Maryland State Republican Delegate Pat McDonough endorsed U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Rutledge
July 2, 2010
Jim Rutledge to speak at the Bel Air Tea Party on Saturday
FOREST HILL, Maryland- Maryland State Republican Delegate Pat McDonough endorsed U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Rutledge on Baltimore radio this morning. A leader among conservative voices in the Maryland General Assembly and a popular radio talk show host, Pat McDonough announced his endorsement of Jim Rutledge to more than 40,000 listeners across Maryland on WCBM, 680 AM, Radio. Jim Rutledge said, “Pat McDonough’s endorsement demonstrates the confidence that the conservative leadership and the people of Maryland are placing in my message of freedom, limited government, and economic opportunity. I am grateful for Pat McDonough’s support for the Rutledge victory over Barbara Mikulski.”
As Marylanders kickoff their celebration of our Nation’s bold Declaration of Independence, Jim Rutledge prepares to speak to the citizens and patriots that will gather at the Bel Air Tea Party at 10AM on Saturday July 3rd. As a defender of the Constitution, Jim Rutledge will be speaking on the 5th Amendment’s protection of those personal rights of life, liberty, and private property.
www.rutledgeforussenate.com.
Bob Ehrlich Picks Mary Kane as Running Mate
July 1, 2010
Working Mom, Small Business Advocate, and Attorney to Run for Lt. Governor
Bob Ehrlich announced tonight that he has selected Mary D. Kane as his running mate in the campaign for Governor of Maryland. Ehrlich first announced the selection to his 27,000 fans on Facebook. Kane will help advance Bob Ehrlich’s central priorities for Maryland: creating jobs, lowering taxes on families and small businesses, and fixing Maryland’s budget mess.
Kane, 48, is a first generation American whose parents immigrated to the United States from Ireland. The mother of three college-age children, Kane currently serves as Director of Special Projects for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where she assists military veterans, as well as National Guardsmen and Reservists searching for employment upon returning from overseas. She previously served as Assistant State’s Attorney for Montgomery County and Maryland Secretary of State. “I am delighted that Mary has agreed to join with me on my mission to bring more jobs, lower taxes, and a brighter future to all Marylanders,” Ehrlich said. “She has a great mix of experience in government and the private sector, and knows the joys and challenges of raising a family in Maryland. She will be true partner in government who shares my belief that fixing Maryland’s problems requires candor and real solutions, not cynicism and fear.”
”I am honored to join Bob Ehrlich’s campaign to bring new ideas and proven leadership to state government,” Kane said. “As the daughter of immigrants, I gained a profound appreciation for what is possible in Maryland: unlimited economic opportunity, safe neighborhoods, and unparalleled quality of life. But achieving these goals requires leadership. If I have the honor of serving as Lt. Governor, I will work tirelessly to ensure those blessings are available to every Maryland family. I look forward to getting to know my fellow Marylanders in the coming months and offering new ideas for a new Maryland.”
Fred Co Commissioner President Jan Gardner will not seek re-election
July 1, 2010
Frederick County Commissioner President Jan Gardner
Today, after much thought and deliberation, I am announcing my decision to not seek re-election to the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners. It has been my great honor and privilege to serve the citizens of the county. The decision to not seek re-election is personally difficult. I have spent the last 12 years working diligently for the county I love and I remain very committed to making Frederick County the best place to live and work in the country. We are truly blessed in Frederick County to live in a wonderful community. We have exceptional schools, a safe community, wonderful parks and libraries, well maintained roads and bridges, and many other excellent county services that truly add to the quality of life we enjoy.
I initially ran for office out of an interest in supporting public education specifically with a desire to address school overcrowding. During my tenure, we have successfully accelerated the construction of new schools and additions and reduced school capacity system wide from 101% of capacity to our goal of 90% of capacity. I am particularly pleased with the opening of a new Linganore HS this fall. I am gratified to have played a significant role in improving the conditions of our school facilities and in supporting public education. We have one of the best school systems in the country and our collective challenge is to keep it.
I am proud of a number of other significant accomplishments including the recently adopted County Comprehensive Plan which establishes a wonderful blue print for future development in the county. It is a plan that fully accommodates future anticipated growth, provides plenty of land for business growth, and protects the agricultural, cultural and historic heritage of the county that we all love and cherish. This plan is appreciated by the citizens who have read it, contributed to it, and worked on it. This plan ensures our future prosperity and protects our quality of life.
