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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

SBYNews Candidate Interviews With Jeannie Haddaway & Matt Holloway

Jeannie Hadaway Sby News Interview from Jack Powell on Vimeo.


Matt Holloway Sby News Interview from Jack Powell on Vimeo.

PA Residents Cry Foul Over Ballots

A petition was filed with the Board of Elections over absentee ballots.

(See the petition)

A trio of Bucks County residents backed by the county Republican committee say they have evidence linking Democratic Congressman Patrick Murphy's campaign to a scheme to flood the county voter registration office with fraudulent applications for absentee ballots.

In a petition filed Tuesday, county Republicans say the name of Murphy's campaign manager appeared on a Bristol post office box where voters were urged in a series of letters paid for by the state Democratic Committee to send absentee ballot applications.

The county Republicans submitted with the petition a photograph of a note inside the mailbox that said, "Tim Percico and Paul Hampel only pick up mail." Tim Persico is Murphy's campaign manager, although his name is misspelled in the note. Hampel is a volunteer for the Democratic state committee who said he collects mail from the box.
While county and state Democratic officials denied involvement in the letter campaign or refused to discuss it, Persico said Tuesday that the "PA Vote 2010" project that paid for the letters is a partnership between Murphy's campaign and the state Democrats.

Persico said the goal of the project is to help eligible Democratic voters obtain and cast absentee ballots.
He dismissed assertions by Republican critics that the letters were misleadingly worded and noted that the Democratic state committee clearly takes credit for the mailings, which comply with all election laws.

"The only reason the Republican Party is mad is working parents and college kids are sending in an application because they want to vote," Persico said.

Neither Murphy nor a spokeswoman for his campaign returned calls Tuesday.

Bucks County Democratic Party Chairman John Cordisco said the county Democratic organization has no connection to the letters or the fraud alleged in the petition. "If there was voter registration fraud, it was being done outside the Democratic organization," Cordisco said.

In response to the Republican petition, the Bucks County Board of Elections scheduled a hearing 9:30 a.m. Friday at the courthouse to hear evidence of what the Republicans characterize as a coordinated effort to trick voters into improperly applying for absentee ballots and efforts to submit fraudulent applications for absentee ballots.

"While some of these invalid applications have been caught and rejected by the Board of Elections, we believe many other defective and objectionable applications were inadvertently approved by the Board of Elections due to the pervasive nature of the fraud," the petition says.

The petition also asks county election officials to secure all completed absentee ballots at the courthouse in Doylestown until the board of elections can conduct an investigation of the claims.

More here

You Can't Be Serious

The newest member of the Supreme Court is in the minority in backing a stay of execution over questions about the safety of a drug to be used in a lethal injection. Shortly after the stay was overturned Tuesday, Arizona executed Jeffrey Landrigan.

Justice Elena Kagan  cast her first vote on the Supreme Court late Tuesday, joining the liberals in dissent when the high court cleared the way for the execution of an Arizona murderer.

The 5-4 ruling overturned orders by a federal judge in Phoenix and the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco that had stopped the execution by lethal injection of Jeffrey Landrigan.

His lawyers, in a last-ditch appeal, had raised questions about one of the drugs used in the execution. Since the only U.S. manufacturer of sodium thiopental had suspended production, Arizona officials said they had obtained a supply of the drug from a British company.

The judge in Phoenix put the execution on hold because she said she was "left to speculate" whether this drug was safe for its intended use.

[Really? That's what she said? -- Editor]
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Armed Robbery At Blockbusters

White male with knife. Left the scene in a silver Honda Civic. Tan pants, black shirt and a mask.

Man Charged With D.C.-Area Subway Bomb Plot

Justice Department says he thought he was working with al-Qaida

A Pakistani-born U.S. citizen was arrested Wednesday on charges of planning bombings at Metrorail stations in the Washington, D.C., area after an FBI sting operation, the Justice Department announced

"Farooque Ahmed, 34, of Ashburn, Va., was arrested today for attempting to assist others whom he believed to be members of al-Qaida," the department said in a statement.

A grand jury returned an indictment against Ahmed on Tuesday, "charging him with attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization, collecting information to assist in planning a terrorist attack on a transit facility, and attempting to provide material support to help carry out multiple bombings," the department added.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison.

GO HERE to read more.

Tornado Watch Until 8 PM Tonight

The NWS Has Issued Tornado Watch 733 In, Effect Until 8 Pm Edt This Evening For The Following Areas In Maryland This Watch Includes 4 Counties In The Lower Eastern Shore Of Maryland Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester.

Don't Miss Jeannie Hadaway & Matt Holloway Tonight At 6 PM

The Truth About Obama's New Sales Tax On Homes

As part of the Obamacare screw-job, At the last minute, Democratic lawmakers decided on a new 3.8 percent tax on the net investment income of high-income persons. But the claim that this would amount to a $15,200 tax on the sale of a typical $400,000 home is utterly false.

The truth is that only a tiny percentage of home sellers will pay the tax. First of all, only those with incomes over $200,000 a year ($250,000 for married couples filing jointly) will be subject to it. And even for those who have such high incomes, the tax still won’t apply to the first $250,000 on profits from the sale of a personal residence — or to the first $500,000 in the case of a married couple selling their home.

The Internal Revenue Service says that to qualify for the $250,000/$500,000 exclusion, a seller must have owned the home and lived there as the seller’s "main home" for at least two years out of the five years prior to the sale.

Lies, Lies & More Lies

"Crime Victims Support Joel Todd"? Well, how many of these people in the photos above are now VICTIMS? This is the flier Worcester County States Attorney Joel Todd sent out to FIVE different zip codes in Worcester County. Joel took pictures as much as 4 years old and used them to IMPRESS upon the voters that these individuals actually support/endorse Joel Todd, NOT!

I'm sure Joel Todd is now thinking, I wonder if I should have handled the Davis Ruark case with a little more dignity and respect? Karma sure is a real B ummer.

Joel Todd Caught Telling the BIG LIE!

Worcester County State’s Attorney Joel Todd has decided that winning re-election is far more important than behaving in an ethical manner. Running behind in his bid for another term, Todd recently sent out a series of mailings to voters in Worcester County. In them he displays people as “supporters” who either are not supporting his bid for re-election or had not given their permission.

Todd’s behavior is worse than that of Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-MD) or the DCCC. We can only infer from Todd’s behavior that desperation will cause this man to say or do almost anything.

Worcester County Commissioner Bud Church doesn’t support Todd’s bid, but is pictured as a “community leader” who supports Joel Todd. In an interview with the Ocean Pines Independent, Todd claims to have the endorsement of OPA Director Ray Unger. Unger is adamant in his support for Todd’s opponent – Beau Oglesby. Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing has been dismissed as an election judge because of Todd’s scurrilous actions. Both Downing and the Worcester County Board of Elections informed Todd that Downing COULD NOT be listed on any campaign material because of Downing’s volunteer position as a Chief Election Judge. Of course, this doesn’t matter to someone as egocentric as Todd. He needs to claim law enforcement endorsements, even if they don’t exist, due to Oglesby’s endorsement by all three Worcester County FOP lodges as well as the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police.

