Donna Edwards Swearing In Recollections

by: Andrew Kujan

Sun Jun 29, 2008 at 03:24 PM EDT

Hi folks. Long time, no blog.  Spurred to action by Adam's fifth post on the state of the Maryland blogosphere, I am proud to bring you some poor photographs and recollections of Donna Edwards' swearing in.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the swearing in, and my employers, having endorsed Ms. Edwards from the start, we happy to grant me a day off. I happily made the trek from Westminster to the PG County campaign office where a SUPER AWESOME PARTY BUS would whisk supporters and politicos alike away to the capital.  

From the Inbox: Senator Madaleno's Update from Annapolis

by: Andrew Kujan

Thu Feb 14, 2008 at 02:26 PM EST

Senator Madaleno sent an email out yesteday in which he highlighted several bills he has sponsored for this session.  As one of the Senate's more progressive legislators, I believe his bills deserve a close look.

From my perspective, the most important bill is the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act (Senate Bill 290/House Bill 351), of which the Senator is the lead sponsor (a mantle taken over after the tragic loss of Senator Britt).  Senator Madaleno explains:

This brief but monumental bill will provide full equality under the law for thousands of same-gender couples in our state.  The bill also reiterates that no religious denomination will be required to recognize, perform, or bless any marriage that is against their beliefs.

This important legislation will help ensure that families like mine will be provided the rights and protections that most married couples take for granted. Without marriage, I am at the mercy of doctors, nurses, and security guards for my partner to gain access to me in a hospital. Without marriage, all of our financial planning and savings could be wiped out to pay inheritance taxes upon the untimely death of one of us. Without marriage, we live in a state of legal limbo that exacts a significant emotional and financial toll on our families, our children, and ourselves. With marriage, we can all live our lives secure in the knowledge that we have the same legal rights, responsibilities, obligations, and protections that our fellow citizens enjoy.

With 9 Senate sposors/cosponsors, and 40 in the house, this bill will have enough support to get noticed.  Contact your legislators and ask them to support this bill if they have not already pledged to do so.

More on Senator Madaleno's bills below the fold.

Maryland Senators on Telecom Immunity

by: Andrew Kujan

Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 11:54 AM EST

Lest we forget, yesterday the Senate voted on Dodd's amendment that would strike the telecom immunity provisions from the FISA bill. The amendment was rejected. Both praise and condemnation are in order for our Maryland Senators.

First, praise for Senator Ben Cardin, who voted for the bill and has consistently been on the side of justice when it comes to holding lawbreaking telecom companies accountable. Keep up the good work.

Now, on to Senator Mikulski.  She appears to be the polar opposite of Senator Cardin on issues of holding these lawbreakers accountable.  She not only voted against Dodd's amendment, but also voted for cloture on the bad version of the FISA bill.  Senator Mikulski's failure to stand up for justice and Democratic principles on these votes is extremely troubling.  

The Truth about PAC funding in MD-04

by: Andrew Kujan

Thu Feb 07, 2008 at 12:35 PM EST

Via Politicker MD:

Edwards is reporting to hold $204,000, while Wynn is left with $146,000; though to date, he has out-raised her by a much wider margin. Wynn reports dispersing over $1 million, while Edwards has taken in $655,000.

Wynn’s advantage derives entirely from political action committees’ support. $588,000 in PAC money accounts for 58 percent of his receipts. Edwards received close to $25,000 – 4 percent of her fundraising total.

So lets see, 4% of Donna Edwards' support comes from PACs.  58% of Al Wynn's support comes from PACs.  Yet Al Wynn still has the temerity to take issue with Ms. Edwards' fundraising.

Wynn Supporters in Annapolis

by: Andrew Kujan

Wed Feb 06, 2008 at 04:31 PM EST

(update 1, with some clarifications)

(update 2, to include a link to Adam Pagnucco's post on this subject at Maryland Politics Watch.  Without Adam's request at Maryland Moment, we might not even have this list. Not to mention, Adam and MPW have the MoCo/PG experience I lack.)