I am also proud of our progress with agricultural preservation. The Installment Purchase Program, introduced during my first term, has added close to 15,000 acres to permanent preservation ensuring an agricultural legacy for future generations. The County ranks 10th in the country in land preservation - a true accomplishment.
I am proud of the progress we have made in open and transparent government. Twelve years ago our meetings were not even televised. Now they are available on the internet and can be accessed at anytime and anywhere. We take public comment on any issue at every meeting. We have the strongest ethics rules and lobbying regulations in the state. I have been particularly proud to be a member of this Board where decisions are made for the common good, not for special or narrow interests. This Board has lived up to their commitment for good government.
I am also proud of our progress on environmental issues with the introduction of single stream recycling, the landfill gas to energy project, the creation of the Sustainability Commission, energy conservation efforts, and our stream buffer ordinance. The protection of our land, air and water is fundamental to our future health and prosperity.
The greatest challenge has been the economic impact on our budget. This Board has worked tirelessly to reduce spending and maintain services that matter to people while keeping taxes low. The county tax rate is the lowest among our peer counties and is among the lowest in the State. The budget is all about providing services and the services we provide are people-centered. The Board along with county staff has worked to cut the budget by over 9% over the past two years - a real accomplishment. The County has seen an upgrade in our bond rating in the past year - another true accomplishment. It will be important for future boards to continue the fiscal responsibility and fiscal restraint to maintain services and our bond rating. Low tax rates are made possible, at least in part, by a policy decision to not permit development to shift the costs of development to the taxpayers.
It is my intention to be actively engaged in the upcoming election process for the Board of County Commissioners. It is my intent to help elect a future board that will continue the progress of the current board and a Board that has the best interest of the community in mind rather than special or narrow interests.
I want to thank my family, my friends, and my supporters. It is a privilege to have served as a County Commissioner. This position has afforded me the opportunity to make a difference in our community, meet a lot of wonderful people, and have many interesting experiences. I also want to thank county employees who do a superb job and continuously demonstrate their dedication to serving the citizens of the county. They have my enduring admiration.
I plan to remain active in local politics and in the community. Service to others and promoting Frederick County will continue to consume my time and energy though in a different manner.
Thank you to my family, supporters, and the citizens of the community for giving me such a great opportunity to serve.
Jan H. Gardner
President, Board of County Commissioners
U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Rutledge-Taxes Raised Overnight
June 27, 2010
U.S. Candidate Jim Rutledge
FOREST HILL, Maryland U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Rutledge is disappointed that Congress has failed taxpayers again by raising taxes in the middle of the night. The House and Senate Conference Committee agreed to a financial reform bill that will have serious consequences for consumers. The legislation contained over 1900 pages and calls for 19 billion dollars in taxes to establish a new bureaucracy in Washington. Jim Rutledge said, “Washington always ends up solving one problem by creating another.”
The Rutledge for U.S. Senate Campaign believes the hasty actions by Congress regarding the Wall Street Reform Bill may result in harmful consequences to the economy. Financial analysts are warning that this legislation may limit access to credit, stymie economic growth, and cost jobs. In the rush to provide Barack Obama a political victory Liberals refused to address the government controlled Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which has already cost taxpayers 145 billion dollars since the housing collapse.
Washington’s response to every crisis is to create a bigger bureaucracy. The Rutledge Campaign points to Thursday’s Washington Times article written by Jason Clemens and Julie Kaszton which states, “government is expanding the one truly systemic risk to our economy: itself.” Jim Rutledge said, “Once again Washington has over stepped its mandate in pursuit of bigger government.”
Jim Rutledge agrees that the biggest obstacles to economic recovery are career politicians like Barbara Mikulski who continue to tax and spend. Rutledge said, “Washington spends too much, takes too much, and refuses to be held accountable.” The Rutledge for Senate Campaign thinks its time to cut spending, cut taxes and reduce the size of government.
For more information about Jim Rutledge and his campaign for U.S. Senate in Maryland, please visit the campaign online at www.rutledgeforussenate.com.
