Shore Health System Names Rosenberry Coordinator of New Services

Cordova, Patricia Rosenberry, RN, has been named coordinator of the Shore Health System Kidney Transplant Clinic and the Vascular Access Program, two new services scheduled to open at The Memorial Hospital at Easton in January, 2009.

The Kidney Transplant Clinic is an affiliate of the University of Maryland Medical Center transplant program. As coordinator, Rosenberry will oversee the process of evaluating and preparing individuals who are candidates for kidney transplant. By operating this clinic in Easton, Shore Health System will offer residents of the Eastern Shore world class care with University of Maryland School of Medicine transplant specialists while reducing travel to Baltimore prior to surgery.

Rosenberry is also working with the University of Maryland Medical System to develop a Vascular Access Program. This program will expedite surgical services that prepare individuals for long-term dialysis treatment.

A registered nurse, Rosenberry is a graduate of the Chesapeake College Macqueen Gibbs Willis School of Nursing and the Talbot County Vocational Technical School. Her 25-year nursing career began in 1983 as a staff nurse at Memorial Hospital. Her Shore Health System career includes patient care and office management positions for several Shore Clinical Foundation physician practices. She acquired additional expertise in the treatment of kidney disease as a dialysis nurse, clinical coordinator and patient educator for the DaVita® outpatient dialysis clinics located at Dorchester General Hospital in Cambridge and in Easton.

Rosenberry, who lives in Cordova, is enrolled in the bachelor of nursing program at Stevenson University (formerly Villa Julie College) in Baltimore County. She is a member of the American Nephrology Nurses Association and the Maryland Nurses Association.

“Trish has been a member of the Shore Health System nursing team for many years,” says Chris Mitchell, MSN, RN, director of emergency and outpatient services. “She brings a great knowledge base and background in renal disease, patient care and clinical practice management to this new position and to these valuable new programs.”

Governor O’Malley Announces Support for Local Park Improvements in Nine Counties

Baltimore County receives $271,504 to increase convenient access to the athletic fields and community gardens at Northwest Regional Park in Owings Mills. Calvert County gets $168,750 for renovations of the popular outdoor pool at Kings Landing Park in Huntingtown.

Carroll County receives $64,850 for improvements at Bennett Cerf Park in Westminster, including installation of a climbing wall, an new outdoor pavilion and picnic tables; and $90,000 for a new pavilion and expansion of the playground at Robert’s Mill Park in Taneytown. Port Deposit in Cecil County gets $119,773 for improvements to the playground area at Marina Park.

Charles County will receive $63,000 to install energy-efficient outdoor recreational lighting at Laurel Springs Park’s youth baseball field in La Plata. Dorchester County will receive $28,800 for repairs of the parking lot at J. Edward Walter Park in Cambridge.

Thurmont in Frederick County will receive $28,500 to help finance refurbishing one of the original trolley cars that served Thurmont and installing a covered bridge to serve as a pedestrian and bike path to complete the Thurmont Memorial Park trolley trail. Prince Georges County will receive $367,000 to begin a 1.6-mile extension of the 5.7-mile bike, pedestrian and equestrian trails in Henson Creek Stream Valley Park in Temple Hills.

Queen Anne’s County will receive $45,000 for improvements to the athletic fields at Old Love Point Park in Stevensville.

Since 2007, Governor O’Malley and the Board of Public Works have preserved over 9,987 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland. Since 1969, Program Open Space has protected more than 327,460 acres with funds from a percentage of the real estate transfer tax. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by Program Open Space.

The three-member Board of Public Works, chaired by Governor O’Malley, is comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The BPW is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

Comments Encouraged on Draft Oyster Environmental Impact Statement

Norfolk, VA – The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Virginia Marine Resources Commission today released a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement that evaluates oyster restoration alternatives for the Chesapeake Bay.

The study analyzes the direct and indirect ecological, economic, and cultural impacts of introducing a non-native species, the Suminoe oyster, continued efforts to restore the native Eastern oyster, and eight oyster restoration and management strategies.

