In his quest to regain the Governor’s Mansion, former Maryland governor Bob Ehrlich has raised $725,505 in just 18 days!  This 18 day total equals about 25% of what Ehrlich raised in the preceding 8 months.

Politics professor Tom Schaller said Ehrlich’s 18-day totals show his campaign is gaining considerable momentum.

"Ehrlich is more competitive than before," said Schaller, associate professor of political science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. "Money chases competitive candidates, as opposed to the other way around."

According to Ehrlich’s campaign, 98% of this 18 day total came from Marylanders.

It’s 63 Days to Election Day.  WHERE’S FRANK?

Don’t his constituents have a right to know?

Charles Lollar is one of the most exciting candidates to run for office in Maryland … this, or any, year.  A genuine conservative, Lollar understands what Maryland needs to move forward into a prosperous future:

For decades our government has ignored the sound advice that jobs flourish in an environment of vigorous competition, low taxes, and reasonable regulations.  Instead it has promoted an agenda of high taxes, higher spending and an expansion of government bureaucracy guaranteed to frustrate all who have to deal with it.

Unfortunately our current congressman believes that the government can create jobs and stimulate our economy by taking your tax dollars and spending it on more government programs, earmarks, and Wall Street bailouts, so much so that he has squandered trillions of your tax dollars, and failed to stimulate anything other than more out of control spending, bigger deficits and higher taxes.

Real problems require real solutions. Solutions that have been tested and proven effective, every time that they have been applied.  With our economy in distress we can no longer afford the foolish notion that we can borrow and spend our way out of debt. You don’t have to be an economist to know that such a practice is guaranteed to fail.  You only need to pick up the newspaper and look at today’s unemployment rate to realize that the current policy of tax, spend and borrow is a failure.

Jobs are created by entrepreneurs. People who risk their time, talent and personal treasure in pursuit of profit.  When they get it right, they are rewarded.  When they get it wrong, they are replaced by others who are better suited to create the jobs that build wealth for all of us. All without government stimulus plans, bailouts or earmarks.

As your next congressman, I will fight for an environment guaranteed to promote job growth and wealth creation.  I will be a strong advocate for the proven formula of vigorous competition, lower taxes, and reasonable regulations. It is time that we abandon the failed policies that have shuttered our business community and robbed you of the ability to invest and save for your future.

Together we can make "A New Day for Maryland"!

Imagine where we would be right now with this kind of leadership in Washington.

First District Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-MD) really holds his constituents in high regard.  He has refused to hold a public town hall meeting with voters for the last year.  His so called meetings with constituents are tightly controlled affairs more akin to campaign events than actually working with constituents.

Now he has gone so far as to REFUSE to talk to a constituent!  Evidently, Frank’s handlers have convinced him that if it isn’t a photo op or it’s not someone handing him a check, then they just aren’t worth Kratovil’s time!

It’s 67 days until the election Frank.  You’re going to have to come out sometime.  The Obama machine won’t be able to put you over the top this year.  You’ll actually have to talk to people.

In the meantime, all we can do is ask:

WHERE’s FRANK?

Former Maryland Gov. Bob Ehrlich gave a big, fat, “NO!” when asked whether fee increases of any sort would be under consideration in an Ehrlich administration.  This is an answer to a big criticism leveled at Ehrlich by his primary opponent AND Democrats.

Incumbent Gov. Martin O’Malley states that he has no intention of raising taxes, but refused to sign a pledge to that effect.

It’s not a secret, I’m supporting Bob Ehrlich for Governor.  However, it should not be debatable that Bob’s not the most conservative candidate running.  That honor falls to Brian Murphy.

Brian is a bright young man who has a great future ahead of him.  He has also been blessed with a lovely wife and a family he can be proud of.  He’s full of great ideas and stands on principle.  Regardless of how this year’s GOP primary turns out, I hope that Marylanders will take advantage of Brian’s talents in the future.

Here’s just a few of Brian’s ideas on how we can get Maryland’s economy moving again:

H/T:  RightCoast Conservative

Former Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich takes a few minutes out of his schedule to discuss the business climate in Maryland:

As we’ve noted in previous posts, Maryland is becoming far too dependent on public sector jobs.  Why?  The states tax and regulatory burden is opening hostile to the private sector.