O’Mally-Brown Campaign
June 24, 2010
Governor Martin O’Malley
O’Mally-Brown Campaign
Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown will pick up where they left off four years ago-a gubernatorial race with former Governor Bob Erlich. I contacted the O’Malley-Brown Campaign and requested a statement in reference to the upcoming governors’ election. The following is a statement released by Rick Abbruzzese, Deputy Campaign Manager for the O’Malley in regards to the Erlich Campaign:
“This is not a plan. Bob Ehrlich’s so-called plan is all talk and no action - he is proposing a commission, a summit, a task force, three reviews and two explorations, but nothing to actually create jobs or help small businesses struggling because of the global recession. This lip service is insulting because Maryland’s small businesses and families expect and deserve more from a former governor. As governor, Bob Ehrlich actually proposed the largest-ever increase in state spending and increased taxes and fees that hurt Maryland’s small businesses and families, while benefiting special interests. Now as a lobbyist, Bob Ehrlich has spent the last four years helping his clients export American jobs, bail out Wall Street banks, and defend giant oil companies. In stark contrast, Governor O’Malley has delivered results, including the Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit to put unemployed Marylanders back to work and a rapid response small business loan guaranty program to get credit flowing again to our small businesses.” Governor O’Malley’s record of progress is listed.
Be sure to follow daily press releases under the “today” tab
Governor O’Malley Record of Progress
Job Creation Tax Credit
- The Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit signed into law this year by Governor O’Malley will give any business that hires an unemployed Marylander a tax credit of $5,000. In the FY2011 budget, Governor O’Malley allocates $20 million for the new jobs program.
- With this year’s budget, the O’Malley-Brown Administration created the Maryland Small Business Credit Recovery Program to streamline the loan approval process and allow the State to guarantee a small percentage of loans, helping banks provide much-needed capital for our small businesses.
Innovative Partnerships to Create Jobs
- Governor O’Malley announced a public-private partnership with Ports America Chesapeake to create 5,700 new direct and indirect jobs at the port.
- With incentives from the State of Maryland, General Motors announced that it will produce the next generation of electric drive motors at its facility in White Marsh. The company will construct a high-volume electric drive manufacturing facility at the Baltimore County Transmission plant, creating approximately 200 jobs and retaining hundreds more already at the plant.
- After launching Bio2020, a 10-year, $1.3 billion investment in life science and biotech research and development, the O’Malley-Brown Administration is continuing their strong support in this emerging field by increasing the Biotech Tax Credit from $6 million to $8 million.
- Governor O’Malley was recognized this year for his outstanding leadership in growing and promoting Maryland’s biotechnology industry. The award was presented by Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) CEO Jim Greenwood and Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board (LSAB) Chairman H. Thomas Watkins.
- Governor O’Malley launched a multipronged strategy to build on Maryland’s cyber security assets to create and protect Maryland jobs, and to advance the cause of security not just in our State but for our country and allies across the globe.
- BRAC will bring an estimated 60,000 jobs to the State of Maryland. Governor O’Malley’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Subcabinet, led by Lt. Governor Brown recently, designated five “BRAC Zones” throughout Maryland in 2008 to help direct and prepare for BRAC-related growth opportunities while enhancing the quality of life for all Maryland citizens. In 2009, two more BRAC zones for workforce development were designated: the City of Aberdeen and Howard County.
Expanding Opportunity for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses
- Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown recently launched MBE University, a conference that travels throughout Maryland to offer training, opportunities, and information on the tools necessary for minority or woman-owned businesses to expand and create jobs. In FY 2009, the State made $1 billion in procurement payments to MBE firms which helped create or save 18,906 jobs.
- In Fiscal Year 2009, Maryland state agencies achieved 22 percent MBE participation, up from 20 percent in the previous year. These include over $1.6 billion in awards to MBE firms, an increase of 26 percent in one year, and $1 billion in payments to MBE firms.
- Governor O’Malley launched the Maryland Clean Energy Center, which is tasked with moving Maryland forward by creating 100,000 new green jobs Statewide through the development and deployment of clean energy technologies all across our State.
- The Sustainable Communities Act of 2010 proposed by the Administration this year will provide $10 million in tax credits in FY 2011 to support thousands of construction jobs to revitalize our communities and neighborhoods.
- Governor O’Malley launched the Maryland Skills2Compete program to prepare our citizens for the increasing number of “middle-skill” job openings. The initiative will ensure that every Marylander has access to at least two years of training or education past high school.
- Governor O’Malley created the Higher Education Investment Fund, Maryland’s first-ever dedicated funding source for higher education. Since being established in 2007, the HEIF has invested more than $100 million in Maryland’s institutions of higher learning, with more than $42 million planned for this year alone to make critical investments in higher education and workforce development possible across our State.