“The document is the most comprehensive, multi-disciplinary oyster recovery study published to date,” said Norfolk District Commander Colonel Dionysios Anninos, and “involved the work of more than 90 scientists and several reviews by multiple independent panels.”

“The public release of the draft PEIS is a significant milestone for the five-year study,” Anninos added. “The PEIS will lay the foundation for all future oyster recovery actions in the Bay and we look forward to the public’s input on this important topic. The document does not name a preferred alternative; however, we’ve narrowed the alternatives to three basic combinations. Through extensive researched, we determined that no single alternative meets the established purpose and need of restoring the population.”

A preferred strategy will be identified in the final version of the PEIS, which the team expects to publish in late spring 2009, following the public comment period.

The Draft PEIS, prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Potomac River Fisheries Commission and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, includes an evaluation of the potential outcomes of a range of alternatives for restoring the native Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), as well as the outcomes of an introduction of a nonnative species, the Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis).

“This five-year effort built a sound scientific foundation on which to base a decision on whether to introduce a nonnative oyster species to the Chesapeake Bay,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant, Jr. “Many, many scientists worked very hard on this and I thank them for their labors. Their work has been peer reviewed and those peer reviews have been peer reviewed. Exceptional diligence has been exercised. Now is the time for the public to make their voices heard. Public hearings will be held over the next two months and we eagerly await the public’s input. We are at the crossroads of an important decision. Rest assured, it will not be made lightly.”

Maryland officials also recognized the findings of the study and the importance of public feedback during the public comment period, Oct. 17 through Dec. 15.

“Thanks to the work of 90 scientists, we now have a significantly greater understanding of the ecological, economic, and cultural impacts of several different oyster restoration strategies,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin. “Their work, along with public feedback, will help us decide the best way to re-establish a healthy, sustainable oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay — a goal that we must ultimately accomplish for the future of the bay, our children and grandchildren. We hope that Marylanders will share their ideas and concerns as we work to identify, and begin to implement, the best strategies to achieve our restoration goals.”

In order to facilitate public comment, the lead agencies have scheduled six public meetings, three in Virginia and three in Maryland. The schedule for those meeting is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations:

Maryland:

– Wednesday, Nov. 12, Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 HG Truman Road, Solomons, Md. 20688

– Thurs. November 13: Miller Senate Building, 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, Md. 21401

– Friday, Nov. 14, Minnette Dick Memorial Hall (St. Mary’s Catholic Church), 2000 Hambrooks Blvd., Cambridge, Md. 21613

Virginia:

– Wednesday, Nov. 5, Potomac River Fisheries Commission, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Va. 22443

Friday, Nov. 7, VMRC main office 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Va. 23607

Monday, Nov. 10, Nandua High School, 26350 Lankford Highway, Onley, Va. 23418

Comments may be submitted until Dec. 15, 2008 via verbal testimony at the public meetings, mail to Department of the Army, Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers, Attn: Mr. Mark Mansfield, Planning and Policy Branch, Fort Norfolk, 803 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1096.
or email to Mark.T.Mansfield@usace.army.mil. Comments should reference the Draft PEIS.

Form more information visit http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/OysterEIS/homepage.asp or the following libraries:

• Anne Arundel Community College – Andrew G. Truxal Library – Arnold, Md.
• Anne Arundel Co. Public Library – Annapolis, Md.
• Calvert Co. Public Library – Prince Frederick, Md.
• Central Rappahannock Regional Library – Fredericksburg, Va.
• Chesapeake College Library – Wye Mills, Md.
• Corbin Memorial Library – Crisfield, Md.
• Dorchester Co. Public Library – Cambridge and Hurlock, Md.
• Eastern Shore Public Library – Accomac, Va
• Enoch Pratt Free Library – Baltimore, Md.
• Fairfax Co. Public Library – Fairfax, Va.
• Federal Maritime Commission Library – Washington, D.C.
• Henrico Co. Public Library – Richmond, Va.
• Kent Co. Public Library – Chestertown, Md.
• Lewis Egerton Smoot Memorial Library – King George, Va.
• Loudoun Co. Public Library – Leesburg, Va.
• MD State Law Library – Annapolis, Md.
• Norfolk Public Library – Norfolk, Va.
• Northumberland Public Library – Heathsville, Va.
• Petersburg Public Library – Petersburg, Va.
• Queen Anne’s Co. Library – Stevensville and Centerville, Md.
• Richmond Public Library – Richmond, Va.
• Somerset Co. Library – Princess Anne and Ewell, Md.
• St. Mary’s Co. Memorial Library – Leonardtown, Md.
• State Dept. of Legislative Reference Library – Annapolis, Md.
• Sudlersville Memorial Library – Sudlersville, Md.
• Talbot Co. Free Library – St. Michaels, Easton and Tilghman (Elementary School), Md.
• Calvert Co. Library – Twin Beaches Branch – Chesapeake Beach, Md.
• Virginia Beach Public Library – Virginia Beach, Va.
• Wicomico Co. Free Library – Salisbury, Md.

Winterfest of Lights brightens holiday nights

Ocean City, Maryland celebrates the holiday season with Winterfest of Lights from November 20 through January 1. The fun starts at Northside Park, 127th St. and the bay, where you can take a ride on the Winterfest Express as it makes its way along a mile-long path filled with delightful illuminated displays. This year be sure to see the Wizard of Oz spectacular. Winterfest train rides are a deal at $4 for those 12 years of age and older, and with children 11 years and younger riding for free.

While at Northside Park visit the Winterfest Village for a cup of hot chocolate, browse the new Yukon Cornelius Gift Shop for that special gift and have your photo taken with Santa. The Winterfest Village is located inside a huge heated tent decorated for the holidays.

Next, head to the southern end of town and take a drive through the Tunnel of Lights at the Inlet Lot where you will find the beach filled with magical lights boasting a nautical theme. Be sure to see the beautiful horse and carriage display. Then drive along the Avenue of Trees on Baltimore Ave. from 15th to 32nd streets.

Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights shines nightly Sunday through Thursday 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.  A special tree lighting ceremony will be held to kick off Winterfest on Thursday, November 20 at Northside Park.  For more information, call the Ocean City Special Events Office at 410-250-0125 or visit the Ocean City web site at http://www.ococean.com.

Governor O’Malley Congratulates Maryland Fishing Challenge Finale Winners & Contestants

Sept. 13 was good luck to some anglers, as Governor Martin O’Malley presented them with prizes valued at more than $50,000   at the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge finale.  More than 1,100 enthusiastic anglers and their families attended the contest’s fourth annual closing event held on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay at Sandy Point State Park.

“Maryland anglers make a tremendous contribution to our state’s economy and play a significant role in the stewardship of our waterways and our aquatic life,” said Governor O’Malley. “The increased participation by children in this year’s contest brings hope not only to the future of this beloved pastime, but to the future of our natural resources.”

New life was brought to this year’s contest, as participation increased from last year’s 224 qualifying entrants to 1,345 anglers from 24 U.S. states, Canada, and Brazil this year.  New this year, a youth challenge qualified children, who participated in five community fishing derbies held across the state, to win unique guided fishing trips.

Walking away with the two grand prizes selected by random drawing were Fred Menage of Edgewater, Md. and Edir Sauerbronn Dos Santos of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Menage’s catch of a 40.25-inch striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay just below the Thomas Point Lighthouse won him a 2008 Toyota TUNDRA from Central Maryland Toyota. Menage, aged 69, weighed his fish in at 24 lbs. at Marty’s Tackle in Mayo. Md.

“It was beautiful and delicious,” said Menage, describing his catch. “I’ve been fishing my whole life and this one turned out to be my lucky fish. It’s unbelievable and so very exciting that I won this Toyota truck.  It will be the first truck I’ve ever owned.”

