The Early Vote

 Annapolis -

“Slow and steady,” has been the mantra of the day as I checked in on selected polling stations from Baltimore to Annapolis (with a stop in Columbia). There was one report of a booth which switched from Republican to Democrat (WBAL). It occurred in Baltimore City – the machine was pulled and an attendant made sure the vote was entered for the right candidate. Nicky Charleston of the State Board of Elections (SBE) says they recorded fewer than 30 machines with this switching problem. In the larger sense this is less than .001 of all the machines used in the state. Somehow this problem is not occurring with Democratic votes?

In past elections, some jurisdictions totals waited until they received all their totals before reporting to the SBE. Not the case this election. Once totals are reported (even if all the totals aren’t in) they will reported out. In past elections Baltimore City seem to have a big problem with its total, this jurisdiction will get partial results like the rest of the state.

So when will we see results the moment the polls close. The early vote totals, 8.31% of the eligible voters will be reported out. We may be able to ascertain who got their people out early.

Baltimore’s Write in Candidates

The long odds of Russell Neveradon and Shawn Tarrant winning were on full display at one of the city’s most popular precincts, Ashburton Elementary/Middle School. It’s at this polling station where politicians focus because of its consistent turnout numbers. Bellowing the need to write in Neveradon’s name is a poll work that encourages any and everyone to “Write in Neveradon.”

Standing next to her is a Tarrant surrogate who makes sure they get his literature. On cue, as I walk across the street is Baltimore City Councilman Nick Mosby, the husband of Marilyn Mosby, the Democrat running for State's Attorney. The political Democratic Duo is leaving nothing to chance, even a write in candidate.

The Electorate Mix

Early morning and midday might as well be senior’s hour. They come in vans and cars, taking up the handicap spots on every lot I visited. Many of these voters take the vote seriously. Conversely, at Wilde Lake High school I run into a young pair of voters. As they make their way to polling station they seem more interested who is being profiled at school than who they are going to vote for. It’s this collision of demographics which will become more pronounced as the day wears on.    

Election Eve

Top Ten Maryland Stories 2013

(Baltimore, MD) - A lot items on this list I've written about on this blog. Other items came up and I just couldn't turn my head away. I want to thank all of my colleagues who are literally on the ground chasing the facts, the comings and goings, and the ridiculousness of some items. 

As we embark on the New Year things will get interesting and I'll try and add a little insight on why. Keep reading and passing along.

10. The re-emergence of Julius Henson as a candidate for State Senate. Henson’s checkered past has not thwarted him (found guilty of not identifying  the origin of robo call on behalf of candidate Governor Robert Erhlich) . Some analysts say he has a better than average chance to win.

9.  Gay Marriage – At the beginning of 2013 same sex couples were legally allowed to be married. The coalition which enabled it move ahead has flexed its muscle establishing precedent by tightening gun regulations and giving the governor a win on help cleaning up the bay.

8. I’ve had Enough – Del. Pat McDonough stopped me on the last day of the legislature and told me more than half of the House of Delegates was going to change. So what has that meant? New leadership in the GOP, conservative Democrats leaving, challenges to Senators with years of experience, and  potentially a resistive legislative session. A number of members of the legislature are also seeking high office.

7. MD GOP Coup De Tat- There has been a schism that has been brewing in the Maryland GOP. 

It showed its head on the Eastern Shore with the appointment for Senator E.J Pipken’s seat. It went full bore with Calvert County Delegate Anthony O’Donnell ousted as Minority Leader and replaced by Anne Arundel County Delegate Nicholaus Kipke. It continued with Larry Hogan, Founder of Change Maryland deciding to contest Harford County Executive David Craig as the standard bearer for the GOP in the Governor’s race. Did I mention Dan Bongino a candidate for congress wants nothing to do with this group.

6. 300 Man March – This summer Baltimore became a killing field. Over a single weekend 20 residents were hit by gunfire.  In reaction a March was organized to dramatize this violence had to stop. I broadcast live from the corner of North Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenues with Doni Glover of Bmorenews.com. We may report news but, we are not immune from it’s affects.

