O'Malley Declares La Plata 'Capital for the Day'

Calling farming the "essence of community," O'Malley said the federal disaster declaration would make loans and other relief available for farmers who have lost many of their crops this summer.

"Our farming community is critically important, not only to Maryland's economy, but to our very way of life," O'Malley said.

State Agriculture Secretary Roger Richardson, who also visited La Plata, said the drought could be particularly crippling for young farmers, who may not have large reserves.

Humble or Hungry?

To highlight the farming industry, O'Malley ate lunch with local farmers and elected officials at the Walters Farm near Hughesville. The event celebrated the "Buy Local Challenge," which was a week-long effort to encourage people to purchase produce and other food items from local farmers.

Chef Rob Plant of Blue Wind Gourmet in St. Mary's County presented a menu made with fresh ingredients from Southern Maryland farmers.

He served fresh cucumber stuffed with crab meat; roasted tomato tart with goat cheese; fresh squashes brushed with Cajun olive oil; green bean salad with roasted red pepper vinaigrette; and red potato salad with balsamic vinaigrette.

Plant also served fresh basil, grape tomatoes and field onions, as well as fresh watermelon and desert bars. The luncheon guests drank iced tea and a fresh cantaloupe julep (non-alcoholic).

Cooper said later in the day that he was impressed that O'Malley dined with farmers.

"I was thinking, how many governors have you ever heard of who would humble themselves to go into a barn and have lunch?" Cooper said. "That's the kind of governor he is."

O'Malley responded: "I don't know how humble I am, but I was hungry, and it was good."

The Walters barn is where former Republican governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. held a campaign rally in the fall, during his election contest with O'Malley. Surrounded by stacks of hay, pumpkins, ears of corn and blue campaign signs at that event, Ehrlich picked up the endorsement of the Maryland Farm Bureau.

When asked about the coincidence, O'Malley's aides said it was just that -- a coincidence.

Cheers for the Stadium

O'Malley drew the largest crowds when he visited the construction site of Regency Furniture Stadium in the St. Charles area. About 200 people stood on the dusty site to witness the ceremonial groundbreaking for Southern Maryland's first major sports and entertainment venue.

A host of local officials gave brief speeches, and baseball hats, bats and T-shirts with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs logo were distributed. The team is scheduled to begin play when the stadium opens in April.

Del. Sally Y. Jameson (D), chairman of the Charles County delegation, said she is committed to making sure the state contributes its final portion of the construction costs, which total a little more than $1 million.

"I will do anything possible to make sure this project stays on track," Jameson said.

O'Malley said he thinks the stadium will "strengthen the dynamic that ties together the whole Southern Maryland region." He said the state's contributions are "dollars that are well invested."

With that, the officials put on their hard hats and orange reflector vests, grabbed their shovels and tossed dirt in the air.

Then O'Malley, ever the curious guest, hopped into the driver's seat of a Caterpillar track hoe. He grabbed the controls, turned the hoe and moved more dirt.