Al Wynn held an event today in Annapolis. The WaPo included a list of the pols who came out to show their support for corrupt Bush-Democrat Al Wynn:

    Sen. Rona E. Kramer
    Del. Karen S. Montgomery
    Sen. Robert J. Garagiola
    Del. Kathleen M. Dumais
    Del. Brian J. Feldman
    Del. Craig L. Rice
    Sen. Jennie M. Forehand
    Sen. Michael G. Lenett
    Del. Benjamin F. Kramer
    Sen. Nancy J. King
    Del. Saqib Ali
    Del. Charles E. Barkley
    Del. Kirill Reznik
    Sen. James C. Rosapepe
    Del. Benjamin S. Barnes
    Del. Barbara A. Frush
    Del. Anne Healey
    Del. Marvin E. Holmes, Jr.
    Sen. Nathaniel Exum
    Del. Michael L. Vaughn
    Sen. Ulysses Currie
    Sen. C. Anthony Muse
    Del. Melony Ghee Griffith
    Del. Jay Walker
    Del. Victor R. Ramirez
    Del. Dereck E. Davis
    Del. Justin D. Ross

    Prince George’s Council Member, Will Campos
    Former Senator, P.J. Hogan
    MSTA, Betty Weller

Mike Steele, former Republican Lt. Governor, was there too was spotted at Monday's debate and rumors are swirling as to whether he was there supporting Mr. Wynn, or just visiting. Matt Stoller, who was at the debate:

He claimed to like both candidates, though there were rumors of him supporting Wynn (which I don't believe, as he's a Republican).

I am unsure as well, but the world of PG political endorsements has been a complicated one for the past few years.

You Can't Have it Both Ways

by: Andrew Kujan

Fri Feb 01, 2008 at 04:31 PM EST

Matt Johnston over at Red Maryland is upset at the Montgomery County School Board for claiming they have the right to decide how children in the county's public schools learn about sex.  I agree that the board comes off sounding pompous in the WorldNetDaily article.  Then again, this is a WorldNetDaily article, which means it is written by conservative partisans, the type none too pleased with children learning about homosexuality in any positive way.

Either way, I don't understand Mr. Johnston's point.  I was under the impression that the school board was elected to determine educational policy for public schools.  What other purpose do they serve?  How does Mr. Johnston feel they should busy themselves? 

I assume that Mr. Johnston is a supporter of public schools, and in that case, he should consider running for the school board or at least supporting a candidate for the board that supports his views.  I believe he will have trouble finding a candidate who is willing to be elected to do absolutely nothing, but good luck.

I agree with Mr. Johnston that criticism should be encouraged, not ignored as the MOCO Board appears to be doing (see comments).  However, claiming that a county school board has no right to control the county curriculum makes no sense whatsoever.

Al Wynn's Lies Part 1: The Bankruptcy Bill and the Foreclosure Crisis

by: Andrew Kujan

Fri Jan 25, 2008 at 03:32 PM EST

"The bankruptcy bill has nothing to do with the foreclosure crisis."

-Congressman Albert Wynn 01/25/08 Debate with Donna Edwards on WAMU 

Congressman Wynn's statement is an outright lie.  In fact, the effects of the Bankruptcy bill are directly related to the foreclosure crisis. From the Bloomberg article linked above:

The new bankruptcy laws are helping drive foreclosures to a record as homeowners default on mortgages and struggle to pay credit card debts that might have been wiped out under the old code, said Jay Westbrook, a professor of business law at the University of Texas Law School in Austin and a former adviser to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Al Wynn worked with George W. Bush and Republicans to strip homeowners of important protections, and to give a huge gift to creditors.  Now, as his own constituents suffer during this crisis, Wynn still refuses to take responsibility for the role he played in making it.  That he would go on the radio and claim the exact opposite of the truth is just another example of how corrupt and detrimental he has become to his district, and to his country. 

We can do better.

Update: Senator Barack Obama appears to disagree with Congressman Wynn about the Bankruptcy Bill.  Wynn recently endorsed the Senator.

While we are at it, Wynn says that "Pelosi and Conyers never said" that the Bankruptcy Bill and Foreclosures are linked.  The Congressman makes it sound like Pelosi and Conyers had no problem with the Bill.  This is also completely false.

Pelosi: 

“This bankruptcy bill seeks to squeeze even more money for credit card companies from the most hard-pressed Americans. It would bind hardworking and honest Americans to credit card companies and other lenders as modern-day indentured servants. It is our duty to speak up for those who will be hurt by this bill. And this duty is paramount because we have been shut out of the legislative process to bring any amendments to the floor. "

 A relevant quote could not be found for Conyers, but it should be noted that neither Pelosi nor Conyers voted for the Bankruptcy Bill. 

