October 17, 2011
The special session of the General Assembly opens today and while redistricting is the main issue, wind energy, transportation and the budget shortfall will be discussed at briefings; O'Malley releases his map proposal and it looks not much different from his panel's; both are drawing the ire of lawmakers and citizens alike; Bartlett, whose district is imperiled by the maps, raised little in campaign funds; Cardin has a huge haul and Bongino, his potential rival, brings in little; and the defense is set to start in state Sen. Currie's trial. [...more]
October 14, 2011
Special redistricting session begins Monday, and Legislative Black Caucus will take an official position on O'Malley's plan on Saturday; wind farm might be closer; O'Malley pushing Obama jobs bill; incinerators pollute Maryland twice as much as coal plants, environmentalists say; Rep. Roscoe Bartlett starts gearing up for what's sure to be a tough 2012 campaign. [...more]
October 13, 2011
O'Malley may change redistricting map in light of mounting opposition; Democratic U.S. Rep. Edwards says proposal hurts her district; Republican Del. Hough challenges map, advocates for minority plan; O'Malley won't introduce a jobs bill during next week's special session; Gansler holds a birthday fund-raiser; Constellation sale likely to go through, but it and Exelon reject deal “sweeteners” for BGE customers; Exec Baker's Prince George's honeymoon may be over; and Exec Leopold wants web travel agencies taxed on full room rates. [...more]
October 12, 2011
Opposition is lining up against O'Malley's redistricting plan, and it's not just the Republicans opposing it. Democrats say it dilutes minority strength; transportation panel leaning toward gas tax hike; Vincent DeMarco launches latest campaign -- to hike the cigarette tax a buck a pack; O'Malley to renew his push for wind energy; and BGE hearing draws seniors upset by storm response. [...more]
October 11, 2011
Redrawn 6th District spurs new proposal, draws ire from Tea Party; Van Hollen's proposed new district shows him little love; tobacco tax campaign launches today; ex state senator sues former employee; Bongino endorsed by Utah senator; feds fast track Baltimore Red Line; and Baltimore City Council primary loser launches write-in campaign. [...more]
October 10, 2011
News outlets throughout the state are taking a close look at how redistricting is impacting their communities including a piece on Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, who is now vulnerable. But for 18 years, this unconventional Republican, won by wide margins; taking a car tour of the proposed 3rd District proves quite the ride; why gerrymandering is at the root of the dysfunction in D.C.; and farmers and Washington County Republicans are not happy; in other news: a new illegal sign law will take effect; the greening of state government faces a backlash; and Arundel Exec Leopold may run for comptroller. [...more]
October 7, 2011
Lots of talk -- and a potential lawsuit -- on Congressional redistricting; special session could bring out special interests; how higher tax rates might impact millionaires; bottled water advocates upset over plans to switch to tap; Maryland 12th in per capita income growth; testimony from current and former legislators at Currie trial. [...more]
October 6, 2011
Groups push for a hike in the cigarette tax; booze tax helps fund school construction projects in three counties; BPW OKs move of Higher Ed Commission; Perryville approves giant lighted slots sign; community members turn out to say “No” to slots in Prince George's County; and Garrett County commissioners want O'Malley to slow down on implementing PlanMaryland. [...more]
October 5, 2011
GOP criticizes governor's remapping of congressional districts; small crowd joins Occupy movement in Baltimore; O'Malley in commercials advocating same-sex marriage; state looks into waiver from No Child Left Behind; public hearing on slots in Frederick County; Leslie Johnson sentencing delayed; and speculation that Baltimore County schools superintendent to retire. [...more]
October 4, 2011
The official draft version of congressional redistricting map targets Republican Roscoe Bartlett, and a likely Democratic opponent pricks up his ears; Gonzales poll finds Marylanders evenly split on gay marriage, unsure about how to handle budget crisis and giving O'Malley high marks; former Transportation Secretary Flanagan testifies in Currie trial; Washington County fire association has little financial accountability; and contractors seek relief from taxes, minority contracting and wage requirements. [...more]
