Category Archives: Maryland

What’s at Stake Tuesday, Long and Short Term

  By Paul Johnson | March 30, 2012 - 5:36 PM | 2012 Election, Barack Obama, Conservatives, Deficit Spending, Health Care, Maryland, Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Obamacare, Olympics, Polls, Rick Santorum, RomneyCare, Supreme Court, Wisconsin 624 views
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The Romance of Delegate Math

If you’re like me you find yourself looking at polling data and calculating delegate counts in your head. If Mitt takes so many delegates in DC, Maryland and Wisconsin, that puts him at a new total of X, extending his lead over Santorum by Y, and making Rick need Z percent of the future delegates to win…. Okay, maybe you’re not like me.

It may sound boring to the uninitiated, but it’s the math behind propelling the most qualified candidate in the race to his party’s nomination, step one in replacing Barack Obama.

What’s at Stake Tuesday: Long View

What Obamacare teaches us. In case you don’t think replacing Barack Obama is a big deal, reflect back on the biggest political story of this week. Okay, not the open mic incident. I’m referring to our hearing our president’s Solicitor General argue to the Supreme Court why Obamacare’s Federal mandate is constitutional. The traditionally conservative justices asked for a rationale that could possibly limit Congress’ power under the commerce clause should they accept his argument. Meanwhile, the traditionally liberal justices tried their best to supply that rationale. Based on the impressions of those reporting, the decision appears headed for a familiar 5-4 vote against the law, with the four traditional conservatives on one side, the four traditional liberals on the other, and middle-of-the-road Justice Kennedy likely voting with the conservatives. But time will tell.

Shape of the Court to come. As someone concerned about finding real limits to Congress’ power (history proving we need limits to preserve our freedom), and knowing the general police power was intended to be reserved to the states (making the difference between Federal Obamacare and state Romneycare night and day), I thank my lucky stars we had presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush to appoint the four conservative justices currently on the court. The liberal justices? Two from Clinton, two from Obama. By way of preview, the next president may have a chance to replace not only the lead conservative on the court in Scalia (currently 76 years old) and a staunch liberal on the court in Ginsburg (79), but iconic swing justice Kennedy, who has made the difference in many 5-4 decisions (currently 75 years old). In other words, who the president is matters, a lot, not just in signing and vetoing laws, but in appointing justices to the court who can protect the Constitution for a generation to come (a combined half-century now for Scalia and Kennedy).

MORE REGARDING THE SUPREME COURT AND AN ESTIMATE OF DELEGATES AWARDED TUESDAY BELOW! (more…)

Mitt Romney doesn’t care about poor people? WRONG!

  By Jeff Fuller | February 2, 2012 - 2:39 AM | 2012 Election, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Barack Obama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Conservatives, Democrats, Family Values, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Mitt Romney, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Obama Isn't Working, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Statements, States, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Videos, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming 1 views
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In the 24 hour news cycle, the story of the day has been Mitt’s comments to CNN in the early morning after his Florida win. While I think even the most ardent Romney fan would admit that this could and should have (and will be) phrased more adeptly, the liberals have taken and run with the partial quote that he’s “not concerned with the very poor” … It looks worse in print that in the context of the interview:

Mitt cares deeply about the poor, and his actions speak louder than words. How many “journalists” have bothered to mention that Mitt has given over $7,000,000 (SEVEN FREAKING MILLION!) to charitable organizations in just the last two years? Records from before then show the Romney’s consistent giving millions upon millions to organizations that care for the poor. By contrast, Joe Biden gave only $3690 to charity in an entire decade … that’s PROOF of someone that doesn’t care about the poor. From 2001-4, the Obamas made nearly a million dollars, but donated LESS THAN 1% of that income to charity.

Or what about when Mitt gave cash out of his pocket to the lady in South Carolina who said God guided her to follow Romney’s campaign bus to find help to keep her lights on? The EXACT SAME CNN REPORTER (Soledad) even reported about that a couple of weeks ago … does she have no memory?

Mitt doesn’t care about poor people? Demonstrably false and easy to debunk (and this is without even delving into fact that Mitt, as a Mormon Bishop for several years, dedicated much of his time to caring for the poor in a very “hands on” fashion). If Obama and team push this theme it will come back to bite them. Mitt’s done more to care for the poor than any snarky reporter or any of his political rivals.

Recall Vic’s post from a couple days back that highlighted Romney’s life of service and included the following YouTube:

Additionally, Brit Hume on Fox News today adroitly argued that anyone who wants to “make hay” or be offended by this out-of-context quote wouldn’t be voting for a GOP candidate anyways. I’d have to agree.

