JuiceBlender: Gansler Hints at Runningmate, Frick & Braveboy for Atty General, Mikulski Endorsing Brown, Franchot Kickoff

Below Maryland Juice provides a few news tidbits and an event this Saturday relating to statewide candidates for Governor, Attorney General and Comptroller:

JUICE #1: ATTORNEY GENERAL DOUG GANSLER RELEASES CAMPAIGN KICKOFF VIDEO  //  NOTE: DEL. KIEFFER MITCHELL IS ALL OVER IT - Attorney General Doug Gansler is announcing his campaign for Maryland Governor next week, with multiple campaign stops on Tuesday, September 24th. But Gansler took to Twitter today to release a very interesting kickoff video for his campaign:

IS GANSLER HINTING AT HIS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR CHOICE? - Gansler's video (viewable below) highlights a lacrosse league he started in Baltimore, his work combating domestic violence as State's Attorney, a testimonial by Sen. Rich Madaleno noting Gansler's early support for marriage equality, support from former U.S. Senator Joseph Tydings, and .... Delegate Kieffer Mitchell. Notably, Mitchell has been named as one of Doug Gansler's potential running mates, though at least one source is very skeptical that Mitchell has signed on for the Lt. Gov. spot.

Also of note in Gansler's campaign video is a segment where he highlights problems in Maryland. The following issues appear to be previewing criticisms Gansler may level at the O'Malley-Brown administration: 1) Jobs leaving the state, 2) Maryland having the #2 educational achievement gap in the nation, and 3) Maryland having America's worst traffic congestion. You can watch Gansler's kickoff video below:



JUICE #2: U.S. SENATOR BARBARA MIKULSKI TO ENDORSE LT. GOVERNOR ANTHONY BROWN IN MOCO, TWO DAYS AHEAD OF GANSLER KICKOFF - Two days ahead of Doug Gansler's campaign kickoff, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown is hosting a campaign event in Montgomery County, this Sunday, September 22nd. The Washington Post reports that the event in Silver Spring will likely be to announce an endorsement from U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown’s gubernatorial campaign plans to unveil Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski as its latest supporter at an event Sunday, according to several people familiar with the planned endorsement.

The backing of Mikulski (D-Md.), who rarely chooses sides in Democratic primaries, is scheduled to be announced in Silver Spring two days before Douglas F. Gansler, Brown’s chief rival for the 2014 nomination, plans to formally launch his campaign for governor. Brown (D) advertised the event in an e-mail to supporters last week, promising “an exciting campaign announcement” Sunday at noon....

JUICE #3: COMPTROLLER PETER FRANCHOT KICKS OF RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN WITH A NEW VIDEO - Peter Franchot kicked off his re-election bid today with a video highlighting his accomplishments. Among these, Franchot includes: 1) making it easier to file taxes and get refunds quicker, 2) collecting money from tax-dodgers, 3) fighting wasteful spending, and 4) not being a rubber stamp for "Annapolis insiders." Watch Peter Franchot's kickoff video below:



JUICE #4: DELEGATES BILL FRICK AND AISHA BRAVEBOY TO JOIN RACE FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL - The Washington Post's John Wagner reported today that Delegates Bill Frick (Montgomery County) and Aisha Braveboy (Prince George's County) will be joining Sen. Brian Frosh and Del. Jon Cardin (Baltimore County) in the race for Attorney General (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: Del. C. William Frick (D-Montgomery) filed his paperwork with the State Board of Elections on Wednesday, and Del. Aisha N. Braveboy (D-Prince George’s) said she plans to file as a 2014 candidate by the end of the day Thursday.... Frick, a member of the House of Delegates since 2007, said he would make a formal announcement about his campaign in coming weeks....

JUICE #5: THIS SATURDAY, NARAL PRO-CHOICE MARYLAND GALA TO DRAW ATTENDEES RANGING FROM FRANCHOT & MIZEUR TO ULMAN & GANSLER - Maryland Juice received an invitation to a NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland "Evening of Chocolate Gala" this Saturday night, and it appears that many of our statewide Democratic candidates will be attending this event (tickets still available online). The NARAL Gala will be this Saturday night at 8 pm in Sandy Spring, Maryland (details below):

PRESS RELEASE

Chocolate for Choice

Gubernatorial Candidates, Elected Officials, and Others Celebrate Reproductive Rights and Honor Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene, Joshua Sharfstein, and Reproductive Healthcare Provider, Allie Harper.

NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland’s 24th annual Evening of Chocolate Gala this Saturday at 8pm celebrates the 40-year anniversary of Roe v. Wade and the achievements of Secretary Joshua Sharfstein and Allie Harper. Also attending are Comptroller Peter Franchot, gubernatorial candidates Delegate Heather Mizeur and Attorney General Doug Gansler, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, candidate for Lt. Governor, and more than 200 NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland supporters.

“The Supreme Court’s Roe decision 40 years ago is a good foundation to protect reproductive freedom, but the issue of choice and reproductive health continues to be a matter of concern,” says Jodi Finkelstein, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland. “The Evening of Chocolate is a wonderful time to reflect on our successes, but we also need to focus on the work at hand. Nationally, a women’s fundamental right to choose is at stake. We need to continue to ensure a woman’s right to make decisions about her reproductive health remains unfettered by government intervention.”

WHO: Joshua M. Sharfstein, MD., Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene, Comptroller Peter Franchot, Candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor, Attorney General Doug Gansler, Delegate Heather Mizeur, and Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, Over 200 NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland supporters

WHERE: The Oak Room, 17921 Brooke Rd, Sandy Spring, MD 20860

WHAT: NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland’s Annual Evening of Chocolate Gala

WHEN: September 21, 2013, 8:00-11:00 pm

Current and former elected officials sponsoring the Gala include: Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Congressman John Sarbanes, Montgomery County Councilmember Valerie Erwin, Delegate Ariana Kelly, Senator Karen Montgomery, Delegate Anne Kaiser, Delegate Eric Luedtke, Delegate Craig Zucker, Senator Robert Garagiola, Delegate Kathleen Dumais, Delegate Brian Feldman, Delegate Aruna Miller, Senator Nancy King, Delegate Charles Barkley, Delegate Kirill Reznik, Delegate Shane Robinson, Senator Roger Manno, Howard County Councilwoman Courtney Watson, Cheverly Councilwoman Mary Jane Coolen, Delegate Ben Kramer, Delegate Bill Frick, Delegate Guy Guzzone, Delegate Jim Gilchrist, Delegate Luiz R.S. Simmons, Delegate Shelia Hixson, Montgomery County Councilmember Marc Elrich, The Honorable Duchy Trachtenberg, and The Honorable Cheryl C. Kagan.

NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland is the political leader of the pro-choice movement in Maryland and works to develop and sustain a constituency that works to guarantee every woman the right to make personal decisions regarding the full range of reproductive choices, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing safe, legal abortion. Money raised at the event supports NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland’s advocacy work.

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JuiceBlender: Maryland Lawmakers Weigh Retirement, Mizeur Decries Exclusion from 2014 Coverage, Frick vs. Frosh for AG

PLUS: FRANCHOT'S ODD NEWSPAPER, O'MALLEY'S PILGRIMAGE & A GOP COUP!

Below Maryland Juice highlights several news tidbits that may of interest to politicos tracking campaign developments in 2014 (and 2016):

JUICE #1: NUMEROUS STATE SENATORS & DELEGATES MAY RETIRE IN 2014 - Center Maryland columnist Josh Kurtz recently published a thorough round-up of possible retirement and open seat possibilities in 2014. In his lengthy column, he audits almost every State Senate and House of Delegates district and comes to the conclusion that the next election cycle could result in massive turnover in the General Assembly (excerpt below):

JOSH KURTZ (VIA CENTER MARYLAND): Jimmy Malone and Steven DeBoy are just the tip of the iceberg. When the House of Delegates convenes in 2015, there could be as many as 50 new members. That’s right, more than a third of the chamber could — could — turn over....

The Malone and DeBoy departures say something about the unique challenges facing conservative and moderate Democrats in Annapolis.... Indeed, redistricting will contribute heavily to the looming reconfiguration in the House, along with all the usual reasons: electoral defeats, delegates running for higher office, and pure retirements.

In the Senate, turnover has helped contribute to the long tenure of President Mike Miller (D).... No one has the seniority, gravitas or political cojones to challenge Miller’s supremacy....

But the House is a much less manageable place under the best of circumstances. As more and more newcomers arrive, with fewer connections and loyalty to Busch than the members who were there when he became speaker in 2003, it becomes harder for Busch and his lieutenants to maintain day-to-day control. That’s just the nature of the beast....

