October 7, 2008
Sun Q&As on political issues
New section
Our new section features coverage of the Maryland General Assembly and other state political news.
Sun coverage: Slot machines in Md.
Coverage of the debate over slot machines legalization in Maryland to raise state revenue.
O'Malley rumor controversy
Sun coverage of events surrounding infidelity rumors spread by former Ehrlich associate Joseph F. Steffen Jr. about Mayor Martin O'Malley.
Medical malpractice reform
Archived coverage of state leaders' efforts to reduce doctors' insurance rates.
Ehrlich ban on Sun journalists
Archived coverage of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s memo ordering government staff not to speak with State House Bureau Chief David Nitkin or former columnist Michael Olesker.
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Millie, Taneytown: As in individual with individual health insurance, I am interested in any of the 2007 legislation that might impact my coverage.
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Bobbie, Baltimore: Is it true that former lobbyist Ira Cooke's conviction in California was overturned on Monday? If so, do they try him again? Isn't it The Sun's responsibility to report on all news?
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Richard, Arbutus: I am not really sure if Gov. [Robert L.] Ehrlich [Jr.] was elected four years ago or if Kathleen Kennedy Townsend was un-elected. Do you have any observations on what appears to be a very strong Democrat[ic] party loyalty in this state and how that and not issues might affect elections?
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Steven, Clarksville: Are [Gov.-elect Martin] O'Malley and [House Speaker Michael E.] Busch going to get slots approved in Maryland? This is really important as it will make the horse breeding industry robust and improve racing quality in Maryland.
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Duane, Silver Spring: Who was the GOP candidate for lieutenant governor in 1986 and what was his race?
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Alma T. Bell, Baltimore: How will the relationship between rap mogul Russell Simmons and Michael [S.] Steele affect Steele's relationship with the religious right?
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Julia, Annapolis: If Gov. [Robert L.] Ehrlich [Jr.] were to get re-elected, what, in your opinion, could (or should) he do different to avoid another 4 years of head-butting with the General Assembly? Thank you.
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Frederick P. Alpern: How come there is so little coverage for judgeships?
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Editor's note: With the election season heating up -- and with it, the workload increasing for those of us who cover politics -- the time has unfortunately come to set some limits on my weekly Q&A. I greatly enjoy hearing what's on your mind and want to keep the forum going. But from here on out, I'll be selecting five questions to answer each week. Hopefully, you'll still find the answers valuable. Please keep reading and writing.
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Editor's note: With the election season heating up -- and with it, the workload increasing for those of us who cover politics -- the time has unfortunately come to set some limits on my weekly Q&A. I greatly enjoy hearing what's on your mind and want to keep the forum going. But from here on out, I'll be selecting five questions to answer each week. Hopefully, you'll still find the answers valuable. Please keep reading and writing.
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Marion, Odenton: What is the current status of HB1441 sponsored by Del. [Herbert H.] McMillan regarding state pensions?
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Phil, Washington, D.C.: Where can one find a complete list of legislators receiving money directly from Jack Abramoff?
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Tom, Rockville: What impact will the endorsements for Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan by [former] Gov. [William Donald] Schaefer and [former Baltimore] Mayor [Kurt L.] Schmoke have upon the Democrat primary between Duncan and [Baltimore] Mayor [Martin] O'Malley? Do you think that their endorsements will suppress voter turnout for O'Malley in Baltimore enough to tip the balance to Duncan?
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Rodney, Baltimore: If Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley or Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan were to be elected, would they place a moratorium on the death penalty?
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Will, Potomac: If Martin O'Malley wins the gubernatorial election in 2006, will he be a likely candidate for vice president in 2008? Or even as the Democratic presidential nominee in 2012 or 2016?
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Joi and Marshall James, Baltimore: My husband and I are very excited about Anthony McCarthy running for office. We were big fans of his program at WYPR and have followed his career for many years. I read in your paper that he is running against the three people who are currently in the seats. Does that make his getting elected an impossibility? You do not hear about incumbents losing very often. But my husband points out that Anthony has name recognition and relationships with a lot of politicians.
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on state politics issues
Note: First installment of a new weekly baltimoresun.com feature.
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on the O'Malley rumors
Kim MacLean, Ellicott City: I find it very hard to believe that someone without a college degree could apply for and get a job as head of communications for a state agency without someone exerting influence. Is there a job description with education requirements listed for [Joseph F.] Steffen [Jr.'s] former position? Just curious.
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on the General Assembly
Scott Hollenbeck, Westminster: Will The Sun report on bill[s] to raise taxes and the sponsors of the bills? Will The Sun report on who voted in favor of bills raising taxes and who voted against?
Sun Q&A
David Nitkin on issues in Md. election
Bob, San Francisco: What are some of the local issues that might help Maryland citizens decide who they want to be president? Also, I assume that Maryland is probably going to go Democratic, but can you tell me why?
Sun Q&A: Election 2004
Issues in a polarized America
John Stevens, Taneytown: In general, were people more interested in what would be best for them, or what would be best for the country as a whole?
Sun Q&A
Election 2004 and the Republican convention
Maria, Baltimore: Why didn't Bush have his convention in Houston? New York is heavily Democratic. How much money is the government giving to New York for all the security? New Yorkers are still hurting economically from [the] 9/11 [attacks] and their taxes will probably go up to cover those security expenses.
Sun Q&A
Election 2004 and the Democratic convention
Richard Sloman, Baltimore: Every major news outlet reported the "Shove it" comment [by Teresa Heinz Kerry] but The Sun. Why?
General Assembly Q&A
Here are answers to selected readers' questions about the 2004 session of the Maryland General Assembly, which ended Monday. Sun staffers David Nitkin, Michael Dresser, Kimberly A.C. Wilson, Ivan Penn, Howard Libit, Jon Rockoff and Jon Morgan answered these questions.
Q&A with Maryland House Speaker Michael E. Busch
As the speaker in the Maryland House of Delegates, Michael E. Busch continues to be the most visible opponent to Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s proposal to legalize slot machines around the state.
Q&A with Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s second session with the Maryland General Assembly is proving to be a test of his public popularity as well as his political acumen.
Weighing the odds for Maryland
Michael E. Busch is the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates. The Anne Arundel County Democrat was elected to the post in January.
A conversation with Michael Steele
Michael S. Steele, Maryland's lieutenant governor and the first African-American elected to statewide public office, is working with Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. to craft the state's economic development policy.
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