Dos Santos’ first catch ever in the Chesapeake Bay, a 42-inch striped bass caught aboard the Beach Comber out of Chesapeake Beach, Md. landed him a TRACKER boat, trailer and motor package from Bass Pro Shops.  Dos Santos was represented by his son-in-law Eric Hoffman of Dundalk, Md. today, who was also aboard for the lucky catch.

“Fishing is a great family activity that enables us all to get out on the water for some good, safe fun,” said Hoffman.  “Each of us caught great sized fish that day during our families’ fishing trip aboard a local charterboat.  We are looking forward to going out more on this gorgeous new boat.”

Additional finalists, Hunter Betz, an 11-year old angler from York, Pa., Mike Currie of Leonardtown, Md. and James Harrison of Annapolis, Md. won Bill’s Outdoor Center prize packages worth $1,500 each, and a $2,500 Boater’s World gift card, respectively. A TAG Heuer Formula 1 watch valued at more than $800 was also awarded by Smyth Jewelers to Nathaniel Rowe of Hagerstown, Md.

Lucky young anglers from across the state were awarded guided fishing trips:

ü Neil Villaneuve of Rosedale, Md.

ü Jessica Sheets of Jessup, Md.

ü Christian Connally of Bowie, Md.

ü Jacob Toomey of Pittsville, Md.

ü Layne Dittmar of Baltimore, Md.

ü Lacie Thomas of Baltimore, Md.

ü Nyja Morris of Clinton, Md.

ü Paul Anderson of Bowie, Md.

ü Morgan Rose of Salisbury, Md.

ü Nicole Bertazon of Halethorpe, Md.

ü Donald Jones, Jr. of Baltimore, Md.

The guided youth fishing trips were donated by:

ü Val Lynch of the Ocean City Marlin Club (for four kids and four mentors)

ü Maryland Charter Boat Association, Inc. (for three kids and three mentors)

ü Bill’s Outdoor Center on Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland (for 2 kids and 2 mentors)

ü Ed Liccionne and David Sutherland of the Maryland Legislative Sportsman’s Foundation

ü Avid fly fisherman and co-author of the Guide to Maryland Trout Fishing Larry Coburn of Laurel, Md.

ü ESPN featured guide, Captain “Walleye” Pete Dahlberg of St. L,eonard, Md.

ü Steve Linhard of Annapolis, Md.

ü Ed Keller’s of Hagerstown, Md.’s Potomac Guide Service

ü Andy Andrewjeski off Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland

“We hope our annual fishing challenge gave first time and experienced anglers an incentive to take advantage of Maryland’s great fishing opportunities, and particularly to share their passion for the sport with the next generation,” said DNR Deputy Secretary Eric Schwaab.

Organized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge ran from Saturday, April 12 through Labor Day, September 1. While the contest offered a potential cash prize of up to $25,000 from Boater’s World and a $5,000 diamond from Smyth Jewelers for the capture the Diamond Jim, the bay’s most famous fish eluded anglers again this year.  All prizes for the Challenge were donated.

More than 60 species of fish were citation-eligible, including large and smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, musky and pan fish in the freshwaters of Maryland; rockfish (striped bass), bluefish, drum, sea trout and perch in the Chesapeake Bay; and tuna, marlin, flounder, kingfish and sea bass on the ocean-side.

“We are also very luck to have our Governor, Martin O’Malley, who from day one, rolled up his sleeves and went to work for Maryland’s fishermen and our environment, particularly the Chesapeake Bay,” added Schwaab.  “It is thanks to his commitment to our children and our environment that we are rebuilding our beleaguered Chesapeake Bay blue crab population, charting a new, sustainable course for fisheries management, and strategically targeting our conservation dollars to get the maximum attainable results for taxpayers.”

Governor O’Malley continues to make conserving and restoring our natural resources a priority though a more balanced budget that includes an additional $25 million in funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts; fully funding Program Open Space; an additional $750,000 to improve fisheries management and restore habitat; an enhancement of more than $4 million to ensure sustainable management and quality outdoor recreational opportunities in our state parks; and $3 million for new Chesapeake Bay oyster and habitat restoration projects.