If there was ever a question as to whether Joel Todd deserves re-election, the matter seems settled. The citizens of Worcester County deserve better than a State’s Attorney that has shown he will say or do anything to win a political campaign. Such behavior would be bad enough from your run of the mill office seeker. However, a State’s Attorney (like a county Sheriff) has the power to deprive citizens of their property and liberty. How safe can one feel with a man like Joel Todd holding that kind of power?

from Delmarva Dealings

Check Out Matt Maciarello's New Television Commercial

Matt Maciarello from Jack Powell on Vimeo.

Check This Out!

Click on image to enlarge.

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY REGARDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN CONSTELLATION AND EDF

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 27, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued the following statement today following last night’s announcement of a comprehensive agreement between Constellation Energy Group and EDF:

“I am pleased that Constellation Energy and EDF successfully resolved their differences and came to a resolution that preserves the thousands of jobs that will be created with the development of Calvert Cliffs 3. Together, with Senator Mikulski, members of Maryland's Congressional Delegation, the AFL-CIO, building trades, and steelworkers, we are committed to keeping those 5,000 union jobs associated with Calvert Cliffs 3, in Maryland.”

Senator Colburn Announces Funding For The Williamsburg Line

Cambridge – Senator Richard F. Colburn (R. Eastern Shore) announced today, "I am pleased to have successfully helped secure $250,000 in grant funding through the Department of Business and Economic Development and the Department of Transportation to keep the rail line in Williamsburg open. This line is a viable line for Tri-Gas & Oil, a well-established, family-owned Maryland business, and for other small businesses in transporting heating fuels, specifically propane. I would like to commend both the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development, Christian Johansson, and Governor O’Malley for their help in securing these funds. The monies will be used to secure a stable supply of liquid propane for the mid-shore regions and to keep the rail line open. Currently, Tri-Gas & Oil uses approximately 50% of the line to transport fuels, while the other 50% is used by smaller liquid propane distributers."

The project involves an infrastructure issue of extraordinary importance to the Eastern Shore—the expansion of a storage capacity for liquid propane (LP) to serve the Mid-Shore region. Since the shutdown of the Valero refinery in Delaware, the propane supply has been nearly eliminated on the Delmarva Peninsula. Because of this elimination, the rail-served facility at Williamsburg is necessary to provide the propane needed by both residents and businesses of the agricultural community as well as the poultry industry. Tripling what is currently a fixed-tank storage capacity will supply the region with adequate amounts of LP. This project is of utmost importance because while demand for LP on the Shore has increased, LP storage for the region has decreased. This project will avert potential economic disaster for both large and small businesses on the Shore by providing dramatically more LP storage that is both central and accessible to businesses. It will also ensure the retention of jobs on the Eastern Shore.

Although there were alternative sites in Delaware, the site in Williamsburg is ideal because it is already a major place for LP distribution, it is served by the Maryland and Delaware Railroad, and it is a safe and secure location. Furthermore, this project is strongly supported by the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Department of Agriculture. In addition to the grant, Tri-Gas & Oil will invest a minimum of $100,000 in improvements to the Williamsburg storage facility.

West-Scott Fundraiser

Why Dems Are On The Verge Of Losing The House

The reasons why Dems are on the verge of losing the House… And why Republicans could fall short… Why the anger and high emotions we’re seeing feel different from past cycles… GOP continues to expand the House playing field… Our primer on midterm turnout… Wrapping up the final Crist-Meek-Rubio debate… Matt Lauer’s challenge to Brown and Whitman… And profiling PA-17.



*** Why Dems are on the verge of losing the House: Over the last two days, we’ve explained how Republicans could win control of the House, or how Democrats could be able to hold on to their majority. Today, we turn to the why. Here’s why Democrats are on the verge of losing the House and maybe (though much less likely) the Senate. Part of it would be history (a president's party almost always loses seats in a midterm cycle). Part of it would be the nation's disinclination of one-party control. Much of it would be due to the nation's high unemployment rate (9.6%), and the economic stimulus' inability to reduce it substantially over the past two years. Just those four items in one stew would be enough to put Democrats on the verge of a loss in House control, but it doesn't end there. Another culprit would be Democrats’ inability to sell the public on the health-care law and their inability to fire up their base. Outside GOP money has played a role, too, by expanding the playing field. And there's this: Democrats, after two years in FULL control, were unable to deliver on their biggest thematic promise to change the way the Washington works.

*** Why Republicans could fall short: And if Republicans are unable to win the House and rack up substantial Senate gains? Part of it would be the sheer number of seats they need to gain to win majorities (39 for the House and 10 for the Senate). Part of it would be the Tea Party pushing the GOP too far to the right, especially in non-GOP friendly states and districts. And much of it would be due to the Republican Party's inability to develop new ideas after its defeats in '06 and '08 (after all, our poll shows the GOP with a lower fav/unfav than the Dem Party).

GO HERE to read more.

BP's Lies Exposed On Frontline

GO HERE to view.

Technion Develops New Blood Test To Detect Cancer

Technion University researchers in Israel have come up with a new and simple blood test that may be able to detect cancer.

Professor Ari Admon, who led the research team, said its technique may “provide a large enough source of information to enable personalized treatment for the disease.” The researchers’ study was published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

 Current blood tests for cancer detect where cancer cells are in the blood, but the technique developed by Prof. Admon’s team has come up with a test that can identify different types of cancers and other diseases.

The scientists’ report on a new source of blood-derived biomarkers may help doctors determine whether a recovering cancer patient has relapsed, and may someday aid in the early detection of a variety of cancers. The technique may also “provide a large enough source of information to enable personalized treatment for the disease,” Prof. Admon said.

The biomarkers consist of immune molecules called HLA and their cargo of peptides, which are degraded bits of protein that they haul to the surface of tumor cells. Since cancer cells release larger amounts of the HLA molecules, “we may be able to diagnose different disease, including cancer, by analyzing the repertoires of peptides carried by these soluble HLA,” he explained.

So far, the method has been tested in blood from patients with multiple myeloma and leukemia, as well as healthy people and cancer cells grown in the lab. If their process holds up under further intensive testing, the researchers say, it could form “a foundation for development of a simple and universal blood-based cancer diagnosis.”

Here's more

Maryland Governor – Bob Ehrlich

Are Marylanders hell bent on another four years of tax increases, kowtowing to those who feed at the public trough, and using your hard earned tax dollars to support illegal aliens? If recent polls showing a widening lead for incumbent governor Martin O’Malley are accurate, I guess they are.
Former governor Bob Ehrlich had his faults while in office AND as a candidate. They pale in comparison to O’Malley’s actions over the last four years.
Under O’Malley we have seen an already uncompetitive state become even LESS attractive to those looking to move or start businesses. A regulatory attitude that practically SCREAMS “Go Somewhere Else!” has gotten worse, not better, under O’Malley. Higher corporate and personal taxes, along with a sales tax increase that harms Maryland’s retailers, also the O’Malley attitude to business.
Why not? When O’Malley and a leftist legislature believe that the best job is a public sector job, would you expect more? When the federal government has to step in to help O’Malley balance a bloated budget, need we ask where the next round of dollars will be coming from?
Yes, Ehrlich raised taxes while in office. He should be ashamed. Yes, Ehrlich raised fees – for which there are valid reasons. That said, how can Marylanders honestly want another four years of O’Malley? The millionaires ran to Florida. We’re going to have to pay full freight for the next round.

