from being merely gruesome to being brutally hideous.

As I am sure many of you know, as reported by the Baltimore Sun, Washington Post, the Gazette (and likely others) last Tuesday Not Ready for Prime Time MD GOP Chairman, Jim Pelura fired MD GOP Justin Ready after he demanded Ready tender his resignation, which Ready refused to do.

This makes no sense. Though young and in a very difficult situation at the MD GOP, Justin Ready is a bright guy who, though very conservative, understands the need for pragmatism – especially in a state as solidly Democratic as is Maryland. On top of that, it’s been said Ready had something Pelura seems unable to grasp: A plan for the GOP’s future.

So, with Ready having been fired, and with the much acclaimed April Rose (Isn’t that one of the greatest names ever?) resigning her position as MD GOP Events Coordinator in the wake of Ready’s dismissal, we need to take a bit of a look at this chairman of MD’s GOP, Dr. Jim Pelura.

Who is this guy and just who does he know to land the position of chairman in the first place

To begin - and more or less end - with, Jim Pelura is married to Marianne Pelura, one time President of the Republican Women of Anne Arundel County. Perhaps more importantly, Marianne once toiled relentlessly in the administration of former Governor Bob Ehrlich. Not saying that her employ with Ehrlich helped her husband land the position of MD GOP Chairman, but…well, you know.

And how does Pelura use his position? Well, proving he knows where the GOP chops of his bread is buttered, 6 weeks after GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Pappas announced he was running for governor, Pelura dismissed Pappas from his role as MD GOP Parliamentarian.

Okay, so now we know where Chairman Pelura’s loyalties lie. Be that as it may, everyone has his or her favorites, what do others – those GOP activists and GOP officials who actually give the party a fighting chance think of Pelura.

"I have zero confidence in Jim Pelura as MD GOP Chairman," MD GOP 1st Vice Chairman, Chris Cavey told me on Wednesday.”

Cavey, refreshingly not one to mince words, added that "Chairman Pelura has an us against them mentality which is not effective for a leader and especially not effective for a party builder."

Not a party builder: Does that sound like a former Governor some of us “Heart?” Bobby, call home!

(This Not Ready for Prime Time Player is not really a basketball player, he just pretends to be…but that’s okay because Not Ready for Prime Time Player Jim Pelura isn’t really a Party Chairman either…)

Now, as I blogged previously, at the most recent (that I know of) sparsely attended Ehrlich “Theme Team” meeting, while the second half of the meeting was dedicated to furthering Ehrlich’s non-candidacy-for-anything, the first half of the meeting was spent in the participants trashing Jim Pelura. So, it seems even te remnants of Ehrlich World have problems with their guy. I wonder why that is? Could it be that he didn’t kiss all the bruises of an ignominious defeat and make the hurt go away?

Whatever. Their guy is their guy...

Sadly, for the MD GOP, things are what they are – and quite possibly will be for a time yet to come. As 1st Vice Chairman Cavey told the Gazette, “We have asked for either Jim to account for the action (to fire Justin Ready) or to resign.

In addition to Chris Cavey, GOP stalwarts names House Minority Leader Tony O'Donnell and Minority Whip Chris Shank have also been critical of the disastrous Jim Pelura.

Which once again begs the question: How did Pelura this post again?

Regardless, the gloom is thick for the MD GOP, at least it is according to a few folks I spoke with today. These activists informed that there was still much mess and impending nastiness hiding in the shadows concerning Pelura and the situation at the MDOP. They offered no details, but their respective concerns were palpable.

So, despite the party barely treading water – and that much being due to the efforts of the dismissed Justin Ready - Jim Pelura now stands alone with his Overlords. Not only are we seeing incompetence on display here, we are seeing the most insidious kind of incompetence; The Smug variety.

And all this proves is the need for the MD GOP to bury the past once and for all. Many of the activists will remain, as well they should, but the folks on whose behalf they are being active certainly need to change.

The question for the MD GOP is simple – do you want more Jim Peluras and those who helped him not build the party?

I didn’t think so. For the MD GOP, new blood and fresh faces must be the rule for today – if, that is, the party hopes to have a tomorrow.

Blog Bombing at Darkness Rising

2009-07-07T22:24:00.006-04:00

As a reader of this blog, perhaps you’ve noticed that a few of my more recent posts have received hundreds of “nonsense” posts…numbers, letters. “Danny Murtaugh," etc., in the “comment” section following these postings

To quote former Governor Ehrlich, “obviously,” the person bombing my blog with these nonsense posts is engaging in a hilariously pathetic attempt to deflect from what I have written - as well as to keep folks from commenting upon same. Further, since the only posts subjected to this Kindergarten-level attack are those in which I've been critical of Bob Ehrlich and/or one of his followers, I would be willing to bet this would be, political, hit man is a strident supporter of the non-candidate, talk show host. He was probably even carrying an "I Heart Ehrlich" sign in one or more of the parades. Bel Air, maybe. Or Kingsville. Perhaps both.

Unfortunately for the Blog-Bomber, his tactics are not only juvenile, they are also ineffective – so much so that what is actually occuring is the opposite of what he is intending. The fact of the matter is, readership of this blog has skyrocketed on the days he has engaged in his Blog-Bombing tactics. “Obviously,” not a lot of forethought has gone into his efforts. So in fact, that he could probably make a living showing people how NOT to cause disruptions.

(Now that they’ve shown you how to NOT disrupt a blog but only to make fools of themselves, they will teach you how NOT to bang your head against the wall…which is pretty much what they’re doing here on Darkness Rising.)

Now, I wasn’t even going to say anything about the nonsense comments the Blog-Bomber was leaving – I mean, leave him to his frivolity and, soon enough, folks will catch on that this Baby Brigade Leader is engaging in an odd form of censorship on behalf of those of whom he is star struck. Besides, bombing Darkness Rising with nonsense keeps him occupied and away from doing other things that may result in court orders being issued.

But then I noticed a particular few of the nonsense comments made late last night, comments such as “Six” “Feet” “Under” and “When.” That’s beautiful! But is it supposed to be intimidating, or just unintentionally hilarious? Regardless, at that point I decided to point out to anyone who reads this blog the ludicrous insanity in which some will engage to try to quiet certain voices - and let each reader decide for him or her self what type of person and people we're dealing with here. Sad and humorous all in one, isn't it?

Since you are already here reading this, I ask that you scan down and see for yourself what this non-sense Baby Blog Bomber is up to. Feel free to laugh your ass off as he displays his lack of subtlety, tact, political know-how, knowledge of numbers, letters, and even certain words. I know I do! In fact, I’m going to give them another look once this is posted.

But first, on a more serious note, I would like to at least thank this pitiful LOST soul for not bombing my blog posting on Bruce Carlin with nonsense comments. I’m both grateful and surprised that he left that particular posting alone. Why am I surprised, you may ask? Because the likely Blog Bomber is thought to be a bit abusive in nature – and I wouldn’t put it past him to issue his written temper tantrums anywhere possible.

So, Blog Bomber, thanks for displaying at least a scintilla of decency. Now...on your merry way - you've got a blog to bomb!