Black Bear Spotted On Eastern Shore

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is monitoring the movements of a young black bear wandering through Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties.  The bear probably traveled into the area from Pennsylvania, most likely seeking out habitat of its own.  The bear will continue  until it finds a suitable habitat that is also occupied by bears.  The closest suitable habitat occurs in Pennsylvania and western Maryland.

Sightings of the bear were first reported on Sunday evening in the Fairlee area of Kent County.  It was seen again on Tuesday evening on the outskirts of Centreville in Queen Anne’s County.  Today it was spotted in the Goldsboro Neck area of Talbot County.

“Black bears are wild animals that move across the landscape where and when they choose, often crossing man-made structures like roads, fences and parking lots, where they become visible to people,” said Paul Peditto, Director of DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service.  “While this is the first confirmed sighting of a black bear on the Eastern Shore, we see dispersing bears in Montgomery, Baltimore, and Harford counties almost every year.”

DNR’s established protocol and response plan to address human/bear encounters are based on decades of black bear research in Maryland.

“Experience has taught us that the safest response for the bear and Maryland’s citizens is to let the bear wander through on its way to a more acceptable habitat,” added Peditto.  “It is not uncommon for a dispersing bear to roam more than 30 miles in a day.”

DNR will continue to monitor the movements of the bear, which at this time poses no known threat to public safety.  Black bears are not aggressive animals by nature, but can be dangerous if they become dependent upon human food sources or are startled.  If you happen to see the bear, do not approach it.  Always allow an escape route for the bear, and make loud noises so that the bear does not become comfortable around people. DNR also encourages residents to secure trash, birdfeeders, and pet food so that the bear does not become dependent on human foods.

Mid-shore residents may report current sightings of the bear by calling the Maryland Natural Resources Police 24-hour, toll-free at 1-800-628-9944.

Baltimore City Circuit Judge Nixes Ban on Unicorn Rubble-Fill

By Steve Lash

A Maryland law aimed at preventing the construction and operation of a rubble landfill near a Queen Anne’s County lake has been struck down as unconstitutionally targeting and burdening a single company.

Baltimore City Circuit Judge Martin P. Welch ruled that the 2007 law, barring the state environmental agency from approving a rubble landfill within four miles of Unicorn Lake, violates the Maryland Constitution’s prohibition on “special” laws, those aimed at a specific person or company to prevent the individual or entity from taking otherwise lawful action.

The target of the controversial law, referred to in court papers as Chapter 161, was Days Cove Reclamation Company Inc., which at the time of the statute’s enactment was nearing state approval to build and operate a landfill within 1,000 feet of the lake, Welch said.

The landfill, first proposed in 1993, has drawn opposition from nearby residents and the Queen Anne’s County Board of Commissioners, which originally supported the planned facility. Chapter 161 does not mention Days Cove by name, but Welch stated in his decision that the waste-management company was clearly the sole target of the legislation.

Days Cove was the only company the board had approved to operate a landfill near the lake, Welch wrote. In addition, Sen. E.J. Pipkin, R-Queen Anne’s County, wrote during General Assembly consideration of the measure that the legislation, which he sponsored, was an effort to “stop this landfill,” Welch stated.

“The plaintiff is a member of a class of one,” Welch wrote. “Although Chapter 161 does not explicitly or specifically identify plaintiff [Days Cove], it does implicitly identify plaintiff. This distinction does not weaken the argument for the finding of a special law.”

Welch added that other statutes calling for state approval before landfills can be built provide opponents with adequate opportunity to object without unconstitutionally singling out a single entity.

No special favors

James J. Doyle III, Days Cove’s attorney, hailed Welch’s decision not only as a victory for his client but as sending a message to legislators that “there are limits” to their efforts to block specific companies from engaging in otherwise lawful endeavors.

“It is significant in that it does say that there is life to the special-law provision in the Constitution,” said Doyle, of counsel at Rich & Henderson P.C. in Annapolis. “You don’t really see many challenges or things overturned on that basis.”