US House, MD-1 – Andy Harris

Incumbent Rep. Frank Kratovil had his two years in the sun and we’re paying for it. Voting for Nancy Pelosi for Speaker should be reason enough to fire him; add PORKULUS and “Cap & Tax” to the mix and Kratovil should feel blessed that the good and tolerant folk of Queen Anne’s County will let him continue living there.
Almost ANYONE would be an acceptable replacement for Blue Dog Frank. Fortunately, we have an alternative that more closely reflects the values of the Eastern Shore – Dr. Andy Harris.
Harris has served the people of Maryland well in the State Senate. While colleagues seldom hesitated to compromise their professed values in order to gain a little pork, Harris has been one of a few who stands firm; putting principle before base political motives. Anyone who has paid attention to Washington since January, 2009 understands that we not only need Andy Harris representing us in Congress – we need a whole lot more just like him!
Kratovil partisans may argue that Frank received the endorsements of groups such as the NRA and the US Chamber. True enough. However, given that no serious gun related bill came up in this Congress, it was a given that Kratovil (as the incumbent) would receive the NRA nod. As we have noted in the past, the US Chamber reflects corporatist, not free market, values. As far as we’re concerned, they deserve each other. Even Kratovil’s vote against ObamaCare was little more than OBVIOUS political pandering to an Eastern Shore electorate that was adamant in their opposition to it. What did Kratovil do? Vote against it, refuse to support any move to repeal it, and has refused to meet with constituents in any setting other than a tightly controlled one.
We need someone who will listen to us; someone who will stand firm; and someone who will be accessible. That man is clearly Andy Harris.

US Senate – None of the Above

If the devil himself were running against incumbent Sen. Barbara Mikulski, how could any right-of-center publication not endorse him? Well, the devil ain’t running.
Barbara Mikulski has given years of unapologetically liberal service to the people of Maryland. She has voted time and again to waste billions and raise our taxes. It should be a slam dunk. Sadly, the winner of this year’s GOP primary is worse!
Better to re-elect a liberal Democrat or not vote at all than to encourage a candidate like Eric Wargotz. Look up “RINO” in the dictionary and his picture may appear (depending on the edition you have available). Any candidate who argued for including illegals in ObamaCare doesn’t deserve your vote. Wargotz’s record as a Queen Anne’s County commissioner looks no more conservative than his Dem colleagues. His views on land use are slightly left of Mike Pretl’s.
All of these factors would be bad enough, but Wargotz claims to be the bastard son of Ronald Reagan. Enough is enough! Voting for Wargotz merely encourages more left-of-center candidates to run on the GOP line and attempt to buy votes by claiming a false conservatism.

Senate, District 38 – Michael James


The publisher usually has the final say in these matters. However, despite a strong friendship between Democrat candidate Jim Mathias and SbyNEWS publisher Joe Albero, the consensus of our editorial board is clear – Michael James is exactly who the citizens of District 38 need to represent them in Maryland’s Senate.
James not only represents our values, he understands what we need in a legislator. Government cannot solve our problems. We merely need government to get out of our way so that we may solve them ourselves. James understands this. Over 20 years ago, he came to Ocean City and took over a failing business. In that time he has not only succeeded, he has created hundreds of jobs. Michael James did not accomplish those things by sponging off his fellow citizen. He rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
Michael understands that over taxation and a job killing regulatory burden are two of the things which strangle our economy. He has pledged to fight against those things and FOR the type of state government which will let our farmers, watermen, and entrepreneurs know that government will get out their way and stop hampering their success.
Jim Mathias WANTS us to believe that these are the same things which he stands for. Unfortunately, his record in the House of Delegates literally SCREAMS a different story.
All of us who reside in District 38 have received numerous pieces of mail from Mathias telling us that he won’t raise our taxes, that he’ll fight wasteful government spending, and that he’ll protect our children through laws such as the recent child predator legislation. If one digs hard enough, you can actually find a grain of truth in these mailings. Given that Mathias has spent over $100,000 in six weeks to tell us a story, we should hope that there is some truth in there.
Four years ago, Michael James ran for the House from 38-B. A key issue in his campaign was the need for much stronger child predator legislation. Mathias (and his colleague Norm Conway) couldn’t be bothered with such mundane matters until AFTER young Sarah Foxwell was brutally murdered.
Mathias claims that he won’t raise our taxes and points to his vote against the sales tax increase as evidence. Fair enough. I hope that he doesn’t mind us looking at his votes to INCREASE corporate taxes and the personal income tax as evidence that he won’t hesitate to raise our taxes AGAIN if enough Lower Shore voters are fooled into voting for him.
We also hope that Mathias won’t mind if we point to his support of O’Malley’s budgets; … or his support for higher auto emissions standards which will make buying a car in Maryland as expensive has buying one in California; … or his support for a greenhouse gas mandate which is sure to kill jobs; … or his support for higher energy costs for Lower Shore families by supporting a renewable energy mandate on power companies in Maryland.
Jim Mathias is one hell of a nice guy. Unfortunately for Mathias, we don’t need to send a pal to Annapolis. We need to send someone who will do what he says, not throw his “Eastern Shore values” overboard as he crosses the Bay Bridge. We need a leader. We need someone who understands that government doesn’t create jobs, but can certainly drive them away. We need Michael James.

Chinese Companies 'Rent' White Foreigners


Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

Chinese companies are hiring white Americans to pose as fake businessmen. In China, western faces can boost companies’ credibility.

Seven More Days. You Have Not Stopped Obama. You Have Won Nothing

You have not stopped Barack Obama. You have not, to paraphrase P. J. O’Rourke, served the restraining order.

You have not made this country safe.

You have not stopped the advance of socialism in this country.

You have not stopped the Democrats from destroying the economy.

You, all of you, have won nothing. NOTHING.

And it will stay that way — imaginary wins, fictitious actions against an elite hostile toward the idea of America — unless you vote on November 2nd.

You, me, all of us, we have won not one stinkin' race. Many have decided it is in the bag. Many have decided they’ve done all they can, given all the can, and are now resting.

Don’t rest. The election is exactly seven days from today.

You have won not one race. But you can.

VOTE.

Redstate

Angle Attorney: Reid “Intends To Steal This Election”

So says Cleta Mitchell in an astonishing letter:

"As Sharron Angle's campaign attorney, I am sorry to report that the Democrats and their cronies are up to their same old tricks, of trying to manipulate the election in hopes of skewing the results in their favor.

"Two days ago, the Democratic Secretary of State announced that voters can be provided "free food" at "voter turnout events." Harry Reid has been offering free food and, according to other reports, some Democratic allies such as teachers' unions are offering gift cards in return for a vote for Reid.

