All you need is Love in the General Assembly
It was the House of Delegate's 15th annual self-love day this morning, as the legislative chamber's alumni society handed out an appreciation award for Del. Mary Ann Love, an Anne Arundel County Democrat, for her 17 years of service. The presentation was made by former Speaker Casper Taylor Jr., a registered lobbyist whose emeritus status apparently allows for him to skirt rules against lobbyists in the law-making chambers.
Before presenting Love with the prize, Taylor told his former colleagues: "I hope you take a moment today to think about how vital you are."
There was little danger that important message was lost on the delegates. Preceding Taylor was Chesapeake Bay Foundation head William Baker, who -- after receiving his own award from the House alumni group -- told the lawmakers that "the Maryland House of Delegates is the finest body of elected officials ... anywhere in the United States."
Bipartisan rapturous applause ensued.
-- Gadi Dechter
