7/5/06 Congressman Cummings Endorses O’Malley-Brown during Kitchen Table Talk in Baltimore County

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD (July 5, 2006)-Congressman Elijah Cummings endorsed Mayor Martin O’Malley and Delegate Anthony Brown for Governor and Lt. Governor during a kitchen table talk at the home of Robin Hill in Baltimore County this afternoon. Congressman Cummings attended the latest is a series of kitchen table talks attended by O’Malley and Brown to listen to the concerns of Maryland’s hardworking families struggling to make ends meet.

“I am honored to have the support of Congressman Cummings as we head into this year’s general election, said Martin O’Malley. “Congressman Cummings has led the fight in Congress for Maryland’s communities and families, and as Governor, I look forward to fighting with him to improve the quality of life for Maryland’s families.�

In response to some of the challenges Ms. Hill noted were facing her family, Congressman Cummings offered his endorsement of O’Malley and Brown stating, “Just like Ms. Hill’s family, Maryland’s working families are struggling. We need leaders who will fight for them. That’s why I’m endorsing Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown – they understand the challenges facing Maryland families and are committed to being on their side.�

During the kitchen table talk, Ms. Hill and members of her family expressed their concerns over rising energy and gasoline prices, increased healthcare costs, and public education in Maryland. Ms. Hill is single parent who was raised in Baltimore City. Her daughter, Raven, is 13 and attended the kitchen table talk. Ms. Hill is employed by Gebco Insurance Companys as an insurance broker and she served in the Army National Guard for 25 years. Ms. Hill is also the primary caretaker of her brother and cousin. Lessie Russell, Ms. Hills sister, also attend the kitchen table talk.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to sit down with some of the politicians in my area,� said Robin Hill. “I like that the politicians are listening to ordinary folks, to their concerns. I’m most concerned about education for our children, about better day care and healthcare, and about my high BGE bill.�

Ms Hill continued, “I’ve watched Martin O’Malley since he’s been in the city. I like the way he stands beside the people. I like the fact that he didn’t let Ehrlich and the Commissioners get away with anything, and that he took them to court; that impressed me.�

“As we travel throughout Maryland, we are meeting people like Robin Hill, and her family, who are working hard and playing by the rules, but finding it more and more difficult to make ends meet,� said Anthony Brown. “In a state as strong as Maryland, there is simply no excuse for the failed leadership of Bob Ehrlich that has sided time and again with George Bush and the special interests instead of fighting for Maryland’s families.