"Before we were even able to document the reported infractions to report to the authorities, the Democrat Secretary of State slammed the door shut on preventing this behavior and issued a public statement permitting these ACORN-style tactics. THESE are the kinds of shenanigans that can turn this race.

"Harry Reid intends to steal this election if he can't win it outright. As a result, we need to deploy literally dozens of election law attorneys and poll watchers to combat these tactics at a cost of nearly $80,000. That's over and above our current budget. We need to raise $80,000 and we need to do it RIGHT NOW, because even as I am writing this, Harry Reid and his Machine are trying to steal this election. I'm sorry that we have to come to you yet again and ask for you to reach deep and contribute, but we must.

"Understand, EVERYTHING we have worked for in the last year could be destroyed by dirty tricks and criminal acts in the next 8 days. As Sharron's first line of defense on these matters I am absolutely committed to making sure this won't happen.

"What Harry Reid is doing is clearly illegal. Nevada law (NRS 293.700) provides that, 'A person who bribes, offers to bribe, or use and other corrupt means, directly or indirectly, to influence any elector in giving his or her vote or to deter the elector from giving it is guilty of a category D FELONY and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.'

"Now, this week in Las Vegas, at our election hotline, we received reports that some teachers' union representatives were offering Starbucks cards to people to get them to vote for Harry Reid. It is even more disturbing and may be possible that they are using their influence and authority as educators to entice students on behalf of Reid."

Read more of this here

Nevada Voting Machine Technicians Are SEIU Members

Clark County is where three quarters of Nevada's residents and live and where Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's son Rory is a county commissioner. Rory is also a Democratic candidate for governor.

Since early voting started, there have been credible reports that voting machines in Clark County, Nevada are automatically checking Harry Reid's name on the ballot:

Now there's absolutely no independently verified evidence of chicanery with the voting machines (yet), but it is worth noting that the voting machine technicians in Clark County are members of the Service Employees International Union. The SEIU spent $63 million in elections in 2008 and is planning on spending $44 million more this election cycle -- nearly all of that on Democrats. White House political director Patrick Gaspard is formerly the SEIU's top lobbyist, and former SEIU president Andy Stern was the most frequent vistor to the White House last year.

The county voting technicians aren't unique here -- many of Clark County's employees are also represented by the SEIU. But it is worth mentioning here, the SEIU is hyperpoliticized and has seen it's fair share of corruption. (it certainly seems more questionable than Diebold, the voting machine manufacturer with Republican ties that was at the center of many conspiracy theories on the left during the Bush administration.)

Just in Nevada, the SEIU has given a lot to groups that are heavily vested in the state -- in just one prominent example, the SEIU gave $500,000 to the Patriot Majority PAC, which has spent $1.3 million against Reid's opponent Sharron Angle.

Unions increasingly have a major financial stake in election outcomes, both as a matter of their own election expenditures, and as a function of what they stand to gain if their legislative agenda is enacted. Should they really be responsible for tabulating the votes? That's certainly something voters ought to think long and hard about.
Read more at the Washington Examiner

Deadly Infection In Brazil Worries Health Officials Across The World

An outbreak of deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Brazil has killed at least 18 people around Brazil's capital, officials said Tuesday, and has prompted hurried measures to keep the problem from spreading.

The outbreak of klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase in Brasilia follows others in Israel in 2007 and in Puerto Rico in 2008, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Brazil's national health agency said the known toll so far stands at 18 dead, with 183 people hospitalized with the infection in the nation's capital as last Thursday. The figures are updated on a weekly basis.

According to a statement on the website of the Federal District's Health Secretariat, from Jan. 1 to Oct. 1, the number of known cases in Brasilia was 108 people — meaning there was a spike of nearly 70 percent in the last three weeks.

A spokeswoman for the agency said the rise did not necessarily mean the danger of infections was growing; it might be due to increasing vigilance and testing for the infections.

An official with the CDC in the U.S. said the figures are significant.

"There is no reason to panic, but there is a need for a call for action," said Denise Cardo, director of the division that monitors hospital infections at the CDC. "We are seeing an increase in hospital infections in recent years and if health professionals don't take action now it will be harder and harder to contain them in the future."

Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase - often just called KPC — is enzyme produced by bacteria that annuls the effectiveness of modern antibiotics and it tends to infect patients who have had surgery or other invasive procedures. Most of the cases are seen in intensive care unit patients.

Cardo said the infections are hard to treat and have a fatality rate of about 40 percent.

Brazil's National Agency for Sanitary Vigilance announced on Tuesday it was ordering all hospitals and clinics in the nation to require the use of alcohol-based hand cleaners for everyone entering any health unit. It called the step "the most important and inexpensive" means of controlling infections.

Health Minister Jose Temporao told the Agencia Brasil news agency last week that "citizens can remain calm because this is a situation that only happens in hospital environments and with debilitated patients."

More at the Washington Examiner

ACORN’s October Surprise

Like a zombie in a horror movie, ACORN is alive! Even worse, it’s still in the business of registering Mickey Mouse and dead people to vote—and the person running its get-out-the-vote operation is under indictment for felony voter registration fraud.

But first, some background.

The radical group staged an elaborate prank on April Fool’s Day by pretending to die. That’s when chief organizer Bertha Lewis said ACORN would dissolve its national structure. But the group still exists and continues to send out direct mail solicitations for funds.

Disturbingly, Project Vote, ACORN’s scandal-plagued voter registration and mobilization division, remains open for business. Project Vote has been part of the ACORN family since at least 1992 when Barack Obama ran a successful voter drive in Illinois.

Although legally separate entities, in practice the two are the same, as the congressional testimony of former ACORN/Project Vote employee Anita MonCrief can attest. They share office space, employees, and budgets. Project Vote continues to operate out of ACORN’s Washington, D.C., headquarters.

Even worse, its voter drive is being run by Amy Busefink, an ACORN employee under indictment in Nevada for violating election laws. It might be understandable for an employer not to fire an employee until she is actually convicted of a crime, but this is ridiculous. Busefink should not be running a voter drive.

Busefink’s official Project Vote biography says: “As Project Vote’s Field Director, Amy Busefink is responsible for the development and execution of field activities across Project Vote’s many program areas … Over the last two years, Ms. Busefink has participated in the successful fight against legislation that creates barriers to voters, including photo ID efforts in Missouri. She continues to develop voter participation and voter registration field programs, utilizing new and exciting technology for Get-Out-the-Vote efforts.”

The bio adds that Busefink “came to Project Vote as its national voter registration director in June 2006, when she assumed responsibility for Project Vote’s 2006 voter registration program.” She also “ran field operations for Project Votes [sic] 2008 voter registration program, which collected 1.1 million applications.”
More from Human Events

O'Donnell Receives Support Of Former Delaware Governor

Former Delaware Gov. Pete Du Pont has endorsed fellow Republican Christine O’Donnell's Senate bid.

"It is my belief that Christine O’Donnell will represent the First State honorably in the United States Senate," Du Pont said.