[ READ CENTER MARYLAND'S LIST OF RETIREMENT & OPEN SEAT SCENARIOS ]

JUICE #2: DEL. HEATHER MIZEUR DECRIES EXCLUSION FROM BALTIMORE SUN COLUMNIST'S GUBERNATORIAL COVERAGE - Maryland Juice received an email blast today from the campaign manager for Del. Heather Mizeur's gubernatorial campaign decrying her omission from Baltimore Sun columnist Dan Rodricks' recent discussion of the 2014 race. Mizeur's campaign also took offense with Rodricks calling the Governor's office the "big-daddy chair." Below we provide an excerpt from Dan Rodricks' April 10, 2014 column (titled "Ruppersberger considering run for governor"), followed by an excerpt from Heather Mizeur's email blast:

DAN RODRICKS (VIA BALTIMORE SUN): Among the likely Democratic candidates for Maryland governor in 2014 — Howard County executive Ken Ulman, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Attorney General Doug Gansler — Ulman comes closest to being the "Baltimore-area candidate."

But a genuine Baltimore-area candidate — someone who could pull votes from Baltimore County and the city, and enough in other key sectors of the state — would be a serious contender for the big-daddy chair in Annapolis....

The column above triggered the following response in the form of an email blast from Heather Mizeur's campaign manager Joanna Belanger. The blast below calls on supporters to sign a petition to send a message that "Maryland isn't a boys' club" (excerpt below):

JOANNA BELANGER (VIA FRIENDS OF HEATHER MIZEUR): The Baltimore Sun recently published a guest column about all the potential Democratic candidates for Governor in 2014. Well, all except for one:

Heather Mizeur.

Right now, there are no announced candidates for Governor. But Heather, just like several others, has made it clear that she's seriously considering a bid.

But the Sun only talked about the men who are thinking about running. Even worse, they actually called the office of Governor "the big-daddy chair.”

Sometimes you really have to wonder if these folks realize that it's 2013 now, and that women won't be ignored and dismissed. We deserve and demand better – will you add your name to our petition and let your voice be heard?

The race for Governor is going to be about the issues we all care about and who can best move Maryland forward – not his or her gender. Heather has spent her entire career working on behalf of all Marylanders, making sure we continue to improve our infrastructure and schools, protect our natural resources, promote job growth, and fight for equality.
That’s why her supporters are urging her to run.

Your support is vital. That's why I'm asking you to stand with me and add your name to our petition now. We need to send a message that Maryland isn't a boys' club -- and there's no such thing as the "big-daddy chair."

All my best,
Joanna Belanger
Campaign Manager
Friends of Heather Mizeur

Meanwhile, for those still questioning whether Del. Mizeur is actually running for Governor, it is worth noting that The Chestertown Spy recently published a series of video clips showing Mizeur campaigning in Kent County.


JUICE #3: 2014 ATTORNEY GENERAL RACE HIGHLIGHTS HOMETOWN RIVALRY BETWEEN SEN. BRIAN FROSH AND DEL. BILL FRICK - Yesterday Bethesda Magazine published an article profiling the dueling Attorney General campaigns from two District 16 Democrats: Sen. Brian Frosh & Del. Bill Frick. The worthwhile article presents some interesting backstory about Frosh's run for Attorney General, noting specifically that State Senator Jamie Raskin had been previously preparing for a run. Additionally, Bethesda Magazine also focuses on the awkwardness caused by the unusual circumstance of having two lawmakers from the same district seeking the same statewide office (excerpt below):

LOUIS PECK (VIA BETHESDA MAGAZINE): Although separated in age by almost three decades, state Sen. Brian Frosh and state Delegate Bill Frick have a lot in common.... Today, they reside barely a mile from each other along Bethesda’s River Road corridor, and share representation of District 16 in the Maryland General Assembly. In Annapolis, both can claim a record of legislative accomplishment as well as a passion for some of the same issues, particularly in the realm of consumer protection.

Perhaps it is as much because of these connections as in spite of them that Frick and Frosh now find themselves on a collision course.

While some in local political circles wait to see if one of them blinks, both men say they are committed to seeking the 2014 Democratic nomination to succeed Attorney General Douglas Gansler.... How did this statewide political head-on between two candidates from the same legislative district come about?...

When Frick approached Frosh about the contest, Frick says that Frosh told him that he was already committed to another attorney general aspirant from Montgomery County: state Sen. Jamie Raskin of Takoma Park, a law professor at American University....

