Back to School and Back to the Voting Booth

It's that time of year again: time for students to return to school, and time for Marylanders to cast their vote in the September primary. For the first time, beginning this Friday voters in Maryland can vote early or vote by mail for any reason. Whether its empowering Marylanders to vote or making college more affordable, the choice between Governor Martin O'Malley and Bob Ehrlich couldn't be clearer. Only one candidate - Martin O'Malley - has fought to expand opportunity, while the other has proven time and again that he is out of touch with Maryland families.

Early Voting

This Friday marks the first day of early voting in the 2010 primary elections. Encouraging Marylanders to vote is a no-brainer for public officials on both sides of the aisle, but if Bob Ehrlich had had his way early voting would never have been possible. Ehrlich's record of opposing early voting is an insult to Maryland families. Ehrlich vetoed early voting legislation when he was governor, and he continues to stoke unfounded fears about the process--even as his own Republican party says Republicans are "not concerned about [early voting] at all."  Ehrlich's opposition to early voting is especially troubling in light of his history of employing dirty voter suppression tricks for his own political gain.  In contrast, Governor O'Malley has been a strong proponent of making it easier for Marylanders to vote and have their voices heard.

O'Malley Visits College Park

As college students across Maryland head back to campus this week, Gov. O'Malley dropped by the University of Maryland at College Park to visit with parents and students, made sure the dining hall food was up to par, and reiterate his commitment to keeping college affordable for Maryland families.

Bob Ehrlich oversaw a 40% increase in in-state tuition when he was governor, while Martin O'Malley fought to freeze college tuition for four years to make college more affordable for Maryland families. Ehrlich's public statements and record indicate that Maryland families can expect a major tuition hike if Ehrlich returns to the governor's mansion.

Governor O'Malley fought for billions in K-12 funding and helped make Maryland schools the nation's best for two consecutive years. Bob Ehrlich ignored key education initiatives like the Thornton law and failed to fund the Geographic Cost of Education Index--a program that provides extra assistance to jurisdictions where the cost of education is greater. 

Thank you for your continued support, and please--vote early so that we can continue to move Maryland forward.

Sincerely,

Rick Abbruzzese

O'Malley-Brown Campaign