The former governor noted that since the race winner will be seated immediately following the Nov. 2nd congressional elections — a condition of outgoing Democratic Sen. Ted Kaufman's appointment following Joe Biden's election as vice president — his or her votes are "all that more important to the citizens of our state."
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Rolling Back On Parking Fees

Get ready to save some cash parking in Old Town Alexandria, Va.

The city council voted unanimously Tuesday night to roll back parking fees. It’s a 50-cent savings from $1.75 to $1.25 an hour. The rate went up three months ago to increase the turnover of parking spaces and boost garage business. While the intentions were positive for the community, they had unintended consequences. Not everyone was on board with the decision. Businesses said they started hurting for customers. Those coming into town to shop and dine said their stash of change kept running out so they drove off. City council members weighed the pros and cons of keeping the cost as is, but ultimately decided 7-0 to lower the fee. Meter costs will not be lowered until the law is officially changed next month. The price is expected to go back up once multi-space meters are installed this spring. That means drivers can pay with credit cards instead of loose change.

Every Cop In Town Quits After Mexico Attack

Gunmen fired more than 1,000 bullets at station

The entire police force of a small northern Mexican town quit after gunmen attacked their recently inaugurated headquarters, according to local reports on Wednesday.

Los Ramones Mayor Santos Salinas said nobody was injured in Monday night's attack, during which gunmen fired more than 1,000 bullets at the building's facade, according to Noroeste newspaper's website. Six grenades, of which three detonated, were also flung at the building, the newspaper reported.

"Fortunately, those who were inside the building threw themselves on the ground and nobody was hurt," Salinas told the newspaper.

GO HERE to read more.

Year-Round School Gains Ground Around U.S.

Two days before Thanksgiving, the Indianapolis School Board will make a decision sure to heat up discussion around the turkey in just about every home with young children. That's when board members will vote on whether to adopt year-round classes.

If the board approves the measure, Indianapolis pupils would go to school in cycles of eight to 10 weeks, with three to five weeks off after each, throughout the year. And they would join the growing number of children around the nation who are going to school on so-called balanced schedules.

GO HERE to read more.

Antoine Dodson Promoting Sex Offender Tracker App

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com


No need to hide your kids or your wives anymore. Antoine Dodson is the pitchman for a new Sex Offender Tracker App for iPhone and Android.

27 Bears Killed On First Day Of Hunting Season

HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Maryland natural resources officials say 27 bears were killed on the first day of this year's black bear hunting season.

State officials say the season lasts through Saturday, but hunting will be stopped once the quota of 65 to 90 bears is reached. The quota is five more than last year when hunters killed 68 bears.

GO HERE to read more.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 23 October 2010
Location: 2300 block of Nanticoke Wharf Rd., Nanticoke, MD
Suspect: 1. Donna L. Tomositis, 43, Salisbury, MD
2. David U. Haddaway, 32, Laurel, DE


Narrative: On 23 October 2010 at 8:12 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported altercation occurring at a campground in Nanticoke, MD. Upon arrival, the deputy met with both Donna Tomositis and David Haddaway and learned that they had been involved in a verbal altercation while hanging out by the campfire. Both had signs of injury that corroborated each other’s accounts and the deputy arrested both of them for the mutual assault.

Both were transported to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, both were detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center in lieu of $15,000.00 bond.

Charges: Assault 2nd degree

Incident: Possession with the Intent to Distribute
Date of Incident: 23 October 2010
Location: Salisbury Pkwy at Naylor Street, Salisbury. MD
Suspect: Lamar A. Custis, 24, Cambridge, MD


Narrative: On 23 October 2010 at 12:04 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle on Salisbury Parkway and discovered that the passenger, Lamar Custis, had an outstanding warrant from the Dorchester County Circuit Court for Violation of Probation in a CDS Distribution Case. Upon arrest, the deputy discovered a digital scale along with a baggie of what appeared to be cocaine in the pocket of Custis. Upon examination of the suspected cocaine it was determined to be counterfeit but it was evident that Custis still intended to sell it.

The deputy transported Custis to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Custis in the Detention Center in lieu of $20,000.00 bond.

Charges: Possession with the Intent to Distribute Counterfeit CDS
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Incident: Disorderly Conduct
Date of Incident: 22 October 2010
Location: 1500 block of Esquire Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: 1. Latisha J. Schoolfield, 20, Salisbury, MD
2. Ariel S. Duffy, 18, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 22 October 2010 at 11:43 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a disturbance in the 1500 block of Esquire Drive in Salisbury. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered that a party had been going on and was in the process of ending and several individuals were yelling while returning to vehicles. The deputy attempted to keep the peace in the neighborhood when two of the partygoers, Latisha Schoolfield and Ariel Duffy, began fighting in front of the deputy. Their actions increased the disturbance to the neighborhood.

The deputy placed both Schoolfield and Duffy under arrest and transported both to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released both on Personal Recognizance.

Charges: Disorderly Conduct

Incident: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Date of Incident: 23 October 2010
Location: 900 block of Colony Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Ryan D. Crane, 19, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 23 October 2010 at 4:28 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded for a reported single vehicle accident in the 900 block of Colony Drive in Salisbury. Upon arrival, the deputy located a Ford Truck with severe front end damage that had just collided with a tree. The deputy observed that Ryan Crane was sitting behind the wheel of the truck and appeared to be in a daze. The deputy also detected a moderate odor of alcohol coming from Crane. After the administration of standardized field sobriety testing, the deputy made a determination that Crane was under the influence of alcohol and placed him under arrest.

Post arrest Crane declined to take the Breath Test. The deputy transported Crane to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Crane was detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center in lieu of $15,000.00 bond.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Driving While Impaired by Alcohol
Driving a Motor Vehicle in Violation of an Alcohol Restriction
Negligent Driving

Comptroller’s Race: Campbell Says He’d Be A Better Financial Watchdog Than Franchot

A new $87 million computer system has nearly paid for itself in tracking down delinquent taxpayers, says Democratic Comptroller Peter Franchot. But Republican challenger William Campbell says the Maryland Integrated Tax System is destined to cost almost three times as much – a claim a Franchot aide called untrue -- and also raises privacy concerns as it interfaces with other state databases.

This is just one of the issues you’ve never heard about in the mild-mannered and nearly invisible race for state comptroller.

Franchot is proud of his four years as chief tax collector and fiscal hawk on the Board of Public Works. But he said “we’ve got some big problems” with revenues down and record unemployment, and the state needs to “hold the line” on spending and debt.

Campbell insists it’s much worse than that. “We’re in deep trouble. We’re on the brink of a financial collapse,” he said.

GO HERE to read more.

McDonald's To Raise Prices, Still Sell Crappy Burgers, In 2011

While McDonald's may make the worst fast food burger on the market, the company still thinks it isn't charging enough for them.

More »

GE Recalls 174,000 Dishwashers Because You Don't Need Flames To Clean Plates

It's been a bad week for kitchen appliances. First Frigidaire recalls a ton of cooktops and ranges and now GE has issued a substantial recall on 174,000 of its Profile and Monogram dishwashers after learning of a potential fire hazard.