Al Wynn not only voted FOR the Bankruptcy Bill, but also voted AGAINST the Democratic alternative that would have retained protections for homeowners. 

Wow, what a lie it was.

Stay Classy Andy Harris

by: Andrew Kujan

Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 04:52 PM EST

Via Politicker MD:

Apparently conservative darling, State Senator Andy Harris has contracted a real scumbag to create his campaign media. If you think Al Wynn had some bad robocalls, you ain't seen nothing yet.  Tom Blakely of Jamestown Associates allegedly:

...devised robocalls to play off people's racial prejudices while pretending to be calling on behalf of their opponents' campaigns.

Jamestown is currently being contracted by state Sen. Andy Harris to do campaign media.

Blakely has also worked with other illustrious legislators, such as Nancy Johnson and Chris Shays. Tough times for Andy Harris.

Despite Remaining Deficit, Progress has Been Made

by: Andrew Kujan

Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 11:36 AM EST

So the state still has some budget woes. To be honest though, the special session went a long way towards helping narrow the gap.  If Miller manages to get slots through this session, many of these budgetary worries will disappear for the near future, or thats what we would like to think. 

There is still the issue of an economy on the downturn, and the difficulty in gauging how this downturn is affecting Maryland.  Either way, I believe that the media coverage of the Governor's budget is a bit over the top.  No where is it mentioned that Maryland is constitutionally required to create a balanced budget.  The Governor must submit a balanced budget and the legislature can only cut or restrict from that.

It is this fiscal discipline that keeps Maryland Triple-A bond rated year in and year out, while still allowing state to spend liberally on important social, educational and environmental programs.  Senator Madeleno put it something like this: "Maryland is a state with Liberal spending and conservative, consititutionally mandated money management".  

Can we do better, yes.  Are we doing better than some?   O'Malley and Democrats are doing the necessary dirty work to keep the State running at the level it's citizens deserve.  I can't say the same about our previous Governor.

Kweisi Mfume to Endorse Donna Edwards

by: Andrew Kujan

Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 12:01 PM EST

Update: The Examiner says this is only a rumor. Oh, well.  Next time, I will email/call the campaign first. 

via PolitickerMD.

Big news, seeing as Wynn was in Mfume's corner during his run for the Senate nom. in 2006. What this means for Donna is a chance to pick up votes in Prince Georges county.  Donna already has a solid base of support in Montgomery County, where in the 2006 primary she bested Mr. Wynn by a large margin.

This was despite Mfume losing handily in the county to Ben Cardin.  When we look at PG County, things get a little bit more interesting, and the possible influence of an Mfume endorsement becomes clear.

Here are the votes in PG County for Senator and Congressman for the 4th.  

With Donna's increased prescence and visibility, the Mfume edorsement could go a long way towards rearranging those numbers in PG county.  

MD-01: Who is the Wing-nuttiest?

by: Andrew Kujan

Mon Nov 19, 2007 at 01:29 PM EST

While we here at FSP debate the finer points of the Democratic primary in MD-04, conservatives are buzzing about the Republican primary in MD-01.  It appears the contest in MD-01 is about who can play the radical conservative more effectively, State Senator Andy Harris or the incumbent Congressman Wayne Gilchrest. Presently, it seems that Andy Harris is beating the pants off of the Congressman in this respect.  Harris has the support of the netroots conservatives at Red Maryland, as well as that of former Governor Ehrlich which has helped him raise huge amounts of cash. 

Gilchrest, a moderate Republican, has been doing his best to run back to the right. To this end, Gilchrest has been bragging about his support for the disturbingly invasive "REAL ID" act (how REAL ID has become a rallying point for "conservatives" I have no idea) and attacking a budget vote of Andrew Harris that gave monetary support to pro-immigration groups. Clearly, we are meant to think Wayne Gilchrest is the TRUE crusader against the ever-present brown menace of Republican nightmares. 

"When It was the Right Thing to Do"

by: Andrew Kujan

Tue Nov 13, 2007 at 11:55 AM EST

Congressman Wynn, attempting to cover up the fact that he is bought and paid for by corporate lobbyists:

“My records are transparent.  People now (sic) who has contributed to my campaign and they also know that I voted counter to these industries when it was the right thing to do.

So many lies, I will have to break it down.

My records are transparent.

