MarylandReporter.com editor and publisher Len Lazarick interviews Dan Bongino, a Republican candidate to unseat U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin in 2012. Video shot and produced by On the Hill Media.
Len Lazarick
Bongino challenge of Sen. Cardin looks crazy, but he has a compelling story
Dan Bongino concedes that his campaign as a conservative Republican to unseat Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin next year looks pretty crazy.
He gave up a 12-year career in the Secret Service, where he had led the protection details for Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, forgoing his government pension. He’s got seven months of savings set aside, his wife is pregnant with their second child and, of course, he’s never run for public office.
Municipal, county governments do more cooperating than arguing
The Maryland Municipal League representing 157 municipal government is marking its 75th anniversary. “Cities and towns provide basic grassroots meat and potatoes services,” said Scott Hancock, executive director of the Maryland Municipal League. But counties provide those services — like water and sewer, emergency responders, trash and recycling pickup, and parks and recreation — too. Their overlapping duties require a lot of give-and-take.
State Roundup, July 15, 2011
State retains AAA bond rating; O’Malley chides GOP governors for silence on debt ceiling talks; Edwards breaking through as voice of Democrats; Parrott spends under $14,000 on DREAM Act petition campaign; Pipkin wants independent investigation of toll hikes; Blue Dogs coming to Annapolis; former delegate, employees and customers charged with illegal gambling at Minnick’s Restaurant; some lawmakers want a “Caylee’s law” in Maryland, while others question the need.
Maryland keeps AAA rating, but analysts still concerned by pension liabilities, dependence on federal spending
The three national rating agencies have renewed their AAA rating for Maryland’s upcoming $718 million bond issue, but all three continue to be concerned about the state’s pension funding and dependence on federal government spending. These factors were outweighed by the state’s strong economy, its high income and sound fiscal management. The analysts acknowledged the improvements made by the pension changes made earlier this year.
Judge allows lawsuit blocking State Center to go forward; Institute refuses to rescind critical report of the project
A Baltimore judge has ruled that a lawsuit challenging the award of contracts to build State Center in midtown Baltimore will go forward, stopping construction of the $1.5 billion project until it is resolved.
Redistricting hearings start soon; Republicans have already drawn their lines
The Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Committee announced the dates, times and places for the first three of 12 public hearings around the state to hear from Maryland residents about the drawing of congressional and legislative district lines.
Federal debt ceiling deadlock could postpone Md. bond issue; state retains AAA rating
If the dispute between the White House and Congress over lifting the U.S. debt ceiling is not resolved soon, the state may put off its scheduled bond sale for upwards of $500 million set for July 27, the state treasurer’s office told a legislative committee Tuesday. “If they don’t have the debt ceiling issue resolved, the markets will be chaotic, and we will probably postpone the sale,” said Patti Konrad, manager of state debt.
Legislators stymied over Sheppard Pratt’s proposed group home in Ruxton
Despite public outcry, controversy, and the involvement of state legislators, if a health care company can get the proper licenses, a large Ruxton residence may be transformed into a private mental health group home.
Maryland trial judges pay is 43rd worst in nation
When adjusted for cost of living, Maryland’s judges are some of the worst paid in the nation, according to a study from the National Center for State Courts. The study, released last week, ranks trial court judges’ adjusted salaries at 43rd in the nation.
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