Transportation is an issue that’s long dominated the region’s politics. It’s set to take center stage in this year’s governor’s race, especially in light of MARC’s recent problems. Analysts expect this kind of sharp-tongued debate to get even more contentious closer to election day. “I don’t think it’s nasty. I think it’s hard hitting. Nasty is when you call people names. Nasty is when you get down in the gutter and throw mud. These guys are just throwing rocks,” said Donald Norris, chair and professor of public policy.
The article, “Transportation Woes Big Issue for Governor’s Race,” ran June 25 on WJZ Channel 13.
Govenor Martin O’Malley is inundating Marylanders with two negative radio advertisements seeking to portray former Governor Robert Ehrlich Jr. as perhaps the only thing worse this year than an incumbent politician: a lobbyist working for big oil. The party cites an exchange Ehrlich had with a caller to his radio show in which the Republican appears to agree that the question of when Obama would release his birth certificate is a relevant one. “My sense is that this is just the beginning,” said Norris. “This race is going to be a dogfight, tooth and nail, and they are going to use any advantage they think they can find. It’s been repeated many times that these candidates don’t seem to care for one another very much.”
The article, “O’Malley Campaign Ads Portray Ehrlich as Lobbyist for Big Oil,” ran June 27 in the Washington Post.
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