Md. Lawmakers Convene

Partisan unity started to fray on a few issues. Miller said he opposes a tobacco-tax increase to cover expanded health care, while Busch called it "tax revenue of least resistance."

Busch repeated his long-held opposition to legalizing slot machine gambling, while Miller, taping a public radio show early yesterday, said gambling would help an ailing horse-racing industry. O'Malley said yesterday that he would like to see Miller and Busch come together and present a plan to him, but the governor-elect said, "I doubt that'll happen this session."

He spoke outside the historic Chick & Ruth's Restaurant on Annapolis's Main Street, where he unveiled a sandwich named in his honor. The "Martin O'Malley" consists of roast beef, provolone, horseradish and lettuce on rye bread.

For newcomers to the capital, it was a day of exhilaration and confusion. As Jamin Raskin (D-Montgomery) ushered his wife and three children into the Senate chamber, he asked a reporter standing beside the doorway whether it was all right for him to be interviewed by a television reporter at his desk before the session started.

After getting an all-clear sign, Raskin led his 11-year-old son, Tommy, who was wearing a tie for the first time, to his seat, then glanced over at his wife, Sarah, and smiled as his first interview in his official capacity began.

James N. Robey (D-Howard) said his eight years as county executive have prepared him well for the challenges that Maryland faces. But how will he handle moving from the executive branch to the legislative one?

"That will take some getting used to," he said. "As county executive, I was one of one. When I said, 'Do it,' it got done. Now I'm one of 47 and it will take some adjusting."

Ehrlich did not make an appearance at the State House and was barely mentioned during yesterday's ceremonies. "There will be ample opportunity to recognize the service of Governor Ehrlich," Del. Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-Calvert), the minority leader, said.

Among the guests welcomed yesterday were local government officials, who used their visibility to push their priorities for the session. Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) and members of the county's delegation pledged to work for full funding of the state's Thornton education plan, including a component that divvies up additional money to high-cost regions of the state.

O'Malley said this week that he is "seriously weighing" deferring the estimated $96 million initiative that would give extra money to school systems based on a "geographic index." The money, a third of which would go to Prince George's, would come on top of an additional $580 million the state is required by law to distribute to state schools next year.

Del. Barbara A. Frush (D-Prince George's), who is likely to be named head of the delegation this week, promised to fight for the funding. "We want what we deserve, and we're going to go after it," she said.

Staff writers Rosalind S. Helderman and John Wagner contributed to this report.