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Fur Flies (and Fur Bill Dies): A Look at the Extremes of The General Assembly Session
Gov. Martin O'Malley had some wins and losses in the session.
(Marvin Joseph/twp - The Washington Post)
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The House's top Republican offered at least 22 floor amendments. Delegates listened to O'Donnell explain each, but the chamber, controlled overwhelmingly by Democrats, soundly rejected every one.
· O'Malley Cabinet secretary most eager to remember the session: Labor, Licensing and Regulation Secretary Thomas E. Perez.
Perez was the brains behind one of O'Malley's signature accomplishments this session: a sweeping package of emergency legislation to help homeowners facing foreclosure. Perez co-chaired the governor's Homeownership Preservation Task Force, which studied the housing crisis last year and offered remedies. Testifying before lawmakers, Perez helped build consensus around O'Malley's package, which sailed through the General Assembly.
· O'Malley Cabinet secretary most eager to forget the session: Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari.
Porcari lost the speed cameras bill on the final day, and it was a rough session for his department's budget. To make room for repeal of the computer services tax, $50 million a year in transportation projects was cut. Lawmakers fiddled with the financing of the intercounty connector over Porcari's objections, and he might get stuck with much of the tab for the state's new helicopters.
· Boldest political move: Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler (D).
By testifying in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage, Gansler has stuck his neck out further on the issue than any other statewide elected official in Maryland. Check back in 2014. By the time Gansler is expected to be running for governor, the rest of the state might have caught up with him on this one.
· Biggest preemptive strike: Comptroller Peter Franchot (D).