JUICE #4: COMPTROLLER PETER FRANCHOT PRINTS NEWSPAPER DECLARING HIMSELF "THE MOST INTERESTING MAN IN MARYLAND" - A Maryland Juice reader recently reported that residents in her neighborhood received hand-delivered copies of a bizarre multi-page newspaper from Comptroller Peter Franchot. The elected statewide Democrat often describes himself as Maryland's "fiscal watchdog," but now he has adopted the title of "the most interesting man in Maryland." See the scanned front page of the newspaper below:

The Baltimore Sun provided some context on this strange government communication in an article earlier this month (excerpt below):

ERIN COX (VIA BALTIMORE SUN): Would you like to meet the most interesting man in Maryland?  Apparently, it's Comptroller Peter Franchot.

Franchot this week released a spoof of the popular Dos Equis' beer commercials as promotion for Maryland's unclaimed property website. More than $980 million is waiting to be claimed by Marylanders, and newspaper inserts will soon start advertising $80 million of them. ...

JUICE #5: MARYLAND HOUSE GOP MEMBERS ATTEMPT LEADERSHIP COUP - Maryland Reporter this week highlighted an emerging attempt by State House GOP members to replace GOP Minority Leader Tony O'Donnell (excerpt below):

GLYNIS KAZANJIAN (VIA MARYLAND REPORTER): A movement led by junior Republican delegates is underway to replace Maryland GOP House Minority Leader Tony O’Donnell and Minority Whip Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio. The move comes only days after the Maryland Republican Party voted in a new state party chairman, Diana Waterman, following a highly contentious election for the position.

Second term Del. Nicholaus Kipke, 34, Anne Arundel, and freshman Del. Kathy Szeliga, 51,  Baltimore and Harford counties, have been named by party insiders as the team running to replace O’Donnell, 52, and House Whip, Eastern Shore Del. Haddaway-Riccio, 35.

A vote is scheduled to take place in a special election next Tuesday, April 30, but such meetings are generally closed to the media and the public. This is the third reported attempt to unseat O’Donnell, with Kipke leading a similar effort in 2011 that fizzled....

JUICE #6: O'MALLEY ANNOUNCES PRESIDENTIAL AMBITIONS DURING TRIP TO ISRAEL -  It is no surprise to Maryland politicos that our Gov. Martin O'Malley has been gearing up for a 2016 White House run for quite some time now. But O'Malley stated the obvious during a recent trip to Israel (which now sits next to New Hampshire and Iowa on the list of places a prospective Presidential candidate must visit). The New York Times covered some of O'Malley's remarks during his trip this week (excerpt below):

NEW YORK TIMES: Gov. Martin O’Malley of Maryland said Wednesday that he would spend the second half of this year mulling whether to run for president in 2016. He seems already to have a campaign theme: jobs and innovation.

At least that’s what he insisted was the sole focus of his eight-day trip to Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian territories....

Governor O’Malley, 50, said it was his third visit to Israel.... Mr. O’Malley was also set to meet with President Shimon Peres of Israel; two rising stars in Israeli politics, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, both of whom head economic ministries; and Salaam Fayyad, who resigned earlier this month as prime minister of the Palestinian Authority.....

“I plan for the latter half of this year to dedicate some more thought time, reflection time, to the question of whether or not I would run,” he said Tuesday. “The key question in running for any office is having a clear and refined understanding of the shared reality we face and the better set of choices we need to make as a people to meet those challenges and to create a better future for our kids....”

MORE ON THE COMING POLITICAL BATTLES SOON!

Peter Franchot Releases Internal Poll From Aborted Governors Race // PLUS: Del. Brian Feldman Weighing 2014 Comptroller

UPDATE: The Gazette's C. Benjamin Ford printed comments today from Del. Brian Feldman about a possible primary challenge against Comptroller Peter Franchot (excerpt below):

GAZETTE: Del. Brian J. Feldman (D-Dist. 16) of Potomac, a tax lawyer and certified public accountant, told The Gazette on Thursday that he is eyeing a possible bid. During the upcoming legislative session, he plans to talk to people from across the state and weigh whether he has enough support to challenge Franchot....

His experience as a tax lawyer and CPA make for an “ideal background” for a comptroller, he said. Feldman said he has disagreed with Franchot on several issues, including finding funds to meet the state’s transportation infrastructure needs. Feldman supports raising additional revenues to pay for transportation projects, while Franchot has opposed it.

