Regional Politics Feb. 2010
Feb 26th, 2010 by David Anderson
Maryland– Medical use of pot makes sense, but most states have not found a balance which makes the average citizen comfortable. Doctor and House of Delegate member Dan Morhaim is trying to reach that balance of compassion for the ill without de facto legalization. His legislation may merit attention from Delaware.
Maryland is going to face the issue of the personhood of the unborn child. Delegate Don Dwyer is leading a group of twenty in sponsoring this legislation.
The Delegate O’Donnell, Republican Leader of the House of Delegates is offering an alternative budget. Democrats seem underwhelmed even though they asked for ideas.
New Jersey– Foxnews may have former Governor Sarah Palin, but CNBC will have former Governor John Corzine. I think Fox wins, but one cannot deny Mr. Corzine’s knowledge of the markets and politics.
The lobbyists who run New Jersey will have a set back. Governor Christie issued an executive order which limits their ability to serve on Independent Commissions while lobbyists.
Governor Christie is looking to cut the maximum unemployment benefit from $600 to $550 (Delaware’s is around $360). This is bound not to be a popular cut, but it would allow a phase in of the tax hike on payroll to fund NJ’s generous unemployment benefit. Such a tax of course discourages hiring.
Former Eagle Star John Runyan is likely to get the GOP nod to take out Democrat Congressman Adler in the third district now that his principle opponent has dropped out and endorsed him.
New York– The Patterson Chronicles continues. Did his driver commit a domestic assault? Did he call the lady and convince her to drop the case? Should he just drop of the race and realize the New York Times is fronting for Andrew?
Liberal Newsday readers said 3 to 1 that they oppose the KSM trial being held in New York. They favored military tribunals. Liberals often become conservative when it is in their backyard.
Virginia–Democrats voted en masse against the budget in the house of delegates. The Senate had a budget with Democrat support but it underfunded employee retirements for the next two years and raised fees by 300 million dollars. Now the two sides will need to reconcile.
Pennsylvania– Governor Rendell is stumping for his tax plan to avoid an economic Tsunami in 2012. Raising taxes is a natural solution to the Democrat.
Mrs. Murtha has endorsed a former staffer, Mark Critz for her late husband’s seat. The favorite in the race, former Lt. Governor Mark Singel dropped out. This may become a Republican pick up. Murtha could barely keep the seat himself.
Delaware–Snow flurries caused the mass cancellation of the Joint Finance Committee hearings and all other hearings in state government. Maybe we should put a couple of plows in the budget.
NY Governor David Paterson just announced he is dropping his election bid.
Times gets their candidate.
John Runyan for Congress!!!!!
“Delaware–Snow flurries caused the mass cancellation of the Joint Finance Committee hearings and all other hearings in state government. Maybe we should put a couple of plows in the budget.”
And give up the idea of global warming at least to the extent that it’s both catastrophic and manmade? PFSH! Nah…we’ll just give the kids 30 days off from school because we refuse to spend the money to actually clean up the snow.