Former Republican candidate for Comptroller of Maryland released the following statement this afternoon about Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposed gas tax increase:

In 2010, I spoke openly about the reckless prospect of raising gasoline taxes here in Maryland. Unfortunately, our representatives in Annapolis failed to listen, and have embarked upon a path to raising the gas tax here in Maryland.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that a gas tax hike is a bad deal for Maryland families and job creators. In the middle of one of the worst recessions in American history, tax hikes are far from a solution — they are a problem.

I am hopeful that the folks in Annapolis will walk back this proposal and start talking about ways to strengthen Maryland families.

Brendan Madigan

Sparks