Maryland Juice has two interesting tidbits regarding the Free State's 2014 election cycle, including leaked polling results from Comptroller Peter Franchot's aborted gubernatorial campaign.

JUICE #1: BRIAN FELDMAN FOR COMPTROLLER IN 2014? - First, knowledgeable sources are discussing the possibility that Del. Brian Feldman will challenge Peter Franchot in a Democratic Primary for Comptroller. Feldman, a Democratic lawmaker from Montgomery County, had been known to be interested in the race. Moreover, the field might be more clear for him now that State Senator Jim Rosapepe has decided against challenging the incumbent Comptroller. Our sources also speculate that labor organizations and certain Democratic officials might be willing to aid efforts to unseat Franchot. Could Brian Feldman become the beneficiary of these efforts?

It seems plausible that Peter Franchot could be vulnerable in a Democratic Primary. After all, the state's Primary electorate is quite liberal, but Franchot has sometimes employed inflexible, Tea Party-style rhetoric regarding taxes, spending and revenue in Maryland. On the other hand,  Franchot's almost run for Governor has been a strength for his fundraising operation. As I recall, he had at least $1 million in the bank at last check, so any challenger would need to catch up quickly on fundraising. That means that those who wish to make an example of Franchot better be prepared to work hard and employ a strong (well-financed) message.

JUICE #2: FRANCHOT RELEASES INTERNAL POLLS FROM ABORTED GUBERNATORIAL BID - The possibility that challengers are considering a run for Comptroller might explain why the incumbent Peter Franchot decided to release his internal campaign polls. It seems that while he was exploring a run for Governor, Franchot's polls purported to show he was in 2nd place for the race to succeed Governor O'Malley in 2014. More to the point, Franchot's poll results claimed that a rough majority of voters would support him in a re-election bid for Comptroller. Yesterday Tom Coale released these details and more at the HoCo Rising blog (excerpt below):

HOCO RISING: Normington Petts & Associates took the poll from likely Democratic Primary voters in May and December of this year.  The number of respondents was not disclosed.  These voters had an 85% favorability rating of the President and 70% for Governor O'Malley....

Although 53% of respondents remain undecided on the current slate of candidates, for those that have made up their mind, voters lean heavily towards Brown.  If the race were held today, with all four candidates in the race, the projected results would be:

• Brown    22%
• Franchot 13%
• Gansler   8%
• Ulman    4%

Leaving the Gubernatorial race, 49% of respondents said that if the election were held today, without knowing the opponent, they would vote to re-elect Peter Franchot to the Comptroller's office, which may respond to some of Franchot's critics saying he has gone too far to the right to do well in a state-wide primary. 

QUICK COMMENT ON FRANCHOT'S POLL - Maryland Juice has also obtained a leaked copy of the polling memo and summary results from the survey that HoCo Rising discussed yesterday. See both items below, preceded by my quick caveats. First, Franchot's internal poll results seem pretty convenient for him, given that his own ambitions have created a laundry list of Democrats interested in applying for his job.  Now that he is running for re-election, it seems obvious that he would want to dissuade challengers from entering the race.

But on a very basic level, Franchot's poll results beg the simple question: why did Franchot leave the race if he thought he was in a competitive 2nd place? Also note that Maryland Juice previously published Anthony Brown's internal numbers, and the Lt. Gov's poll results showed Attorney General Doug Gansler in 2nd place (not Franchot). Brown's poll also claimed that with Franchot out of the race, Gansler and Brown would each gobble up equal shares of Franchot's supporters. In any case, readers curious to see more discussion about Franchot's poll should head over to the HoCo Rising blog to read Tom Coale's take on the polling results. In the meantime, check out Franchot's documents below:
Peter Franchot - Dec 10, 2012 Polling Memo for 2014 Maryland Governor

Peter Franchot - Dec 10, 2012 Polling Summary for 2014 Maryland Governor

MD State Senator Jim Rosapepe Exits 2014 Comptroller Race // Citing Franchot's Decision, Rosapepe Opts for Re-Election Bid

UPDATE: An anonymous source provided the following mini-analysis about possible ramifications of the Franchot-Rosapepe domino effect:

ANONYMOUS SOURCE: Rosapepe staying put means both Ben Barnes and Joseline Pena-Melnyk, who had been mentioned as candidates for his seat, will probably stay put in the House or look elsewhere. It also means Kumar Barve will run for re-election to the House. Because Kumar was the only member of senior leadership thinking of jumping ship, unless there is a surprise announcement of a retirement by a committee chair, this means House of Delegates leadership will likely not change after the 2014 elections. This will lead to more frustration among mid-level leadership that will likely lead to more people thinking of pulling a Justin Ross - leaving the House for greener pastures.

