The environment is Republican Andy Harris' biggest hurdle on his path to Congress from the 1st District, though the issue has been largely absent from voters' minds in times of heightened focus on the economy and foreign affairs.

Yet this vulnerability made it all the more surprising when his campaign rejected the NIMBY argument and embraced the policy of off-shore drilling last month.

Now, a story is kicking around that GOP presidential candidate John McCain cancelled a photo-op on an oil rig not because of the stated reason of weather, but because of a spill.

If the story gets legs, it could rocket the issue in the 1st's shore-based economy.

Ask and you shall receive.

Yesterday, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee dropped another $18 million on 20 House races.

While this push mostly included those who had been passed over for the $35 million ad-buy, yet again, First district Democrat Frank Kratovil – the would-be delegation-mate of the powerful DCCC Chair Chris Van Hollen and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer – was not selected.

David Ransom, senior community and policy advisor in Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's office, is leaving for greener pastures, Legal Times reports. After nine years with Hoyer -- most of them as his lead spokesperson, beginning in the House Administration Committee -- he's putting the old law degree to use by joining the firm of McDermott Will & Emery next month.

Despite his large reserve (for a freshman) in cash on hand, the campaign committee of John Sarbanes made few transfers to Democratic lawmakers around the country.

What if Bob Ehrlich won re-election in 2006?

For one thing, today he would likely be a serious contender for John McCain's vice presidential nomination.

Polling expenses from Andy Harris' Q2 disbursement report. Click to enlarge.

In the last 50 years, which state has most closely mirrored Maryland in which party controls the governor's office?

After giving him the rough treatment on his day within the presidential bubble, Jennifer Skalka looks at the upside of Michael Steele -- though it's still not too flattering.

Robin DeibertSixth district Democrat Robin Deibert, who ran unsuccessfully in the Feb. 12 primary, is eating the $10,000 loan she made to her campaign.

Well, most of it anyway.

Deibert filed papers with the Federal Elections Commission to terminate her campaign account at the end of the second financial quarter.

While she had $10,000 in debt from a personal loan, she still had about $3,800 in her campaign account. Closing the account means the cash on hand goes toward repaying her loan, so she finishes up losing only $6,200 on her failed bid.

With 10% of the vote, Deibert placed a distant third to former Frederick Mayor Jennifer Dougherty, who won with 44%, and 2006 Democratic nominee Andrew Duck's 37%.