Romney Announces: TX Congressman Smith Endorsement, MD Campaign Chaired by Gov Ehrlich & RNC’s Pope

  By Jayde Wyatt | October 27, 2011 - 8:31 AM | 2012 Election, Debt, Economy, Jobs, Maryland, Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, Taxes, Texas 1 views
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We’ll begin the day here at MRC with welcome news from The Lone Star State and The Old Line state…

Mitt Romney Announces Support of Texas Congressman Lamar Smith

“I am proud to have Congressman Smith’s support,” said Mitt Romney. “On issues that I have focused on such as border security and job creation, Lamar has been at the forefront in the Congress. I look forward to working closely with Lamar both during my campaign and in the effort to fix our struggling economy.”

Congressman Lamar Smith said, “Like many Americans, I believe the United States urgently needs to replace Barack Obama as president with a proven leader who will create jobs, reduce the nation’s debt and embrace traditional values. The Republican Party is fortunate to have many candidates who are well-qualified to do just that. Last May– three months before Governor Rick Perry announced his candidacy – I committed to supporting Mitt Romney. I support Mitt Romney because I believe that he has the specific skill set needed to turn around the economy: he has a conservative track record as a successful businessman and as a governor who created jobs, cut taxes, and kept spending low.”

Background on Congressman Lamar Smith:

Congressman Lamar Smith represents the 21st district in Texas. In the U.S. House, Smith serves as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Prior to his election to Congress, Smith was a member of the Texas House of Representatives. He also was a practicing lawyer and rancher.

From The Hill:

Smith’s endorsement is another likely signal that Romney is gathering momentum on immigration and border security issues. Romney seemed to gain traction in his criticism of rival Perry’s stance on both, with Perry sliding in the polls under a heavy barrage of Romney’s criticism on his support as governor of extending in-state tuition rates to undocumented students who graduated from a Texas high school.






Romney Announces Gov Bob Ehrlich as Chairman and RNC Committeeman Louis Pope as Co-Chair of Maryland Campaign

Boston, MA – Mitt Romney announce[s] former Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich as Chairman of his Maryland campaign and RNC National Committeeman Louis Pope as Co-Chair.

“I am proud to have the support of Bob Ehrlich,” said Mitt Romney. “As Governor of Maryland, he oversaw a drop in unemployment, balanced the budget, and said ‘no’ to tax increases. He understands that President Obama’s over-spending has failed to get voters in Maryland and across the country back to work. I am glad to have Bob’s help in my efforts to put our economy on the path to recovery.”

“After studying all the candidates, it is clear that Republicans’ best chance for beating President Obama next November is Mitt Romney,” said former Governor Bob Ehrlich. “Mitt Romney is the only candidate with the necessary experience to turn around our failing economy. He has laid out a comprehensive economic plan that will restart the economy beginning day one. Republicans can’t afford to let President Obama have four more years to spend trillions of dollars, burden small businesses, and fail to create jobs.”

“Maryland voters are tired of the failures and excuses from this administration,” said National Committeeman Louis Pope. “They want a president who will make job creation his number one priority. Mitt Romney has worked in the private sector for 25 years and knows how jobs are created. He is the only candidate who will be able to fix the fiscal and economic mess that the next president will inherit.”

Background on Maryland Co-Chairs:

Bob Ehrlich served as Governor of Maryland from 2003 to 2007. Previously, he represented Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003. He also practiced law and served in the House of Delegates.

Louis Pope serves as Republican National Committeeman for Maryland. In 2006, Pope was selected by President George W. Bush to serve on the Small Business Administration’s National Advisory Council. He is the President and Owner of Century 21 Trademark Realty, Inc, based in Montgomery and Prince Georges County.

(emphasis added)

Members Of Mitt Romney’s Maryland Steering Committee:
• Former Maryland Republican Party First Vice Chair Chris Cavey
• Former Maryland Republican Party First Vice Chair Chuck Gast
• Former Maryland Republican Party Chairman Audrey Scott
• Howard County Republican Party Chairman Loretta Shields
• Former Howard County Republican Party Chairman Brian Harlin


Pope endorsed Governor Romney back on September 8th.

► Jayde Wyatt

Illegal Immigration Imitation: The Rick Perry-Obama-O’Malley Plan, Romney Disagrees

  By Jayde Wyatt | September 27, 2011 - 12:41 PM | 2012 Election, Barack Obama, Democrats, Hispanics, Immigration, Maryland, Mitt Romney, Rick Perry 1 views
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Maryland Gov Martin O'Malley, Chairman of the Democratic Governors Assoc and Texas Gov Rick Perry, Chairman of the Republican Governors Association, agree on providing in-state tuition breaks for illegals. (AP photo/Alex Brandon Feb 25, 2011)


As Rick Perry visits Baltimore, Maryland today, will he thank Martin O’Malley (Democrat Governor of Maryland) for sharing his commitment to President Obama’s illegal immigration policies?