More »

Furious Growth And Cost Cuts Led To BP Accidents Past And Present

An EPA attorney tried for 12 years to make oil giant BP operate safely. Now, recently retired, she says BP should be banned from doing business with the U.S. government.

Read more...

Opportunities To Support Our Students And Schools

Thursday, Oct. 28, from 5-7 p.m.
Halloween Carnival
Wicomico High School

The Wicomico High School Senior Class will put on a Halloween Carnival from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, for anyone under age 12 (with chaperone) who wants to enjoy some spooky fun and tasty treats. Sample activities include Monster Freeze Dance, Halloween Golf, Ring Toss, Black Cat Craft, Decorate a Cupcake, and more, including balloon artists N’ Charge and DO IT. Children should come dressed to play games and have fun in a safe environment while supporting the WiHi senior class. Donations appreciated. (Rain location: WiHi cafeteria) 410-677-5146

Friday, Oct. 29
“Trunk or Treat”
Willards Elementary PTA

The second Willards PTA Trunk or Treat will take place on the Willards Elementary bus ramp starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29. Vendors will be selling food starting at 5:30 p.m., and decorated trunks will arrive at 6 p.m. Trunk or Treat (Halloween Tailgating) is a safe community Halloween event. Instead of going from house to house, kids will travel from trunk to trunk in the Willards Elementary School parking lot to collect treats. (New this year: To ensure that there is enough candy for the trick-or-treaters, each Willards family has been asked to donate a bag of individually wrapped candy, which can be dropped off in the front office.) Each trunk will be decorated for the occasion – from ghoulish, ghostly SUVs to fairy tale Fords and loaded with yummy treats. Participants will vote for their favorite trunks with their spare change. Pennies, nickels, dimes – empty your pockets to declare the most “tricked out trunks.” All monies collected will be used to purchase Clorox wipes, tissues and hand sanitizer for the impending cold and flu season. Call 410-677-5819.

Saturday, Oct. 30
Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast Benefitting the James M. Bennett High Junior Class

Support the Junior Class (Class of 2012) at an all-you-can-eat Applebee’s Pancake Fund-raiser Breakfast from 8 -10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. Tickets are $6 per person for all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and beverage (coffee, orange juice, soda and tea). The breakfast will be served at the North Salisbury Applebee’s. For tickets please contact class advisors Erin Davis (esdavis@wcboe.org) or Kathy Elliott (kelliott@wcboe.org).

Basket Raffle
Mardela High School Class of 2016

The Mardela High School Class of 2016 is selling tickets for its 2nd annual Basket Raffle. The “basket” contains gift certificates and gift cards from many local restaurants and businesses for goods and services, a Longaberger basket, a hunting trip, original watercolor by a local artist, home décor products, bath and beauty supplies, and much much more. The entire contents are included in the basket raffle and are valued at more than $4,000. Tickets are only $5 each. The drawing will take place on Dec. 17. For information please call 443-736-7948, or check with the school at 410-677-5142.

Highlighted Events This Week In Wicomico Schools

Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m.
Dig Pink Event
James M. Bennett High Gymnasium

This fall, James M. Bennett High School will join thousands of teams from around the country that are participating in the Dig Pink National Breast Cancer Awareness Rally. High school and college teams will be promoting breast health education in the community as well as raising funds to help eradicate breast Cancer. The JMB Dig Pink game will be the Oct. 27 volleyball game between JMB and Parkside High. The JMB Clippers Volleyball program finished the 2009 regular season with a 13-3 record and lost in the second round of the state 3A playoffs. Five players were named to the All-Bayside Team. This season they have continued with similar success and currently have a 10-2 record. Coach Chris Emge hopes that supporting a cause such as the “The Side-Out Foundation” will help bring his team together and solidify them into a championship caliber squad. “It’s not every day that you feel like you’re making a difference. From our efforts so far, I can say that it feels good. I can’t wait to see the final outcome of our efforts on Wednesday night.” Dig Pink attendees will watch the girls compete on the court while contributing to breast health awareness by making a statement and wearing something pink in the stands. Admission to the event will be $4 and all in attendance are encouraged to wear pink. Before, during and after the volleyball match there will be many special events such as a bake sale, pink lemonade, silent auction, cheerleaders, step team and a post match serving contest where you can win a variety of prizes including t-shirts and local gift certificates. The proceeds from all donations will benefit the Side-Out Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) located in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. To make a donation please visit our donor web site. http://www.side-out.org/application/teams/team_page/1556. For more information about the event, please contact Chris Emge at cemge@wcboe.org or 410-430-8484.

Wednesday, Oct. 27
Superintendent’s Open Door Session
Board of Education Office

A Superintendent’s Open Door Session will take place Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 4-6 p.m., in the Administrative Conference Room at the Board of Education Office. The Open Door Sessions are opportunities to meet one-on-one with Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen to discuss any issue, idea or concern. No appointments are made: Anyone interested in meeting with the superintendent should come to the Board office that day and sign in. Other Superintendent Open Door Sessions for this year are scheduled for: Nov. 17, Dec. 15, Jan. 19, Feb. 23, March 23, April 27 and May 25. 410-677-4495
Friday, Oct. 29, at 9:30 a.m.
Mock Election Campaign Event
North Salisbury Elementary School

Election campaign fever has hit North Salisbury Elementary School! To help our students understand more about the election process and the candidates running for office, a Mock Election Campaign Event will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 29. The focus will be on the candidates who are running for governor of the state of Maryland. Grade 5 students will play the candidates, members of their families, and other supporters of their campaign party. The mock candidates and supporters have written speeches to help the student “voters” decide how to cast their ballots in voting at the school on Monday, Nov. 1. The mock campaign event will also feature music played by our students and special surprise guests (students) who will arrive to support the Republican and Democratic candidates for Maryland governor.

Friday, Oct. 29
2nd annual Punkin Chunkin Event/Celebrity Visit
Salisbury Middle School

Salisbury Middle School eighth graders will compete in the second annual Punkin Chunkin event on Friday, Oct. 29. Teams will compete from 9:50-11:15 a.m. and 12:10-2:30 p.m. This is a culminating for the 8th grade Science students in the area of Physics. Students will be competing against one another for prizes. At 12:15 p.m. team members of Chunk-n-ology, a Punkin Chunkin team that has been featured on the Discovery Channel, will be at Salisbury Middle School to demonstrate their Chunkin skills and to talk about the time, resources and dedication needed to build a machine capable of launching a pumpkin on a 2-mile flight. Parents are welcome to attend the SMS Punkin Chunkin, but must bring their own chairs due to limited seating. 410-677-5149.

