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WYPR's Senior News Analyst opines on recent Maryland news.

Smith: Bi-Partisanship Takes a Dive in Annapolis

The gloves came off in Annapolis yesterday. In his first state of the state address, Republican Governor Larry Hogan gave a dour assessment:

“Our state is not as strong as it could or should be. Too many Marylanders are struggling just to get by,” he said. As many as half of Marylanders want to leave the state, he said.

The status quo, he said, cannot be accepted. 

On the stump candidates can launch broadsides without fear of return fire. Not so in a roomful of most Democratic politicians.

“ It was politics at its very worst, “ said Senate President Thomas Mike Miller. “He’s still campaigning. He tossed the idea of the governing into the toilet. It’s very unfortunate.”

He said Hogan’s thought of giving tax relief to home owners, small businesses and first responders is fantasy.

Miller said, “He’s being Santa Claus and the Grinch all at the same time.” Hogan’s budget, he said, would cost every school child in in the state $200,

Miller has been holding his fire, counseling others to give the new man a chance.  That ended yesterday.

“He doesn’t understand. We are the best state in the union. We have the highest income in the nation.  and least amount of poverty in the nation.  This is a great state and he better damn site recognize it and stop condemning the wonderful people of the state.”

Not surprisingly, Prince George’s state Sen. Jim Rosapepe agreed.

“He’s watching too much Fox TV,” said Senator James Rosapepe of Prince Georges. He called the speech “red meat” for the tea party.

Also not surprisingly, Hogan men thought the governor had struck just the right tone.

Al Redmer, a former member of the House and Hogan’s new Insurance commissioner, said “He set a tone of conciliation. He’s a real estate guy. He knows the buyer never offers what the seller wants.”

Now begins the bargaining. A change-minded governor faces off against proud Democrats circling the  wagons.