Maryland Juice just received a major email announcement from State Senator Jim Rosapepe responding to Comptroller Peter Franchot's decision not to run for Governor in 2014. Rosapepe, a Prince George's County Democrat, was actively pursuing an exploratory bid for 2014 Comptroller. He has now decided to remain in the State Senate and seek another four-year term to represent District 21. See his press release below:

Rosapepe Comment on Franchot Announcement
Commenting on Comptroller Peter Franchot's announcement to run for re-election in 2014, Senator Jim Rosapepe (D, College Park) said:

"With my friend Comptroller Peter Franchot's announcement today that he intends to run for re-election in 2014, I am announcing my intent to run for re-election to the Maryland Senate.

My travels around our state over the past year and a half, as I've explored running for Comptroller, have allowed me to learn much more about the needs and aspirations of our people from the Bay to the mountains, from inner cities and outer suburbs to small towns and farms.  I've been humbled by the encouragement and support I've received from Democrats and Republicans, business and labor leaders, environmentalists and educators, colleagues and new acquaintances.

I know the experience has made me a better State Senator. While my interest in serving as Maryland Comptroller is undiminished, I look forward to continuing to serve the people of the 21st District, and of the state, in the Maryland Senate."

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After Franchot's announcement today, Maryland Juice expects more dominoes to fall. Numerous politicians will begin sizing up their positions and adjusting to this development. More soon!

BREAKING: Peter Franchot is NOT Running for Maryland Governor in 2014 // The Comptroller Will Seek Re-Election

A Maryland Juice source just forwarded us an earth-shattering email blast from Comptroller Peter Franchot. In an announcement this morning, Franchot tells supporters he will not be running for Governor of Maryland in 2014. This may keep a few people out of the 2014 Comptroller's race, as I assume some would-be candidates will not want to take on an incumbent from the same party.

Meanwhile, this may have unpredictable affects on the Democratic Primary for Governor. So far, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Attorney General Doug Ganser, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and Delegate Heather Mizeur are still eyeing the race. But this reduces the number of Montgomery County candidates from three to two, which I imagine isn't completely insignificant. In any case, see Peter Franchot's announcement below:

PETER FRANCHOT: As we approach the heart of the holiday season and the end of 2012, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued friendship. Indeed, I have so much to be thankful for this year – from my good health and wonderful family, to the support of so many good friends and the opportunity to serve the people of Maryland in what is undoubtedly the best job I have ever had.

In that spirit of sincere gratitude, I would also like to let you know that I have decided to seek re-election as Comptroller of Maryland in 2014. This is a decision that I have made after a great deal of personal reflection, and with the sound and thoughtful advice of my wife, Anne, and my two children, Abbe and Nick. It is no secret that in recent months, I have given thought to running for governor. I am humbled by the extraordinary support that my prospective campaign received in every corner of our state, and I am now more convinced than ever that there is a shared desire among Marylanders – irrespective of ideology or party affiliation – for an honest conversation of the fiscal and economic challenges that still lie ahead.

I look forward to engaging in that conversation from my office in the Goldstein Treasury Building. I have developed an abiding love for a Comptroller’s Office that has been recognized as the best in the nation, and is admired throughout the State of Maryland for its high standards of efficiency and professionalism.

Like so many people on my team, I have devoted my career to providing businesses and families with the exceptional customer service they deserve, while ensuring that everybody pays their fair share of taxes. At the same time, I have relished the opportunity to serve as an independent voice and a tough fiscal watchdog for the taxpayers – whether by opposing wasteful spending on the Board of Public Works, fighting to hold the line on state debt, protecting tax filers from fraudulent preparers, or leading by example and doing a better job for less money within my own office.

After nearly six years as Comptroller, it is still a profound honor to hold the office that once belonged to the likes of J. Millard Tawes, Louis Goldstein and William Donald Schaefer. By their words and actions, those Maryland giants set a timeless standard for honorable public service that is still reflected in the Comptroller’s Office today. My goal is to do my job and lead the Comptroller’s Office in a manner that honors their shared legacy.