- Governor O’Malley’s budgets have increased student financial aid by $95 million, with a record investment of $462 million for tuition assistance and scholarships to help more students and families across Maryland realize their dreams of a college education.
- Governor O’Malley has invested 35% more in Maryland’s community colleges since taking office, bringing the total 4-year commitment to $1 billion.
- In 2009, Maryland retained jobs better than all but 4 other states in the country. Additionally, 58 new business enterprises decided to locate in Maryland last year, creating or saving 6,465 jobs.
- Maryland’s unemployment rate in Maryland remains more than 20% below the national average as the Administration continues to work with local and national business partners to expand opportunity in every part of our state.
- Under Governor O’Malley, Maryland is one of only eight states to maintain a AAA bond rating certified by all 3 major bond rating agencies — saving taxpayers millions of dollars.
Bob Erlich Campaign in full swing by Vickie Grinder
June 24, 2010
Photo courtesy John Kinnaird
Seems former Governor Bob Ehrlich (R) wants his old job back in Maryland. This announcement means another face-off of his opponent and current Governor Martin O’Malley. Erlich hopes to win back his seat as Maryland’s governor in a much-anticipated rematch with incumbent Governor O’Malley, who defeated him in 2006. Bob Erlich visited Thurmont in June and met with a group of residents and business owners at the Guardian Hose Company. Governor Bob Erlich and former Lt. Governor Michael Steele are no strangers to Thurmont. In 2005, Thurmont was awarded the Main Street Destination by Erlich and Steele. Thurmont First had the opportunity to interact with this administration on several occasions. During the June town hall session in Thurmont, Erlich touched upon the recently passed Health Care Reform Bill which he called “a disaster.” He also commented if reelected he most certainly would challenge the bill and if in fact it is legal. The Erlich Campaign is fuming about higher taxes which are costing jobs and also feels the state must develop a better business reputation than it currently represents. Erlich feels we must decrease taxes to attract more companies to do business in Maryland. Erlich also stated in a recent appearance in Frederick at Colonial Jewelers, “if elected the sales tax would be decreased from six to five percent.” Erlich will focus on what has happened to the state during the four year term under Dem Governor Martin O’Malley. Erlich recently made the comment, “While more than 200,000 Marylanders are out of work, while our taxes rise and our incomes fall, Governor O’Malley has chosen to mislead you with falsehoods about my record in an effort to distract you from his. Governor O’Malley has already damaged our reputation as a place to do business; we should not allow him to do the same to our standards for honest political debate. I think 2010 is going to be the message year. The message from small business: Enough,”
Erlich has focused on “Take Maryland Back,” while O’Malley’s touts his administration will “Take Maryland Forward.” This campaign is heating up with fireworks on the horizon, and both candidates have vigorously emerged from their corners for what promises to be the event of the season!
Click the “today” tab for daily press releases from both camps!
Rosemary McDermott Democratic Candidate Judge of the Orphans
June 24, 2010
Rosemary McDermott Democratic Candidate Judge of the Orphans
Court for Frederick County
| On January 8, 2009 an earthquake struck Costa Rica. That same day, my life was shaken, not by an earthquake, but by my doctors. I had just been discharged by the hospital after suffering a serious case of pneumonia followed by a heart attack. The hospital cardiologist informed me that I needed to start my “good-byes.” My heart would no longer take me much further along the path of life. I had a very short time left to live.Not one to give up, I went to my cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Traill sent me to Philadelphia’s esteemed Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Two months later I was the recipient of a heart of a 22-year old young man, who had been killed in an accident. His family wanted a part of their son and brother to live on. Now I am living a second chance at life, with the mind and experiences of a 66-year old woman, and the heart and vitality of a 22 year old young man. I cannot wait to begin my new life. My burning desire with this new chance at life is to contribute my skills, talents and new-found energy towards public service.