Earlier this month, Governor O’Malley “went out of his way to praise Governor Perry for supporting “in-state tuition breaks for illegal immigrants.”

“Republican-bashing was the order of the day when Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, spoke with reporters Thursday – except when it came to GOP presidential candidate Rick Perry and one of his Texas immigration policies. Governor O’Malley went out of his way to praise Governor Perry for supporting a 2001 Texas law that allows some illegal immigrants to attend college at in-state tuition rates.” (Dave Cook, “On Immigration, A Democrat Has Kind Words For GOP’s Rick Perry,” Christian Science Monitor, 9/15/11)

Governor O’Malley Signed Legislation Allowing Tuition Breaks For Illegal Immigrants In Maryland:

In May, Governor O’Malley signed legislation that would extend in-state tuition discounts to illegal immigrants. “Dozens of illegal immigrants celebrated Tuesday in Annapolis as Maryland officially made them eligible for tuition discounts at colleges and universities … Gov. Martin O’Malley made good on a long-standing promise to sign the controversial measure that extended in-state tuition rates … His action came the same day that President Barack Obama said he will renew a push for federal legislation that clears a citizenship path for illegal immigrants.” (Annie Linskey, “O’Malley Signs Tuition Break,” The Baltimore Sun, 5/11/11)

• “[Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R-MD)] Vetoed Legislation To Grant Illegal Immigrants In-State Tuition.” (Annie Linskey, “O’Malley, Ehrlich Differ On Illegal Immigrants,” The Baltimore Sun, 9/29/10)

Governor Perry Signed Legislation Allowing Tuition Breaks For Illegal Immigrants In Texas:

Governor Perry led the way as Texas became the first state in the nation to offer in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. “A bipartisan coalition in Texas pushed for new policies there, culminating in June (2001) when Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican, signed a bill to make Texas the first state to offer undocumented immigrants in-state tuition.” (John Gehring, “Undocumented Grads To Get Tuition Breaks From Calif. Institutions,” Education Week, 10/31/01)

“In 2001, Texas Became The First State In The Country To Pass An In-State Tuition Law. The Law Created A National Movement.” (Katherine Leal Unmuth, “Number Of Illegal Immigrants Getting In-State Tuition Rises,” The Dallas Morning News, 3/15/10)

Perry, on those who differ with his position: “I don’t think you have a heart.”

PERRY: “If you say that we should not educate children who have come into our state for no other reason than they’ve been brought there by no fault of their own, I don’t think you have a heart. … I still support it greatly.” (Rick Perry, GOP Presidential Debate, Orlando, FL, 9/22/11)

President Obama Also Supports Tuition Breaks For Illegal Immigrants:

“Thousands of immigrant students … declared their illegal status during a nationwide campaign for a bill in Congress that would have put them on a path to legal residence. In December that bill, known as the Dream Act, passed the House, then failed in the Senate. President Obama insisted in his State of the Union address and in interviews that he wanted to try again on the bill this year.” (Julia Preston, “After A False Dawn, Anxiety For Illegal Immigrant Students,” The New York Times, 2/8/11)

(emphasis added )

This morning, Luke posted Gov Romney’s new video here. It is perfect to re-post here. Perry and Obama Agree:

UPDATE – Romney talks with Jordan Sekulow (segment of interview) 9/27/11:

“I fundamentally believe that it doesn’t make a lot of sense for American taxpayers to pay for the college education of illegal aliens particularly at a time when American taxpayers are having a hard time financing education for their own children. It’s a strange thing. I know that it’s popular to get some votes in some corners. But from a policy standpoint if we’re going to give benefits that are worth $100,000 to illegal aliens to come here and get a higher education degree, then people are going to try and get into the country illegally. That’s the kind of magnet that draws people into the country. It’s the wrong course for our nation. Look, I love legal immigration. I’m happy to help legal immigrants but illegal immigrants coming here getting a break – a $100,000 break on college tuition financed by taxpayers makes no sense.” – Mitt Romney


► Jayde Wyatt

Romney Receives Endorsements From Officials in Maryland & New Hampshire

  By Jayde Wyatt | September 9, 2011 - 11:56 AM | 2012 Election, Endorsements, Maryland, Mitt Romney, New Hampshire 1 views
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As evening falls, lights from Baltimore, Maryland, are reflected in the city harbor. Mitt Romney received 25 endorsements from the Old Line State yesterday. Sept 9, 2011

We approve this trend!

More endorsements today for Mitt Romney…

Maryland – Mitt Romney receives support:
September 8, 2011

“It is an honor to have the support of so many in Maryland,” said Mitt Romney. “They share my goals in this campaign to reverse President Obama’s failed policies and get our economy moving again. I look forward to working with them as I bring this message to Maryland and the American people.”

