The Reason Behind Delegate Walkup's Absence

Yesterday, I ran a story about Delegate Aisha Braveboy's failure to show up for scheduled sessions of the Maryland House of Delegates. In the piece, I also reported how Delegates Virginia P. Clagett and Mary Roe Walkup have missed session significant time. In addition, I mentioned how my sources indicated that Ms. Clagett and Ms. Walkup may be recovering from injuries. Last night, I confirmed the same about Ms. Walkup.

According to Kevin Waterman, the legislative aide for Ms. Walkup, the delegate slipped on the stairs in the House Office Building. Sadly, she sustained a cracked kneecap from the fall. Mr. Waterman explained that this has been readily conveyed to Del. Walkup's constituents who have inquired, although he concedes her office did not issue a press release in the matter.

Obviously, we wish Del. Walkup a speedy recovery.

Has Del. Aisha Braveboy Abandoned Her Office?

Yesterday, the Maryland General Assembly canceled their scheduled session due to the inclement weather that has severely crippled a good portion of this state. I wonder if Delegate Aisha Braveboy (D, Prince Georges County) even took notice of the cancellation. As of February 4th, Ms. Braveboy has only attended 1 of 17 House sessions*. According to my sources, no one can offer an explanation for Ms. Braveboy's whereabouts.

Likewise, Delegate Virginia P. Clagett (D, Anne Arundel County) and Delegate Mary Roe Walkup (R, Caroline, Cecil, Kent & Queen Anne's Counties) have attended zero and one time respectively. I am told that both Delegates have suffered injuries that prevent them from showing up for work. (I have not received definitive word from either camp that 100% confirms this though. It should be noted that Ms. Clagett only missed 2 sessions in 2009*. Conversely, Ms. Walkup didn't report 14 times last year*.

I have attempted to do a google news search to see these Delegates have explained their absences to their constituents. I could not find a single article on behalf of any of them. While I realize sometimes people endure hardships that require them to be away from their jobs, it's important that a public official be open and candid with the citizens when they cannot fully perform their duties. When they fail to do this, it leaves them open to speculation. And unfortunately for them, their jobs as public officials doesn't allow privacy as an option. Sorry, but they knew this when they took the job.

Keep in mind, I attempted to research the reason for the absences of these Delegates. An opportunistic opponent will not afford them same consideration, especially in an election year. Instead, they'll likely publicize the lack of attendance and let the voters decide whether it's acceptable or not.

*- Numbers obtained from the final quorum of each legislative session as listed on the House website.

Simonaire Faces Primary Challenger

Well, I have predicted this would happen for three years now. Bryan Simonaire will face a challenge from within his party. Unfortunately, Steve Schuh won't be stepping to the plate. Instead, Glen Burnie resident William Thomas Capps has decided to enter the District 31 Senate race.

It's probably not a bad idea to mount a primary challenge. I would love to hear Simonaire have to answer to his liberal use of an expense account, his proposals of more government spending and his recent decision to vote for Mike Miller as President of the Maryland Senate. Sure, I understand the politics of voting for Miller. Still, let's see how that goes over on the Mountain Rd peninsula.

Moving forward, Simonaire will now have to invest valuable resources fending off this challenge. Even if he prevails, he may emerge as beaten and broke in a year that would have typically favored a Republican incumbent. Thus, this gives renewed life to Ned Carey and Walt Shandrowsky, the likely Democratic front-runners.

Motivation for Rex Ryan Tomorrow?

Video: Obama Heckled at Coakley Rally

For the record, I really don't support hecklers. Likewise, I strongly condemn the use of the racially charged word used towards the President of the United States. Still, this shows how easily Barack Obama can get thrown off his game when he doesn't have a bunch of misfits shouting "yes we can".

Video: Scott Brown rallies in Quincy

All I can say is "go Scott go". Admittedly, as a Maryland resident, I don't have a dog in this fight. Still, I am rooting for Scott Brown to prevail in the Massachusetts Senate race tomorrow. As my readers well know, I always support the best candidate, regardless of party affiliation. My partiality to Scott Brown comes down to two important factors.

First, I believe the US Senate needs a little balance. History has shown that both political parties subject themselves to corruption when they have a filibuster proof majority. In turn, that leads to back door and often illegal compromises to pass unpopular legislation.

