James Pelura

The Maryland Republican Party is accusing Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-Baltimore) of meddling with state boards to further his political agenda.

"Martin O'Malley's constant meddling and disregard for local courtesy is disturbing, to say the least," said MDGOP chair James Pelura in a statement. "Where are the special investigations and personnel probes from the General Assembly now?" 

Pelura pointed to the University of Maryland Medical System Board as evidence. He claims O'Malley attempted to force out the chair to create vacancies and appoint political allies.

The Maryland Republican Party says that Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D-Baltimore) 2006 campaign platform on mass transit is "just another O'Malley broken promise."

The call came just a day after The Sun reported the Maryland Transit Administration dropped plans to add weekend service to two of it's train lines.

"Since he took office, Martin O'Malley has used the Maryland Department of Transportation for flashy environmental promises instead of providing core service to Maryland travelers," said MDGOP Chair James Pelura in a statement. "The state's MARC train service is breaking down, buses are being recalled, and Maryland drivers are still mired in horrific traffic jams on the state's highways."

The Maryland Republican Party is denouncing statements made last week by Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-Baltimore) after O'Malley appeared at the Democratic National Committee headquarters for the launch of the "Exxon-McCain 08 Presidential campaign."

"He's voted time and again against raising fuel efficiency standards," said O'Malley at the DNC HQ in Washington, D.C. "He's voted against renewable fuels and green jobs. He's made an Exxon lobbyist his Senate Chief of Staff, and he has 33 oil industry lobbyists as campaign advisors and fundraises. I guess Big Oil has gotten quite a return on their $2 million investment in John McCain."

The MDGOP shot back by calling O'Malley's energy policies into question.

"I have a hard time understanding where O'Malley gets the nerve to attack John McCain on energy policy," said MDGOP Chair Jim Pelura in a statement.

The Maryland Republican Party held their Victory Fund fundraiser on Sunday at MDGOP Chair James Pelura’s Davidsonville home.

The event was priced at $100 per ticket and $250 VIP.

According to MDGOP Executive Director Justin Ready, about 200 people were in attendance at the event, including Everett Alvarez Jr.

Alvarez is the honorary chair of the Maryland delegation to the Republican National Convention. He also served with John McCain in Vietnam.

The Maryland Republican Party is asking state Sen. Ulysses Currie (D-Prince George’s County) to step down from his position as chair of the state’s Budget and Taxation Committee.

According to the Associated Press, an affidavit from an FBI special agent made public on Tuesday accused Currie had used his office to benefit companies in which he was doing consultation business with.

"During the time period that Currie received payments from SFW and SuperValu, Currie voted on a number of bills that impacted, or would have impacted, the grocery industry and therefore, SFW and its parent company SuperValu," wrote FBI special agent Steven Quisenberry in an affidavit.

He continued: “Based on the facts set forth in this affidavit, it is my belief that Currie used his official position and influence in connection with such legislation and in certain business transactions involving the State of Maryland, in ways that benefited or would have benefited SFW and SuperValu.”

The MDGOP responded, charging that Currie had violated state ethics laws but also praised state Sen. Mike Miller (D).

BALTIMORE – John McCain made a quick pit stop in Maryland on Tuesday.

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee was joined by former Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R-Baltimore) for a fundraiser at the Center Club in Baltimore. A photo reception with McCain was priced at $2,300 per person, and the general reception required a donation of $1,000 per person.

During the reception, Ehrlich announced that the event brought in approximately $1 million to the McCain campaign. However, McCain will only be able to use these funds up until the Republican National Convention, according to Politico.

In an interview with PolitickerMD.com, Chris Cavey, the chair of Maryland for McCain, called the fundraiser “just a good event the whole way around.”

Andy Harris: Campaign PhotoWhile pushing the congressional candidacy of Andy Harris, the state GOP criticized the Democratic controlled congress today, pointing to a Rasmussen poll that shows congressional approval ratings at a 9 percent all time low.

“Voters clearly are not happy with the liberal Democrats who control Congress,” said state GOP Chairman James Pelura in a statement. “A vote for Kratovil is a vote to send yet another liberal Democrat to Washington.”

The Talbot and Dorcester Republican Central Committees celebrated the grand opening of their new headquarters on Tuesday.

Both events were attended by state party Chairman James Pelura, state party Communications Director Justin Ready, former Gov. Bob Ehrlich and state Sen. Andy Harris among other party leaders. Harris and Ehrlich were on a day long tour of the 1st Congressional District, campaigning and raising money for Harris’ race against state's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville).

State Republican Chairman James Pelura has been e-mailing the party faithful over the last few days, trying to drum up some GOP turnout in today's solidly-Democratic Fourth district special election.

Today's missive noted, "Turnout is extremely low today and your vote could make the difference! Every vote counts."

It's never going to happen, but if Peter James won this thing... well, it's never going to happen.

Still, politics would be nothing without some good two-party competition from time to time. It's nice to see even the smallest efforts. 

Justin Ready with then presidential candidate Mike Huckabee in Baltimore last SeptemberJustin Ready, Chief of Staff to state Sen. Janet Greenip, was hired as the new Executive Director of the Maryland Republican Party, Chairman Jim Pelura announced this morning in a statement.

He will take begin his new position on May 1, 2008.

Check back with PolitickerMD.com for more on this story later today.