Saturday, Oct. 30
Crucial Catch Game (breast cancer awareness benefit)
Wicomico High School

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wicomico High School is teaming up with the National Football League and the American Cancer Society in a Crucial Catch game to honor those who have either successfully fought or have been lost to cancer. A Crucial Catch is a nationwide screening reminder campaign to help women and men stay healthy. Done in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, the initiative promotes breast cancer awareness and encourages men and women to be pro-active about their health. For the game vs. Stephen Decatur on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 1:30 p.m., the Wicomico High School football team will be adorned in pink accessories just like you have seen some of your favorite NFL teams wear during this month. This event will also honor current and past Wicomico High staff members who have been affected by cancer. Charles R. Berry, Legendary WiHI football coach, former teacher and former Wicomico County Supervisor of Physical Education and Athletics will be at the game to do the coin toss. Several fund raisers will be going on throughout the month in an effort to raise funds for research and to support those who have been affected by cancer. Proceeds from these fund raisers will go toward Women Supporting Women and the American Cancer Society. For information please contact Conflict Resolution teacher Chareka Harris at 410-677-5146 or chharris@wcboe.org.

Wicomico K-5 Students Offered Free Intranasal FluMist Vaccine

The Wicomico County School System and the Wicomico County Health Department are working together to offer the FluMist intranasal vaccine to Wicomico elementary students in school clinics. The 2010-11 Influenza vaccine will contain protection against three common influenza strains, including the 2009 H1N1 strain. Consent forms for the FluMist vaccine were sent home to elementary parents/guardians, and students whose parents/guardians signed and returned the consent form will receive the vaccination free on the day that their school’s clinic is scheduled. The schedule of school clinics this week is as follows:

Oct. 28 (AM): East Salisbury, Delmar
Oct. 28 (PM): Fruitland Primary, Westside Primary
Oct. 29 (AM): Chipman, Fruitland Intermediate, Glen Avenue
Oct. 29 (PM): Pittsville

A parent/guardian who wants a child to receive the injectable form of the seasonal flu vaccine at the Wicomico County Health Department can call 410-543-6943.

Wicomico School System Celebrates 2010 Community Foundation Education Grant Awards For Schools, Programs

The Wicomico County Public School System is delighted that a number of schools and programs have received 2010 Education Grant Awards from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore Inc.

Salisbury Middle School ($1,950)
Project: Community Garden - This program, modeled after the First Lady's "Let's Move" Initiative, will create a community garden that will provide vast opportunities for student learning, peer to peer education and networking (integrating special needs and general education students) as well as unique partnerships with local businesses and community groups in the creation of the garden.
Amount Requested: $3,000.00
Recommendation: Partially fund in the amount of $1,950.

Wicomico County Board of Education ($2,700)
Project: African American Summit V - A program targeting approximately 40 African-American males from the four Wicomico County high schools and focused on character education, peer encouragment, service learning and academic achievement/behavior incentives.

Wicomico County Board of Education ($700)
Project: Link for Literature - This program is coordinated through the Instructional Resource Center and partners with elementary schools in Wicomico County to provide incentive and support materials for the implementation of reading programs.

Wicomico High School ($2,000)
Project: DRAMA (Developing Respect, Acceptance, Maturity and Admiration) for Girls - This program will target girls in 9th-12th grade that have demonstrated special needs (behavior referral, learning needs, expectant mothers, etc) for enrichment and creative experiences to develop a greater appreciation in their "potential" for success.

Beaver Run Elementary School (1,200)
Project: CrossFit Kids - This program is a strength and conditioning program to maximize the limited time allocated to physical education and deliver a program that is broad, general and inclusive to meet the needs of a wide range of students.

Northwestern Elementary School ($2,500)
Project: A Blast of Science - A program to bring the Maryland Science Center's traveling programs to students in grades K-5. Four programs will be offered throughout the year to complement classroom science programs.

Westside Intermediate School ($2,500)
Project: Arts Integration Grades 2-4 - This program would focus on arts integration using the fine arts and theatre as the basis for integration in all classes. The school will partner with two theatres to provide an artists in residency experience with a final performance for parents and community members.

Willards Elementary School ($2,380)
Project: Artist in Residence: Screen Painting with John Iampieri - Program for first grade students focusing on screen painting, a unique tradition considered to be an indigenous form of folk art in the Baltimore area.

Fruitland Intermediate School ($3,000)
Project: Arts Integration 3rd Grade - This project will focus on arts integration for all 3rd grade students, culminating in an "Arts Night" where students will display their work.

Prince Street Elementary ($651)
Project: Project SPEAK - This project focuses on an annual oratorical competition bringing students from Prince Street, Glen Avenue and East Salisbury together. In each school, teachers work with students to write, rehears, memorize and deliver original, independent speeches to promote creativity and self-confidence.

Glen Avenue Elementary School ($1,463)
Glen Avenue Magazine Program - To provide 5th grade students with the opportunity to produce their own school magazine to learn how to work together, meet deadlines and make decisions as part of a team. The goal is to produce three issues throughout the school year.

Halloween Story Time & Parade

WHAT:          Story Time & Parade with Trick-or-Treat

WHO:             Children aged 0 – 5 years

WHEN:          Friday, October 29, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m.

WHERE:       Wicomico Public Library, Main Library

SBYNews Starts General Election Endorsements Today


Stick around this morning Ladies & Gentlemen as Salisbury News will begin to offer our candidate endorsements today.

Salisbury News created a Board to ensure fairness across the board when it comes to the interests and values of the Eastern Shore.

While some Bloggers simply shoot from the hip and choose candidates that will actually speak to them, rather then those who shy from them, Salisbury News recognizes the "influence" we can actually carry with the tens of thousands of people who visit this Site each and every day.

That being said, I'm confident once you see our recommendations you will quickly realize we do not take this influence lightly. I had stated back in the primary election period that we would clearly have some differences of opinion and unfortunately there may even be some break up of friendships along the way. I certainly hope this will not be the case.

Let me make myself very clear here. Our Board has YOUR best interest in mind. If this was a personal decision you might see some bias decisions. I believe it is our responsibility to represent YOU with the proper special values in mind and this is why we created this Board.

We don't just provide who we support, we explain why.

CIRCUIT COURT FOR WICOMICO COUNTY TO HOLD EIGHTH DRUG COURT GRADUATION

The Circuit Court for Wicomico County will hold its 8th Drug Court graduation ceremony this Friday at 3:00 P.M. in Guerrieri Hall at Wor-Wic Community College. 6 individuals will join the previous 24 who have graduated from the program in the 7 previous ceremonies. The first graduation was in May, 2007.

Drug Court is administered by Wicomico County Circuit Court Administrative Judge Kathleen L. Beckstead and Drug Court Coordinator Cherie Meienschein. Funding comes from the Office of Problem Solving Courts. Participants in the Drug Court process include the State’s Attorney’s Office, Wicomico County Health Department and several local law enforcement agencies.

The ceremony’s keynote speaker is Paul B. DeWolfe, Esq., the Public Defender for the State of Maryland.

American Red Cross Halloween Safety Tips

Click on image to enlarge.

Andy Harris Airs Fifth Television Ad

SEVERNA PARK, Md. – Andy Harris today released his fifth television ad of the campaign, highlighting the mess Nancy Pelosi and Frank Kratovil have made of our country.