I was advised to close my law practice in Thurmont, Maryland after the heart transplant; sixty hour weeks were discouraged by my doctors. With a strong background in education, government and law, I found a perfect way to give back to my community: service as an Orphans’ Court Judge. What is an Orphans’ Court? No, it’s not a court for orphans. It’s a probate court. When a Will of a deceased loved one is contested, the parties go before and Orphans’ Court Judge to seek a decision. An Orphans’ Court Judge must be a person of compassion tempered by an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the law. After a loved one’s death, the survivors are suffering from grief and other emotions. The Orphans’ Court Judge hears the facts, reviews the law, and in a rational, caring manner issues a decision that is based on the law while at the same time sensitive to the situation. A gift of communicating the law in an understandable manner goes far in mending any chasms created by the emotional stress of having lost a loved one. I know I am that person. I would bring all my experience as an attorney, as a teacher, and as a caring citizen of Frederick County to the position. It would be a way to support the community that has supported me during one of the biggest challenges of my life; having a heart transplant. I would be honored to serve you as your Judge of the Orphans’ Court for Frederick County, Maryland. |
U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Rutledge favorite for Baltimore County
June 22, 2010
U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Rutledge was the overwhelming favorite of Baltimore County Republicans in a straw poll conducted Thursday. Rutledge received a super majority of ballots cast to gain the endorsement. Baltimore County is considered a “Bell Weather” county for candidates seeking statewide office. Jim Rutledge said, “This group reflects the heart and soul of the Republican Party in Baltimore County, and I am proud to receive their endorsement.”
The Rutledge for Senate Campaign believes this endorsement is another example of the support and momentum Jim Rutledge is garnering in his effort to reform Washington and return a conservative majority to the U.S. Senate. Rutledge stated, “The Baltimore County Republicans are well informed and very active and this result shows our campaign has mushroomed.”
Jim Rutledge continues to fight to end the out of control spending of career politicians like Barbara Mikulski. The time has come for Marylanders to unite and help return the values of Ronald Reagan to Washington.
For more information about Jim Rutledge and his campaign for U.S. Senate in Maryland, please visit the campaign online at www.rutledgeforussenate.com.
Mike Cady announces candidacy for Orphans Court Judge
June 19, 2010
The Orphans’ Court consists of three elected judges who are responsible for the supervision of estates that must go through probate. They may also appoint guardians for the person and property of minors (under age of eighteen). The Orphan’s Court convenes several times a week to conduct formal hearings involving estate and guardianship disputes and rule on petitions regarding them.
Having served as Vice President of the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners from 2002 to 2006, I feel both qualified and prepared to serve the county in this capacity. As a Commissioner, I was involved in numerous administrative and quasi-judicial hearings, and presided over many of them. In addition to my duties as a Commissioner, I also actively served as Commissioner Liaison to the:
- Adult Public Guardianship Board
- Child Advocacy Center
- Substance Abuse Council
- Commission on Disabilities
- Coalition for the Homeless
- Board of Education
- Planning Commission
- Tourism Council
- Parks & Recreation Commission
- Weinberg Center for the Arts
For more information centurion1973@gmail.com
Jim Rutledge U.S. Senate Candidate speaks out
June 14, 2010
FOREST HILL, Maryland Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jim Rutledge of Maryland believes election results continue to reflect America’s outrage with Washington’s career politicians. Jim Rutledge said, “State by state voters are sending a clear message that they are tired of politics as usual.” Jim Rutledge understands and shares the frustration Marylanders have with politicians who say one thing and then do another.
The Rutledge Campaign believes statements by Eric Wargotz are an affront to the values and beliefs of Marylanders. Voters deserve to know the truth about where Eric Wargotz stands on the issues. Illegal immigration is costing taxpayers billions of dollars and the Wargotz solution is to advocate free health care for all illegal immigrants. In an October 30, 2009 interview with the Jewish Times Wargotz stated that he was disappointed that President Obama was not going to pay for health care for illegal immigrants. Eric Wargotz is attempting to hide behind the conservative banner while advocating liberal positions.
Jim Rutledge is the only true conservative seeking to represent Maryland in the U.S. Senate. Eric Wargotz has a record making liberal and irresponsible decisions. Jim Rutledge provides a clear alternative to the Washington Insiders and candidates like Eric Wargotz who want to drive America farther in debt. Jim Rutledge said, “It’s time to take the gloves off because Marylanders need to know the truth about Eric Wargotz.”
The time has come for Marylanders to join the fight to restore Washington and bring the career politicians home. Jim Rutledge is leading the way by proudly holding up the conservative banner not hiding behind it.
For more information about Jim Rutledge and his campaign for U.S. Senate in Maryland, please visit the campaign online at www.rutledgeforussenate.com.
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