Laura Smitherman has been ensconced in the State House basement, writing about the governor, General Assembly and vagaries of Maryland politics for several years. An erstwhile business reporter, her interest in politics dates to her days in Washington when she covered Congress and national campaigns for another media outlet. She now follows a range of policy debates from slot-machine gambling to universal health care and energy regulation, while keeping an eye on the next election.
Paul West covers Washington for
The Baltimore Sun, continuing a tradition that began the month the paper was born, in 1837. He hasn't been in the DC bureau that long--only since Ronald Reagan was president. He's covered Congress, the White House and presidential campaigns as the paper's national political correspondent and Washington bureau chief. He's on the lookout for news of significance to Sun readers at the other end of the B/W Parkway. That includes the activities of the state's congressional delegation and anything else that might shed some light on the inner workings of the nation's capital.
Julie Bykowicz's first days as a political reporter, in January 2009, coincided with Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon's indictment and the start of the Maryland General Assembly's 426th legislative session. She focuses on coverage of state agencies, such as social services, juvenile justice and prisons. During the session, she wrote about the death penalty, slots parlors and speed cameras, among other hot topics. Julie began political reporting after more than seven years on
The Baltimore Sun's crime desk. She lives in Baltimore and works primarily in Annapolis.
Comments
Slots...I have a feeling that it will pass. I like the idea of legalized gambling if done right, but am voting against this referendum because of the way it is written. The wording is misleading as to where the money raised will go. The fact that this is calling for an amendment to the state constitution is crazy, and good luck changing it once it's in place. Also, if you look around at the other states with slots or table games, their residents benefit from lower taxes. Ours will be raised.
Posted by: Brian Carmen | October 29, 2008 4:01 PM
All good news for Maryland:
- Frank Kratovil by 3 points (52%)
- Refendum passes by 8 points (54%)
- Obama wins by 3 points (50%) (wins Electoral College 318-220)
Posted by: Dan Kaufman | October 30, 2008 1:05 PM