Ehrlich airs campaign messages
With less than a month to go before gubernatorial candidate Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. gives up the microphone, his radio show is sounding more like his campaign than ever.
This morning, the Ehrlichs discussed slot-machine gambling and charter schools -- two issues of frequent discussion on the campaign trail. In fact, Ehrlich visited a Baltimore charter school this week and announced he'd soon be releasing his education plan.
Ehrlich and call-in radio show guests Carl Stokes, a Baltimore city councilman, and Jeanne Allen, president of the Center for Education Reform, talked at length about education. Allen is a Republican running for delegate in Montgomery County. She and Ehrlich lamented the "weak" charter school law in Maryland. Expansion has been held back, they said, by teachers unions. On the campaign trail, he has promised to double the number of charter schools.
On slots, the Republican former governor reminded listeners that he'd wanted a "relatively simple" slots plan that would have put the machines at race tracks. And he said he would have leased the machines instead of purchasing as Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley has done. Some, including Comptroller Peter Franchot, a Democrat, worry the state is spending too much money per machine.
The Maryland Democratic Party has complained loudly that the two-hour WBAL radio show, which Ehrlich and his wife, Kendel, have hosted for more than three years, is a messaging vehicle for his campaign. Ehrlich is seeking to unseat O'Malley, who swiped his second term four years ago.
The Maryland Attorney General's office recently determined that the show should not be considered a campaign contribution. Radio station officials said lawyers told them Ehrlich could keeping the show until filing his candidacy with the State Board of Elections, which he must do by July 6. (O'Malley also has not filed his candidacy.) Kendel Ehrlich will then pilot solo.
Comments
This election race is already over. O'malley will win again. Most dem's will not vote for bobby bad haircut, most minorities won't vote for him. unless most of all the repugs show up and vote,and alot of dems sit out the election, o'malley is pretty safe. Baltimore city.... Pg county... Montgomery County. game over .... bobby bad haircut finishes second again!!!!
Posted by: jack | June 12, 2010 12:10 PM
Go ahead Bobby - Try to beat up on the MSEA again. You will lose! We will be happy to bury you! The teachers have nothing to do with the poor administrative descisions of Nancy Grasmick and the MSDE. Why don't you plan to sack THEM instead us US! You might get some of our votes if you promised that!
Posted by: Stu Chapman | June 14, 2010 12:16 PM
OMG, say its not true. We cant survive another 4 year term for OMalley. First term is bad enough, no need to repeat.
Posted by: Capt Jack | June 14, 2010 1:48 PM
The members of the MSEA aren't the problem. They are hard working teachers who want their students to succeed. The leadership of the MSEA is the problem. They spent $1 million just to promote their name change! Ask any teacher why they join the union? The answer is for free legal representation (ironically enough consider the trial lawyers are often arguing on the same political side as the MSEA).
Posted by: Joan | June 14, 2010 9:19 PM
I am a registered voter who has more than 30 years of Political Grassroots experience who may be interested in working as a volunteer on Bob's campaign. But before I make a committment it's important for me to know what percentage of Maryland Union members, are being be marketed for their votes and support?
Posted by: Dee Strasnick | June 15, 2010 10:18 AM
Here we go again...candidates stating that they have the answers and know hows in creating jobs across Maryland. Unfortunately I have not been able to find any information on a "candidate" who specifically states what new industry or what new manufacturing he proposes will generate the need of jobs and training. Has everyone forgot It's the bottom line that increases our per capita.
Additionally, how is the Republican Party going to help Bob bring in new industry and skills to our state?
Posted by: Dee Strasnick | June 15, 2010 10:31 AM
Its deplorable that the politicians give each other back massages all the time. For the Ehrlich's to stay on the air claiming that they aren't candidates is disgusting, and for Gansler to sanction such a farce is even more ridiculous. Pathetic.
Posted by: Dundalk Danny | June 15, 2010 6:38 PM