What’s the number one issues in this year’s race?  JOBS!  Unfortunately, without a tax rate of about 200% (which obviously isn’t possible) we can’t all work for the government, despite the wishes of some liberal politicians.  We need existing businesses that want to move into Maryland.  We need small business start-ups.  Ehrlich understands that.  Martin O’Malley doesn’t.

Local lefty stalwart Mike Pretl doesn’t seem to like the fact that Mike Brewington is running for Wicomico County Council as a Democrat.  I really don’t care that much given that I have no intention of voting for Brewington if he makes it through the primary.  As a registered Republican I couldn’t vote for him on September 14th even if I wanted to.

However, I do take issue with a few statements made by Pretl in his Daily Times letter:

Michael Brewington is a nice young man who had an awakening last year and decided to get involved as a tea party activist, since he believes taxes are out of control. He and his compatriots are unaware the overall tax burden on Americans as a percentage of personal income (according to the Tax Policy Institute) is the lowest since 1950.

Brewington filed to run for Wicomico County Council as a "tax cutter." Asked recently what expenses he would cut, he replied that the county shouldn’t cut vital public safety, education or road construction funds; those constitute the largest part of the county budget. He said "we need to review" other spending.

This spending has been scrutinized each year by budget maven Pat Peterson, reviewed line-by-line by the county executive and council, and subjected to careful audit by John Stern.

This diligent process yielded the bare-bones budget Wicomico County is struggling with in this tighten-the-belt year.

Brewington never told his friendly interviewer what "fat" he believes remains to be cut. He said his two major issues are night council meetings — tried many times, including currently — and the Civic Center parking lot, which he opposes. He plans to buy his gasoline out of state, since he dislikes the current use of gas tax revenues by the county (actually by the state).

After failing to register for several years, Brewington is running as a Democrat, since his Grandpop told him Democrats are "for the people."

There are two serious, knowledgeable Democratic candidates for County Council at-large — Dave Cowall and Ed Taylor. They deserve the votes of all serious Democrats.

Mike Pretl

Riverton

The lowest tax burden since the 1950’s?  I don’t know what the basis of that statement is, but I seriously hope that Pretl’s pals – Dave Cowall and Ed Taylor – both campaign on the platform that Wicomico citizens are UNDER TAXED!  Assuming that Pretl gets his wish and both make through the primary, I hope they double down.

Pretl is absolutely correct that Brewington offered no viable specifics as to how Wicomico government can continue to keep providing basic services such as education, public safety, and roads while keeping the revenue cap in place.  While Ed Taylor went on record that he wanted to repeal the revenue cap, he has since altered his position a bit.  Dave Cowall hasn’t demanded a repeal.  Where are the specifics from your crew Mr. Pretl?

I’ve never heard Brewington argue that the county government should cut taxes.  I don’t doubt that he would like too.  However, where is Pretl’s evidence?

As for Pretl’s claim that the current Wicomico budget is “bare bones”, that’s a lefty’s opinion.  There are still areas to cut.  Mr. Pretl may disagree with those cuts but he would have a hard time arguing that they are essential services either.

Pretl has a right to his opinion, along with the rest of us.  However, I don’t want to hear any nonsense about “civil debate” coming from a guy who takes the time pen a letter to the editor that attacks a candidates stance on issues with scant evidence or outright fabrication.

To see the interview where Pretl seems to be getting HIS understanding of Brewington’s stances on various issues, watch this video:

Yesterday was National Cost of Government Day.  What does that mean?  It means that, on average, you have finished paying the cost of government for this year:

Today is the first day you stopped working for Uncle Sam and began working for yourself. Americans must labor 231 days out of the year just to meet all costs imposed by government – 8 days later than last year and a full 34 days longer than 2008.

Sadly, if you live in Maryland (as I do) you will continue paying for the cost of government through September 4th (4th worse in the nation).  Delawareans will have met their obligations tomorrow.  Virginians on August 25th.

Is it OK for churches to make campaign contributions to political candidates?  How about other non-profits?  I know that it’s not legal, but is it morally right?