No Congressman Wynn, they are not.   Just one example of "transparency" in the eyes of Al Wynn:

His willingness to tangle with the FEC and flout campaign finance laws is not new.  In 2000, Wynn was forced to return contributions from MSFBDA Management Group, a company that laundered money through its employees to Wynn.  Corporate contributions to Federal candidates are illegal, so what this company did is pay three of its officers and then those officers turned around and gave the money to Wynn.  That's a no-no for obvious reasons.    This history is particularly disturbing given that Wynn is continuing to not report the employers and jobs of many of his large donors.

Keep on reading. 

Tauzin and Wynn: Likely Bedfellows

by: Andrew Kujan

Mon Nov 12, 2007 at 03:38 PM EST

Al Wynn is a Democrat who votes like a Republican.  Billy Tauzin is a turncoat who switched his affiliation from Democrat to Republican in 1995 claiming "conservatives were no longer welcome in the Democratic Party". 

In June, Billy Tauzin's PAC donated $2,300 to Al Wynn. Tauzin, now the head of a massive Pharma lobby, knows an ally when he sees him. 

Another Angle on Donna Edwards: Re-Energizing the Congressional Black Caucus

by: Andrew Kujan

Mon Nov 12, 2007 at 01:53 PM EST

From Black Agenda Report:

When the Congressional Black Caucus began its slide into irrelevancy, Al Wynn was there, one of four Blacks to vote to authorize George Bush's Iraq invasion, in 2002. By 2005, the list of irredeemable backstabbers had grown to ten, with nine CBC members joining Wynn in support of a Republican bankruptcy bill. On February 12, the process of purging the Black Caucus of corporate-bought members can begin, with Al Wynn's defeat by progressive candidate Donna Edwards in Maryland's 4^th district. The cancer in the Caucus must be removed one cell at a time, but that requires courageous candidates backed by enough non-corporate money to go the distance. The larger challenge is to recognize that Jim Crow is over, and it's long past time to make Black politicians accountable.

Indeed, Al Wynn embodies the recent failures of Congressional Democrats.  From his votes on economic matters, to his support of slimy telecom bills which hurt minority citizens, and last but not least, his support of the Iraq War, Al Wynn has been a disgrace. 

What BAR executive Glen Ford notes is that Al Wynn has also played a major part in the Congressional Black Caucus' "slide into irrelevancy." An organization meant to fight for legislation designed to help Blacks has been invaded by a steady stream of corporate donations, and some in the blogosphere have leveled considerable criticism at the CBC's performace. 

The Examiner is Misleading its Readers

by: Andrew Kujan

Thu Nov 08, 2007 at 04:55 PM EST

First, take a look at this reactionary claptrap from the Examiner Editorial Board. Apparently, the Examiner editors are very upset at the "secretive nature" of the Governor's tax plan. 

Come on senators, stand up for Maryland. You can save us from Gov. Martin O’Malley’s $1.5 billion sneak-a-tax plan today (unless he slipped it to us in the dark of night).

 

....

Why? Because we just found out Thursday that, guess what? Contrary to O’Malley’s smooth lie when he called the special session and said that 83 percent of us would pay less, almost all of us will end up paying more.

This is the standard fast-shuffle politicians of all parties at all levels of government play. We can’t let them get away with it. Now is the time to tell those who represent us that we are angry at being tricked and taxed.

Leave aside for a moment how completely ridiculous it is for the editorial board of a well funded major newspaper to complain about not having all of the facts when the Senate and House sessions are open to the public and simple citizen bloggers on this site are able to keep up with the tax plans, both the Governor's and the Senate's.  

If the editors are referring to the businesses who were added to the sales tax expansion, they need not worry.  As I sit here and listen to live Senate proceedings, there are numerous Republicans speaking in their interest. Do I believe that these interests deserve to testify?  Sure.  Is it grounds to support a reactionary filibuster that could lead to bankrupting the state? Of course not.

Every County for Itself

by: Andrew Kujan

Thu Nov 08, 2007 at 11:55 AM EST

I suppose this is to be expected from someone who refers to himself in such grandiose terms as "The Main Adversary", but Mark Newgent is missing the point. I still believe that Montgomery County reaps many benefits from the taxes they pay, and based on the relative wealth in the county, I am not sure how he purports to argue otherwise.