Announcing his support, State Senator Richard Colburn said, “Mitt Romney has a proven record of creating jobs and cutting spending. President Obama has failed on these points and it has hurt the American economy. Mitt Romney has the much-needed experience to lead our country toward an economic recovery.”

Maryland Leaders Endorsing Mitt Romney:

• State Senator Richard Colburn
• State Senator Joe Getty
• State Senator Allan Kittleman
• Delegate Kathryn Afzali
• Delegate John Cluster
• Delegate Addie Eckardt
• Delegate Donald Elliott
• Delegate Michael Hough
• Delegate Nic Kipke
• Delegate Steven Schuh
• Former United States Ambassador to New Zealand Robert Goodwin
• National Committeeman Louis Pope
• National Committeewoman Joyce Terhes
• 2010 Republican Candidate for Lieutenant Governor and Former Secretary of State Mary Kane
• Former Maryland Republican Party Chairman John Kane
• Former Maryland Republican Party Chairman Audrey Scott
• Former Maryland Republican Party First Vice Chair Chris Cavey
• Former Maryland Republican Party First Vice Chair Chuck Gast
• Maryland Republican Party Treasurer Christopher Rosenthal
• Garrett County Republican Party Chairman Brenda Butcsher
• Howard County Republican Party Chairman Loretta Shields
• Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman Mark Uncapher
• Frederick County Councilman Paul Smith
• Howard County Councilman Greg Fox
• State Central Committee Member – St. Mary’s County Mary Russell

Quite a list!



New Hampshire State Senator Chuck Morse Endorses Mitt Romney
September 8, 2011

Boston, MA – Mitt Romney announced today that New Hampshire State Senator and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Morse (R-Salem) endorsed his candidacy for President of the United States. Senator Morse joins Senators Jack Barnes (R-Raymond), Jim Rausch (R-Derry) and Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) in supporting Governor Romney.

“Chuck Morse has been a leader in the fight to cut spending, reduce taxes and limit government in the Granite State. Over the past year, he helped craft one of the most fiscally responsible state budgets in the country that has put New Hampshire on a path toward prosperity,” said Mitt Romney. “I am proud to have his support and look forward to campaigning with him in the months ahead.”

NH State Senator and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Morse (R-Salem) has endorsed Mitt Romney for president. 9/8/11

Announcing his support, Senator Morse said, “As a small business owner, I believe we need a fiscally conservative president who understands how the real economy works and how jobs are created. With over 25 years of experience in the private sector, Mitt Romney has the skills needed to turn around our struggling economy, get our exploding deficits under control and put people back to work. He is the right leader to confront the enormous challenges facing our country, and I am proud to support him.”

Background On Chuck Morse:

Chuck Morse is the Chairman of the New Hampshire State Senate Finance Committee. He was elected in 2010 to represent Salem, Pelham, Atkinson and Plaistow after having previously served in the State Senate from 2002-2006 and two terms in the State House of Representatives. He was the 2006 Republican nominee for Executive Council in District 3. Morse is a small business owner, serving as the President of Freshwater Farms & Garden Center in Atkinson and Granite Creek Farms of Brentwood, and has also served Salem as its town moderator and selectman. In 1997, Morse received the Bill Brown Distinguished Business Person of the Year Award.

UPDATE: Another glowing endorsement for Gov Romney from the majority leader in NH House of Reps, D.J. Bettencourt:

D.J. Bettencourt, the outspoken conservative majority leader in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, has decided to endorse Mitt Romney as the candidate who has “the absolute best chance at winning back the White House.”

“My criteria, from the very beginning, was to select a candidate who was the most conservative candidate, who gave us the absolute best chance at winning back the White House. And I came to the conclusion that that was Gov. Romney,” Bettencourt told POLITICO. “I was very much attracted to his executive experience, both as governor of Massachusetts and running the Olympics.”

The 27-year-old Bettencourt is a prominent face in the younger generation of New Hampshire GOP leaders. His endorsement could help Romney shore up support on the right in a state where he is already strong.

Bettencourt had warm words for Romney’s chief Republican rival, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, but said he ultimately felt Romney was a better fit for both the political moment and the responsibilities of the presidency.

NH House Majority Leader D. J. Bettencourt

“I have tremendous respect for Gov. Perry. I think he’s a very attractive candidate. But I think Gov. Romney’s experience in Massachusetts best suits him to take on the challenges of the country,” the legislator said. “It’s difficult to be a conservative governor in a liberal state such as Massachusetts. Washington is going to be a real challenge to maneuver.”

To conservatives who doubt Romney’s bona fides, he advised: “They should look very closely at what Gov. Romney did in Massachusetts and I think that if they do so, they will come away with the conclusion that Gov. Romney is plenty conservative.”

(emphasis added) H/t Frank, Bettencourt

► Jayde Wyatt