5. Don Dwyer – Dwyer, a Delegate from Anne Arundel County, was under investigation for driving a boat under the influence (his boat slammed into another). This year he was also charged for DUI in his own vehicle. He was found guilty on the boating charge and is serving weekends for the offense. He plans to attend the legislative session (there is a move afoot to have him removed). I know he needs professional help.

4.  The Black Guerrilla Family – If there was a “Wire” sequel it should be based around this takeover of the  Baltimore City Jail by inmates. Despite being incarcerated the inmates were running the facility. A federal probe indicted 48 suspects most them corrections officers. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-black-guerrilla-family-tavon-white-prison-corruption-20130425,0,7483161.htmlstory

Tavon White and Derius Ducan

The leader of the prison gang Tavon White impregnated four female guards (and one of them twice). This indictment and the subsequent convictions forced Gary Maynard the head the corrections system to leave.

3. Taxes – It’s not a secret in the state, we are taxed to the hilt. It used to be you could just raise fees, but those fees wouldn’t make a dent in the state’s structural deficit. Not to mention how to pay for some ambitious programs the governor wants to implement. Add to this a tax to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, commonly known as the “rain tax.” I’m not in the prediction business but, would tax relief work if you’re running for let’s say, President of the United States?

2. Rollout of Maryland Healthcare Website – depending who you ask it’s working well, it’s had some hiccups, it’s a work in progress, and yes we’ve had problems. Each week I get an update on the numbers of Maryland sign-ups. Let me say Maryland was supposed to be model for the rest of the country. It’s anything but that. The person in charge of the rollout, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown has been quiet accept for official pronouncements like this; “We’re fixing the problems.” To the rescue, Governor O’Malley. With charts and power points he couldn’t explain away the problems.  You’ll hear a lot more about this during the session.

1. The Maryland Governor’s Race – with no incumbent this race was expected to be wide open.  It will be historic because for the first time an African-American has a legitimate chance to lead the state. We are long way from the finish line and there will be a lot of twist and turns. We have a number of first, the first openly gay candidate (D – Heather Mizeur): a candidate who has used social media to build a following (R- Larry Hogan). Here’s the rest of the field  D-Doug Gansler, R-David Craig, R-Ron George, and R-Charles Lollar. The primary is early this year, June 24, 2014.

It was brought to my attention the removal of John Leopold as Anne Arundel County was not on my list. It was a very difficult to fit everything in. Another item Gambling was also not included. It's the nature of the beast. So many items not enough space. I do want to let you know I will be announcing my person of the year on Donnie Glover's Show on WPB Radio on Thursday, 5-7 pm.

What Do You Mean I Can't Speak

(Annapolis) – Things seem to going along swimmingly at the Maryland Democrats annual luncheon, predating the start of the Maryland Legislative Session. The party’s leaders made jokes at the expense of the Maryland and National GOP. The partisan crowd took it all in with a lot of back-patting. Following the Governor’s closing. I noticed State Senator Anthony Muse had moved from his position near the back to the front. Senator Muse of Prince Georges County has indicated he will challenge second term U.S. Senator Ben Cardin from Maryland (FYI, he hadn’t filed the paper work at the time of this filing).

Without prompting Muse is on the microphone and appears to be making a speech to counter what he has heard from some of the speakers who have tacitly endorsed Sen. Cardin for re-election. The state senator of Prince Georges County is not amused (sorry for the pun). Initially the organizers leave the microphone open as people are left to wonder what to make of the speech. Someone starts to shut off the mike but then brings it back up. Later music is used to drown out the audio.

I make my way with a group of reporters to get Muse’s reaction.


What a way to start 90 day session that his likely to have some riveting moments. For a number of Senators and Delegates a lot is riding on governors redistricting map of individual districts for Delegates and Senators. Already members of the legislative Black caucus have questioned the protection of some white delegates in Montgomery County.