Newgent cites what I suppose is an article or column (no link) by Blair Lee, who argues that because Moco pays the majority of state taxes, they deserve the majority of state services.  This line of thinking shows a misunderstanding of how government should work. If the government truly worked in the way Newgent and Lee imply that it should, significant portions of the State would see very little state assistance whatsoever.  This statewide economic and social catastrophe would find it's way to MOCO, bringing an influx of the poor, looking for the social services they once enjoyed in Baltimore City.  Their public schools would be strained to the breaking point, as failing schools in districts in Baltimore City and western Maryland would drive familes to the already overburdened county.

Money Wins, We Lose

by: Andrew Kujan

Wed Nov 07, 2007 at 10:46 AM EST

I don't often agree with Strieff, but lets be honest, what the Senate Budget and Taxation committee has proposed is even less progressive than the Governor's plan. They started by eliminating combined reporting, which is something that should have overwhelming progressive and Democratic support. But it gets worse.

Top-earning Marylanders and big businesses got a break yesterday when a Senate panel amended Gov. Martin O'Malley's revenue package by reducing top income tax rates and eliminating a measure designed to ensure that multi-state corporations pay taxes.

The Budget and Taxation Committee also voted to eliminate some of the breaks the governor had included for lower-income households and against O'Malley's proposal to reduce the state property tax by 3 cents per $100 over the next three years.

The panel moved to extend the state sales tax to include computer services, landscaping and arcade games, but not to other services recommended by O'Malley. And the governor's plan to tie the gas tax to increases in the cost of construction materials also failed in the committee.

Well good for those top-earning Marylanders and big businesses.  It appears their millions of dollars in campaign contributions and lobbyists have paid off.  I also can't say I am happy with the preformance of several Montgomery County legislators, who seem to have lost a few of their liberal credentials. 

Another significant change to the governor's plan came in his proposal to make the state income tax more progressive. O'Malley called for a new bracket of 6 percent for individuals making more than $150,000 a year and couples making more than $200,000. A 6.5 percent bracket would kick in for all income above $500,000 a year.

But the plan approved by the Senate committee would reduce those top brackets to 5 percent and 5.5 percent. That change could help win the support of Montgomery County legislators.

"The sense is that our county may be disproportionately impacted by that, and unlike other parts of the state, we sit across the river from Virginia and down the road from D.C.," said Del. Brian Feldman, the Democrat who chairs the Montgomery County delegation.

I wonder if the Delegate considered that Mongomery already DISPROPORTIONATELY BENEFITS from government programs in Maryland?  I suppose the wealth in Montgomery is just happenstance, and has little to do with well maintained infrastructure, quality public schools, etc.  Furthermore, I highly doubt that Montgomery citizens would choose the DC or Fairfax school systems over their own.  

Senator James Brochin, Republican Enabler

by: Andrew Kujan

Mon Nov 05, 2007 at 05:04 PM EST

A completely idiotic move from Senator Brochin (D-Baltimore County):

A Democrat from Baltimore County says he'll join Republicans in trying to stop the tax proposals of Gov. Martin O'Malley - but the GOP still doesn't have the votes it needs to sustain a filibuster.

 

Sen. James Brochin said he has gotten thousands of calls and e-mails from constituents about a slate of tax hikes proposed by O'Malley - and the constituents are "60-to-1" opposed to O'Malley's plans.

Of course, this is not unexpected from Senator Brochin, as he has worked with Republicans before to filibuster needed income tax increases. Forget the fact that perhaps if Brochin would have worked to pass these earlier increases, Maryland might not find itself so deep in the hole. Senator Brochin can also be counted on to defend the Real ID act alongside wing-nut Nancy Jacobs.  

I have one question for the Senator.  Is the "D" next to your name just for show?

Baltimore City General Election Preparation Open Thread

by: Andrew Kujan

Mon Nov 05, 2007 at 02:47 PM EST

Tell Senator Cardin to Vote "NO" on the Mukasey Confirmation

by: Andrew Kujan

Fri Nov 02, 2007 at 04:41 PM EDT

Its time to put some more local pressure on Senator Ben Cardin, whose seat on the Senate Judiciary Committee has thrown him into another highly publicized vote, this time, on the confirmation of  Michael "I am not sure if simulated drowning is torture or not" Mukasey. 

This should be an easy choice for Senator Cardin.  "NAY" is the only morally responsible way to vote on this confirmation.