That leads me to my second reason for endorsing Scott Brown. Many Democrats have warned us that electing Scott Brown would mean death to the health care bill. Seriously? Heck, that alone would make him attractive candidate not only to Massachusetts residents, but also the majority of other Americans who oppose this disastrous health care bill.

I look forward to tuning in tomorrow night at 8pm to see the outcome of this race. I have a good feeling that Scott Brown will be the next Senator from the People's Republic of Massachusetts.

Tea Bagger vs Bud

I regularly get mail from readers of this blog. Mostly, people inquire about who I am. Some respect what I have to say while others wish I would take a more partisan approach. While I tend to keep my correspondences private, I occasionally feel the need to share what certain people take the time to pass along. One guy, who I will not name, sent me this masterpiece:

hey bud in response to your blog article on the no bs zone about the sign. that sign is doing more for the state than you are doing by sitting on you butt at home typing away on your computer while real people whocare go out and voice there opinion and get a real response unlike the few people who read your blog. and i know who posted the sign. they arent a redneck and alot of people loved the sign. and with a name like bud im pretty sure you are a redneck.

Folks, I am speechless. Can people see why I refuse to embrace this crowd?

Tea Baggers recruit other groups for Annapolis March

Last week, I received an email from the folks at Maryland for Responsible Enforcement. This group has taken the lead in the fight against speed cameras in this state. Anyway, they asked that I show up to a rally on January 13th to "send a message to the lawmakers in Annapolis that we don't want speed cameras". While I would normally praise such a cause, this time I smelled a rat. Turns out, they're working in cahoots with the organizers of the next Tea Party protest.

Wow, I thought the Republicans were boasting about the resounding success of these quirky tea parties. If that's truly the case, then why do they need to recruit marchers under false pretenses? After all, shouldn't the idea of a tea party alone be enough to entice people to brave this cold weather in droves?

In reality, the tea party concept has fallen flat on it's face, particularly in Maryland. Instead of abandoning a failed concept, these stubborn people keep trucking along. Like their counterparts on the far left often do, they're now attempting to inter-mingle various special interest groups in hopes that people will look at their numbers and start to take them more seriously.

For the record, I remain a supporter of Maryland for Responsible Enforcement. I sincerely wish that group would realize that aligning with the tea baggers will only hurt their credibility as an organization with cross-party appeal.

Gas Prices rise as Andy Harris Declares Candidacy

As he promised almost immediately after getting embarrassed by Frank Kratovil last time, Andy Harris has announced his intentions to give it another try. Now, as uncertain as the First Congressional District appears, and considering my intense dislike for a slim ball like Harris, one would think I'd greet this news with some trepidation. Sure, the thought of someone like Andy Harris serving in Congress does scare me. Still, the reality of that happening seems remote at best.

First of all, what makes Harris and his people think that the voters of Maryland's First Congressional District will suddenly take a liking to the strange doctor? Curiously, Harris still blames his defeat on Barack Obama's candidacy, even though that aspect did not have any impact on John McCain's overwhelming success in this district.

Second, Harris has a geography problem. While he can deceive some into thinking his large family has moved into a small condo in Dorchester County, the majority of us know better. Thus, the residents of the Eastern Shore will remain skeptical of someone who doesn't really reside there.

Third, have Harris' core supporters gotten over his inexcusable behavior on Election Night 2008? Recall, Harris ducked out the back door of the Crab House without addressing his closest allies. Even though the election result remained uncertain at that juncture, Harris at least owed these people a "thank you". I imagine some in that crowd won't work as hard for him this time around.

Finally, how will Harris raise enough money to make this race competitive? I assume the Club for Growth will not squander another $2 million on a guy who couldn't win a usually safe Republican seat. Of course, as gas prices start to rise, organizations like Exxon and Club for Growth prefer candidates like Harris in the mix. With Harris and his far right counterparts, oil companies can openly gouge consumers without scrutiny.

Now, I am sure Harris' campaign manager (whoever that might be this week) will start delivering their talking points to the respective blogs. In turn, these guys will undoubtedly broadcast the message while censoring or delaying the audience response. Around here, I plan on having a another candid and open discussion about Harris. In other words, I have no problem letting Harris nation have their say. After all, it's relatvely easy to debunk their arguments.