An issue which is likely to continue to get a lot of attention is gay marriage. Last year’s debate pulled at heart strings and tore through the Prince Georges County delegation which is home to a number of Black Mega churches which have opposed the concept. There are efforts underway to make the issue go to a statewide voter referendum.

State Senator Ulysses Currie who survived a federal probe into influence peddling for failing to report his work with the grocer Shoppers Food Warehouse look relax but he is likely to face ethics violations.


I also spotted Delegate Tiffany T. Alston of Prince Georges County who is alleged to have used campaign funds to finance her wedding. She is charged with one count of felony theft, one count of misdemeanor theft, one count of fraudulent misappropriation by a fiduciary and two election law violations.

Can I get a reference to Beyonce

This blog is about politics so when I hear references to Beyonce’ I cringe. FYI, B and Jay Z just had a baby (Blue Ivey Carter)
. The first reference comes from Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger who references the Destiny Child song, “I’m a Survivor” in trying to explain how he has dealt with the Republicans in congress (who knew).

Congressman Ellijah Cummings not be out done says he was thinking of a different Beyonce’ song called “I was Here.” The audience must have thought they were at an American Idol contest. At least no one had to sit through a sing off.

Governor’s Bet on the Outcome of Raven Game

In that time honored tradition of Governors’ putting a wager on the NFL Playoffs – Governor Martin O’Malley says he’s been trying to reach the governor of Texas, Rick Perry. Perry as you know is running in the GOP Presidential Primaries and has been a little difficult to reach. So Governor O’Malley, in partisan mode, says I’ll bet the Texas governor the Ravens will get more points than the Texas Governor will in the New Hampshire primary today (Hmmm Perry is polling in the single digits New Hampshire).

The Mike’s have it…

Delegate Mike Busch the Speaker of the House has joined his counterpart in the Senate as being the longest serving Speaker in Maryland. The Annapolis Capital Newspaper did a nice job profiling the Speaker calling him “Coach” because that’s what he does when he’s not herding his fellow Democrats.

Speaking of Sports

Delegate Jay Walker has parlayed his football career from Howard University to do color on ESPN. He’s actually pretty good. He called the New Orleans Bowl so I just had to get him to talk about Alabama and LSU Championship game.


The Bachelor

Last year, when it was clear Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown was on the market as a single man I suggested he was ripe pickings for the show The Bachelor. It didn’t take long before he was once again off the market. I found him and his new fiancé Karmen Bailey Walker arm in today. So I asked her, “Would she have been one of the many young ladies who would have tried for his affection? Ms. Walker, “Heck naw!” I know she was just kidding.

GOP Movings and Shakings

Alex Mooney, the head of the state GOP party, says he’s pulling his name out of the Sixth Congressional race and will endorse the incumbent Rep. Roscoe Bartlett. Congressman Barlett has been targeted by Democrats who have redrawn his district to cover parts of Montgomery and Howard Counties. The other GOP challenger is Sen. David Brinkley.

A pair of legislators are challenging sitting Democratic congressman. State Senator Nancy Jacobs will challenge Ruppersberger and Minority Leader; Delegate Anthony O’Donnell will challenge Congressman Steny Hoyer.

Most observers see this as long shot opportunities. Here's the rub, both can challenge and maintain their seats.

My Things Have Changed

This is the 40th Anniversary of the creation of the Maryland Woman's caucus. It was brought to my attention by Senator Jennie M. Forehand. While Senator Forehand is one of the seasoned veterans on woman's rights she was not first. That honor goes to State Treasurer Nancy Kopp. The Montgomery County Senator reminded me in 1972 there were no bathrooms for woman legislators. Women were forced to use the public restrooms for the general public and jockey for stalls. "You've come a long way baby."


Hey the 90 day session hasn't started. Just wait till we get to the the juicy parts of the session begun.

New Minority Leader of Maryland

Annapolis - "There's a new sheriff of the "12 Apostles" or the "Dirty Dozen." Take your pick. Sen. Nancy Jobs was named the Minority leader and Sen. E.J. Piken was named the whip.