If you believe, as I do, that tax exempt institutions like churches, the American Legion, the VFW, schools, etc shouldn’t be able to involve themselves in partisan political activity then you then need to ask yourself – Why don’t the rules apply to Maryland Del. Rudy Cane (D-37A)?  Even if you don’t agree with me, you still need to ask yourself why Cane and the tax exempt interests that contribute to his campaign don’t seem to believe that the law applies to them.

VFW Wicomico Memorial Post 10159

VFW Post 10159 sits at 821 West Main Street just east of the intersection of US 50 and Nanticoke Road.  On top of its building are two billboards, one facing US 50 East and the other facing West Main Street.  As shown in the photo to the right, these billboards act as signage for the VFW Post.

Yet, as the picture at the top shows, the sign facing US 50 has been magically transformed into a billboard for Cane’s re-election bid.  Some might argue that IF Cane paid for the space that this would be legit.  Sadly, there is no evidence in his most recent campaign finance disclosure that Cane paid for the billboard space.  Even if he did, I’m not aware of the VFW post selling that billboard space for other purposes.

VFW Post 10159 is a tax exempt institution.  They don’t pay property taxes.  They are permitted slot machines and other types of gambling provided that they donate a certain percentage of the proceeds back to the community.  They are also forbidden by law from engaging in partisan political activity.

Of course, I can hear the arguments now defending VFW Post 10159 putting a sign up for Cane.  I suspect that Cane is a member of the Post.  The Post’s leadership might even claim that they didn’t know they were violating the law.  None of these are valid excuses for violating the law.  In addition, Cane should certainly know that such activity is a violation of the our nation’s tax laws and the campaign finance laws.

But … Let’s assume for a moment that reason doesn’t prevail and we accept these excuses.  How can we possibly accept the fact that this tax exempt institution has made CASH CONTRIBUTIONS to Cane’s campaign?  There certainly is no valid excuse for either Post 10159 making the contributions or Cane accepting them.

The solution is a simple one.  VFW Post 10159 can engage in all of the political activity they want.  The government simply needs to revoke their tax exempt status.  Post 10159 can start paying property taxes.  They can pay income taxes.  They can give up their slot machines and any other gambling that they have on premises.  They can give up their liquor license and re-apply as a bar.  As for Cane, he deserves to be pilloried in the court of public opinion.  If the voters of District 37-A want a scofflaw representing them in Annapolis that says as much about their character as it does about Rudy Cane’s

Since When Did Church’s Start Contributing to Campaigns?

There is a long history of church’s engaging in certain types of political activity.  Candidates are invited to certain churches to meet congregants or even speak at services.  “Scorecards” are distributed outlining candidates’ stances on various issues.  Flyers are put on cars in church parking lots.  Some pastors even get up in the pulpit and state that the congregation should vote for specific candidates or vote a certain way on referenda.  While I find some of these activities distasteful, I don’t believe that they are illegal.  One activity that is definitely against the law is for churches to make direct contributions to political campaigns.  It is also a violation for candidates to take such contributions.  Sadly, Rudy Cane thinks the rules that you and I have to live by simply don’t apply to him.

Case in point – Cane has excepted contributions from several tax exempt organization:

• First Baptist Church – Salisbury
• St. Luke UMC – Cambridge
• Dorchester Branch of the NAACP
• VFW Post 10159 (this doesn’t even count the in-kind contribution of the billboard space)

Looking up the land records, First Baptist Church is not listed as tax exempt.  However, there is a note about a partial exemption.  I would also want to know if First Baptist pays income taxes.

St. Luke UMC and VFW Post 10159 are most definitely tax exempt organizations.  As such, Cane violated campaign finance rules by accepting contributions from both organizations.  St. Luke and VFW Post 10159 have put their tax exempt status in serious jeopardy by making direct contributions to a political candidate.  Sure, the current administration isn’t going to do anything but Obama ain’t gonna be in office forever.

The Dorchester Branch of the NAACP is part of the state and national organizations.  Unless it is separately incorporated, which I can find no evidence of, they have placed the tax exempt status of the national organization in jeopardy.

Let’s face it.  Del. Rudy Cane just doesn’t think that he has to follow the same rules as the rest of us.  That’s a shame.  It also shows that it’s time for a change in District 37-A.