Politicker Staff's blog

Harris and Kratovil: In their new adsThe ads may be positive, but the barbs are still being traded between the campaigns of Maryland's open 1st District U.S. House seat.

Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) and Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) each released a new campaign spot this week, with both focusing on positive biographical aspects of their respective candidates. And as the ads airwaves, both campaigns responded to the perceived inaccuracies of each other's commercials.

"Frank Kratovil will need a magician better than Harry Houdini if he thinks he can trick voters into believing that he is no longer the O'Malley loving, anti-energy exploring, high taxing, big spending liberal he called himself before the primary." said Harris' campaign manager, Chris Meekins.

The fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention will be called to order at 5:00 PM EST on Thursday, with a theme of "Change You Can Believe In."

The final day's events will take place at INVESCO Field at Mile High, where over 70,000 people are expected to attend.

Featured speakers will include Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D), former Vermont Gov. and Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean (D), New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D), U.S. Rep. and U.S. Senate candidate Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D), former Vice President Al Gore (D) and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D).

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), the Democratic presidential nominee, is scheduled to address the convention at 10 p.m. EST.

The full schedule is below.

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Baltimore) at the Democratic National Convention: Getty Images PhotoBelow is a transcript of remarks made by U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Baltimore) at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday evening, as prepared for delivery.

In a letter sent to State Elections Chair Robert Walker Wednesday, Comptroller Peter Franchot expressed concerned about the ballot language used for an upcoming referendum vote on slot machines, calling for a review of Secretary of State John McDonough's language.

"It is clear that the language submitted to you by Secretary of State John McDonough does not fairly characterize this important Constitutional amendment," Franchot wrote.

"The Baltimore Sun has described the language as 'misleading' and recommends that it be rewritten;  The Washington Post has said the language 'misrepresents' the proposal before Maryland voters. Voices from across the political spectrum have raised concerns about this language, concerns that the State Board of Elections cannot ignore."

Franchot sent copies of the letter to Gov. Martin O'Malley, Attorney General Douglas Gansler, McDonough and Board of Elections Administartor Linda Lamone before sending it to the press.

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Baltimore) is scheduled to address the Democratic National Convention this evening between 7 and 8 p.m (EST).

Cummings is a co-chair of the Maryland for Obama campaign.

Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (R-Prince George's County) will co-headline a Republican press conference in Denver this morning. The topic is a GOP favorite: U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and how they believe he is "Not Ready '08."

Steele will be joined by ex-presidential hopeful and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Rosario Marin, who served as U.S. Treasurer from 2001 to 2003. She is currently a cabinet official in the administration of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R).

The press conference is set to begin at 11:30 a.m. EST and will stream live over their website, NotReady08.com.

The third day of the Democratic National Convention will be called to order at 5:00 PM EST on Wednesday, with a theme of "Securing America's Future."

The day will begin with the nominating process for President, including nominating speeches for U.S. Sens. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.), followed by a roll call vote.

The headline speaker will be vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.).

Featured speakers will include President Bill Clinton (D), U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Gov. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.), U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), U.S. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.).

The full schedule is below.

Below is a transcript of remarks made by U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Mechanicsville) at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday evening, as prepared for delivery.

Below is a transcript of remarks made by U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Baltimore) at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday evening, as prepared for delivery.

Below is a transcript of remarks made by U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Kensington) at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday evening, as prepared for delivery.