Accordingly, I am looking forward to the year ahead with great anticipation. Thanks to my exceptional team of professionals, I expect to move closer than ever before to a paper-free tax filing season (and will remind you that by filing electronically, you can help my office save taxpayer money while ensuring that you receive your refund within three business days).

We also look forward to doing our part to create a level playing field, as well as a fair and predictable regulatory environment, for Maryland businesses that employ local people and reinvest in local communities. I will continue to advocate for a course in financial literacy as a high school graduation requirement. Finally, I shall continue to respect the sacrifice of Maryland’s taxpayers by ensuring that their hard-earned money is spent wisely, and by opposing initiatives that, however well-intentioned, would further weaken an economy that remains fundamentally fragile. These are neither Democratic nor Republican priorities – these are Maryland priorities that are rooted in sheer common sense. As always, I welcome and look forward to your feedback and advice on these important issues.

In closing, I would again like to thank you for your friendship and support, while wishing you and your family a peaceful holiday season.

More on the 2014 Comptroller's & Governor's races soon!

TV AD // Comptroller Peter Franchot: "I've Seen a Lot of Whoppers About Tax Policy, But Nothing Like Question 7"

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot is turning up the rhetoric a few notches in the Question 7 battle. The 2014 gubernatorial candidate has been a strong opponent of the push for gambling expansion this year, and as a result he has landed himself in a few television advertisements. His latest scorching of the "vote for" Question 7 side is featured prominently in a new television ad urging a "vote against" Question 7. Watch below:

ROLL CALL: Maryland House Ways & Means Committee Approves Casino Expansion // See How 2014 Candidates Voted

After the Maryland Senate approved a gambling expansion plan last week (see roll call at the bottom of this page), debate proceeded in the House of Delegates. According to an AP report on WBAL, yesterday the House Ways & Means committee approved an amended version of the bill to bring table games to Maryland and a new casino to Prince George's County. The House bill passed 13-7 and included expanded slot machine tax cuts for Anne Arundel and Baltimore casino owners upset at the potential new competition in Maryland.

Check out the AP's special session coverage at WBAL. They provided a House Ways & Means roll call, which we provide below, but we've made a note next to the names of some Delegates who are considering runs for statewide office in 2014.

MARYLAND HOUSE WAYS & MEANS GAMBLING VOTE ROLL CALL

Voting Yes
Sandy Rosenberg (D)
Kumar Barve (D) - POTENTIAL 2014 COMPTROLLER CANDIDATE
Talmadge Branch (D)
William Frick (D) - POTENTIAL 2014 ATTORNEY GENERAL CANDIDATE
 Carolyn Howard (D)
Jolene Ivey (D)
Anne Kaiser (D)
Eric Luedtke (D)
Justin Ross (D)
Melvin Stukes (D)
Michael Summers (D)
Frank Turner (D)
Jay Walker (D)

Voting No
Kathy Afzali (R)
Joe Boteler (R)
Mark Fisher (R)
Ron George (R)
Glen Glass (R)
Aruna Miller (D)
Andrew Serafini (R)

Not Voting
Jon Cardin (D) - POTENTIAL 2014 ATTORNEY GENERAL CANDIDATE
LeRoy Myers (R)
Sheila Hixson-Chairman (D)


The Maryland Senate has updated its website to include the full roll call vote on the gambling expansion bill:

FULL MARYLAND SENATE GAMBLING ROLL CALL VOTE

28 Yeas     14 Nays     2 Not Voting     0 Excused (Absent)     3 Absent

Voting Yea - 28

Mr. President

Getty

McFadden

Benson

Jennings

Middleton

Brinkley

Jones-Rodwell

Peters

Colburn

Kasemeyer

Pugh

Conway J

King

Robey

Currie

Klausmeier

Rosapepe

Edwards

Madaleno

Stone

Ferguson

Manno

Young

Forehand

Mathias

Zirkin

Garagiola

Voting Nay - 14

Brochin

Jacobs

Pipkin

DeGrange

Kittleman

Raskin

Dyson

Montgomery

Reilly

Frosh

Muse

Simonaire

Glassman

Pinsky

Not Voting - 2

Astle

Ramirez

Excused from Voting - 0

Excused (Absent) - 3

Gladden

Kelley

Shank