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
We'll use eminent domain against a non-tangible property in the name of tradition. Can you imagine California saying to Google, you can't move your offices and we're taking control of your trademarked name because it is a California tradition?
Posted by: Believe | April 13, 2009 2:57 PM
"the law's best use may be as a bargaining tool"? Why not just say it as it is, that it is a total waste of money and time. Why do you people continue to vote these morons into office?
Posted by: battleshipbill | April 13, 2009 3:07 PM
Of all the problems the state is facing, especially financial problems, this is among the last issues lawmakers should be concerned about.
Horse racing is a dying sport and I don't believe that will change anytime soon.
Posted by: PK | April 13, 2009 3:23 PM