“Frank Kratovil can keep saying he is independent from Nancy Pelosi and Congressional Democrats as long as he’d like, but the First District knows better,” said Bill Lattanzi, Campaign Manager –Andy Harris for Congress. “Kratovil voted with Pelosi on the Stimulus and Cap and Trade, and to top it off, Congressional Democrats and their allies have poured nearly $3 million into Kratovil’s attempt at reelection. $3 million dollars of contributions does not sound like independence to me.”

The ad, entitled “A Mess,” is airing in both the Baltimore and Salisbury media markets. You can view the ad
here.

The Barber Shop


George Bush and Barack Obama somehow ended up at the same barber shop.
       
As they sat there, each being worked on by a different barber, not a word was spoken.
The barbers were even afraid to start a conversation, for fear it would turn to politics.
    
As the barbers finished their shaves, the one who had Obama in his chair reached for the aftershave.
 
Obama was quick to stop him saying, 'No thanks, my wife Michelle will smell that and think I've been in a whorehouse.'
    
The second barber turned to Bush and said, 'How about you sir?'

Bush replied, 'Go ahead; my wife doesn't know what the inside of a whorehouse smells like.'

Ehrlich Accepts Endorsement From Housing Maryland PAC

ANNAPOLIS – Bob Ehrlich, candidate for Governor, today accepted the endorsement of Housing Maryland PAC, the political action committee of the Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association. The endorsement can be viewed by clicking here.

“I am honored to have the Builders’ endorsement as we enter the final stretch of this campaign,” said Ehrlich.  “This industry will play a vital role in Maryland’s economic recovery after years of recession and job losses and anti-business climate under Martin O’Malley.  They share my belief that strong leadership in Annapolis is critical to turning this economy around and creating jobs and prosperity for Maryland families and entrepreneurs.”

BACKGROUND: Housing Maryland PAC’s mission is to identify, educate and support candidates for elected office who maintain integrity, have an understanding of and are supportive of housing and the development and building industry and are committed to the American Dream of homeownership and free enterprise. The Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association strives to create an environment in which residents in suburban Maryland and Washington D.C. have continued access to the housing and communities of their choice and the opportunity to realize the dream of homeownership. Established in 1954, MNCBIA members employ more than 15,000 individuals with businesses that provide products and services that go into the design, construction, purchase and renovation of a home. They are engaged in numerous community service projects, including numerous charitable and community outreach projects.

O'MALLEY-BROWN RECEIVE ENDORSEMENT OF BALTIMORE MINISTERS COALITION

Coalition of Baltimore Ministers put their support behind O'Malley-Brown for reelection
Baltimore, MD (October 26, 2010)-- Governor Martin O'Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown today received the backing of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, a coalition of more than 200 Baltimore ministers.  The endorsement took place outside of Friendship Baptist Church in northeast Baltimore.

"It's an honor to have the support of these distinguished men and women of God, and I'm humbled by their faith and trust in the Lieutenant Governor and me," said Governor Martin O'Malley.  "In this challenging economy, we've fought to maintain our shared priorities, even in the toughest of times, of providing those core services to our neighbors in need.  When it comes to protecting these priorities, creating jobs and delivering results, we must continue to move forward over the next four years."

Rev. Dr. Alvin J Gwyn, Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church and President of the IMA, had this to say:  "The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Baltimore has been involved in the struggle for human rights and equality for the past 75 years. Our record of accomplishment speaks for itself. We are convinced these perilous and uncertain times in which we now live, gives rise to the necessity of strong, determined, and moral leadership. We are in desperate need of political leadership that embraces moral concepts and guarding virtues in order to combat the selfish greed and disrespect for human rights that now plagues our country."

He continued, "Governor Martin O'Malley has been a consistent partner with the faith community in helping us to resolve and eliminate the problems that have hindered the growth and progress in educational needs, affordable housing, small business concerns, crime prevention, and fiscal responsibility. It is towards this effort that we endorse him as he continues to demonstrate to us that he is capable to meet the challenge of taking us forward into a brighter and more responsible future."

The IMA is a network of more than 200 ministers from predominantly African-American congregations working together for social justice and issues important to Baltimore neighborhoods.

Ehrlich Meets With Real “New Americans,” Pledges To Protect Citizenship From Illegal Immigration

ANNAPOLIS – Flanked by naturalized U.S. citizens and Maryland residents, Bob Ehrlich today outlined the stark differences between himself and Martin O’Malley on the meaning of the term “New American” and the issue of illegal immigration.  In this month’s Washington Post debate, incumbent Martin O’Malley degraded citizenship and naturalized U.S. citizens by referring to illegal immigrants as “New Americans.”

“There is a clear difference between Martin O’Malley and me on what citizenship means in the United States,” said Ehrlich.  “We should be encouraging individuals who use legal means to become U.S. citizens, not insulting them by putting them on the same level as illegal immigrants.  Governor O’Malley’s comments reflect a broader disrespect toward citizenship that has been a hallmark of his tenure as Governor.”

Ehrlich also outlined three priorities he will pursue as Governor to protect citizenship in Maryland.

In-State Tuition:  Unlike Martin O’Malley, Bob Ehrlich opposes giving in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, especially since fewer Maryland residents are attending Maryland colleges today than four years ago.  Under Martin O’Malley, the cost a student pays to attend the University of Maryland College Park increased 35% and O’Malley is planning another 26% increase if he’s reelected.

Public Funding:  Ehrlich supports funding organizations that help legal immigrants assimilate in the United States, but he will prohibit public funding of organizations that knowingly helps illegal immigrants evade the law.

Drivers Licenses:  Ehrlich will seek to close a loophole created by Martin O’Malley that allows certain illegal immigrants to obtain a Maryland drivers license through 2015. 

Worcester County States Attorney Joel Todd Caught Red Handed In Misleading Public

Worcester County States Attorney Joel Todd sent out multiple mailers last week implying certain Officials and prominent community leaders supported and or endorsed Joel Todd for States Attorney. This couldn't be further from the truth. At least three of these individuals have come forward in anger flat out stating Joel Todd was not at all truthful.

The photos used in the mailers had absolutely nothing to do with Joel Todd's run for re-election. They were general photos from different events where these people just happened to be in the picture.

The Worcester County Republican Central Committee will be holding a Press Conference tomorrow morning at 9:30 AM to bring these facts to the public attention immediately. What Todd has done has to be one of the most outrageous acts ever seen here on the Eastern Shore, especially coming from a States Attorney.

Todd must be pretty desperate to pull such a stunt at the last minute but it is my guess this will be the final straw in his campaign. Chief of Police Arnold Downing was also removed as one of the Worcester County Board of Elections Judges because Todd used one of these images stating he was in support of Joel Todd, yet again, it was a general photo and had nothing to do with supporting Todd.

We will provide the list of names of those used in Todd's mailer after the Press Conference tomorrow. Candidate Beau Oglesby has not been available for a comment as of this moment but I'm confident his campaign staff and he are outraged, as should be the citizens of Worcester County.

Look for Todd to backstep on this one as he has been caught red handed and this stunt will without a doubt backfire. More to come....