At Steele Rally, All Is Not Quite What It Appears

Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele collected an endorsement in the U.S. Senate race from a man named Mfume, and supporters received "Steele Democrat" signs, but the campaign said none of it was intended to confuse voters. (By Matt Houston -- Associated Press)

"Terry should probably think a bit more before he speaks," Kane said. "Seeing how one of his establishment allies' researchers has already pled guilty in federal court to stealing the identity of Lieutenant Governor Steele, Terry's flippant and callous comments . . . are stunning. These guys know no shame, and their integrity is seriously lacking. It's clear that the Maryland Democratic Party takes breaking the law lightly if it helps them achieve their goal."

'Landslide Wynn' Calls a Win a Win

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As the prolonged primary vote count wound down in the 4th Congressional District race last week, incumbent U.S. Rep. Albert R. Wynn (D) seemed to grow increasingly confident that he would be headed back to Washington next year.

Here's an exchange Wynn had at a House committee hearing with Rep. Joe Barton (R-Tex.) about the close contest with challenger Donna Edwards :

Barton: Down in Texas, we had a Democratic primary about 50 years ago that Lyndon Johnson won by 54 votes. And he got the nickname "Landslide Lyndon." We have Mr. Wynn next. He had a little bit of a tussle last week, but he did win. And so, I want to recognize "Landslide Wynn" for any opening statement that he wishes . . .

Wynn: Well, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. In fact, they're still counting, but we're quite optimistic. And I did take a couple pages out of Lyndon's book, so if I win, it can be attributed to Texas know-how.

(LAUGHTER)

Barton: I hope not. I hope you win fair and square.

(LAUGHTER)

Wynn: A win is a win.

And How Much for an Ehrlich Jersey?

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If you're looking for a regulation-size NFL football, they're available online for as little as $14.99 (including free shipping). Or you can pay $500 and get one from Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr .'s reelection campaign.

That's right. "Along with your generous contribution of $500 or more, we will be happy to send you a regulation-sized NFL football," reads a fundraising solicitation sent out last week by Ehrlich (R).

But that's not all. "This won't be just any football," the solicitation says. "It will be a token of appreciation from our campaign, thanking you for your generous support at this crucial time. . . . And as a token of appreciation, this football from our campaign will be personally signed by Governor Ehrlich, Maryland's #1 football fan."

A Circumspect State's Attorney

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Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley and Baltimore State's Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy have had their share of differences in recent years, including an occasion early in O'Malley's tenure when he publicly lashed out at Jessamy for dropping charges in a police corruption case.

It surprised few when Jessamy (D) chose to support O'Malley's rival, Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan , in the Democratic primary for governor. Jessamy is being more circumspect now about where her loyalties lie in the general election against Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R).

"I will vote, but I'm not going to be an active participant" in the race, Jessamy said in an interview last week.

And for whom will she vote?

She would not say.