Doyle, who could have litigated the case in Queen Anne’s County, said he opted for Baltimore City Circuit Court because the named defendant in the case, the Maryland Department of the Environment, is based there.

Though MDE was the named defendant, the case was argued by Assistant Attorney General Daniel A. Friedman, counsel to the General Assembly. He argued unsuccessfully that Chapter 161 was constitutional.

The Special Law prohibition tells the General Assembly, “Don’t give anybody special favors,” Friedman said. “Don’t single me out to be treated good or bad.”

Chapter 161 should have passed constitutional muster because it did not single out Days Cove but barred any company from building and operating a landfill near Unicorn Lake, Friedman said.

The attorney general’s office has not yet decided whether it will appeal, Friedman said.

Fifteen years

Welch’s ruling marked the latest event in a 15-year effort by Days Cove to construct the landfill near Unicorn Lake.

The 43-acre lake was created nearly 150 years ago when a dam was constructed for a woolen mill. The lake was purchased by the state for $1 in 1961; it is used as a largemouth bass and bluegill fishery and contains a wide variety of other fish.

In 1994, Days Cove’s landfill proposal had the approval of the Queen Anne’s County Board of Commissioners, which amended the county’s solid-waste management plan to permit the facility near the lake.

The board, however, altered course in 1996 after Days Cove applied for a state permit with the MDE. The commissioners attempted to amend the solid-waste management plan to block the landfill, an effort the Court of Special Appeals struck down as pre-empted by state law.

The county also turned to the General Assembly.

In 2006, the legislature passed a three-year moratorium preventing MDE from issuing landfill permits for projects within four miles of the lake. A year later, it made the prohibition permanent by enacting Chapter 161.

Prior to the 2006 law, Days Cove had sought and received MDE approval of the first two phases of the agency’s three-phase approval process before landfill construction could begin.

Welch’s ruling, barring appeal, clears the way for the company to seek approval of the third and final phase, Doyle said.

“There’s no indication that MDE will not do a proper job in processing this permit,” he added.

Originally published by Steve Lash.

(c) 2008 The Daily Record (Baltimore). Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

2.5 months out, Kratovil races to catch up to GOP

2.5 months out, Kratovil races to catch up to GOP

By Greg Latshaw
Staff Writer-DelMarva Now

SALISBURY — Deemed a long shot by political analysts, Democrat Frank Kratovil faces an uphill battle for Maryland’s 1st District that he says is less steep as the election approaches.

Kratovil claimed endorsements from the Democratic National Congressional Committee on June 18, the democratic Blue Dog Coalition on Aug. 7 and, most recently, the League of Conservation Voters on Thursday.

The Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney will square off Nov. 4 with Republican nominee Andy Harris, a state senator in Baltimore and Harford counties who because of a heated primary battle has raised more, spent more and campaigned more.

Kratovil portrays himself as moderate and Harris, a practicing anesthesiologist, calls himself a true conservative. The race is heating up, as both candidates launched TV advertisements in the Salisbury market in the past week-and-a-half. Both vow the Baltimore area is next.

Harris reported overall receipts of $2 million compared to $811,000 for Kratovil in the most recent campaign filing with the Federal Election Commission through June 30. But Harris reported having $609,000 of cash on hand compared to Kratovil’s $454,000, a difference inflated some by a loan of $100,000 that Harris made to his campaign.

The next filing results will be released Oct. 15.

“We know Kratovil will start making up some ground, but we don’t know if it’s enough,” said Creston Long, co-director of Salisbury University’s Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement.

Long said the fundraising gap is not insurmountable. He pointed to former backers of U.S. representative Wayne Gilchrest, a nine-term incumbent who Harris defeated Feb. 12 in the primary, as potentially crossing party lines to vote for Kratovil. One former Gilchrest aide, Karen Willis, has joined a group called Republicans for Kratovil.

“That’s a wildcard,” Long said. “What will the Gilchrest supporters do?”

Another added wrinkle to the campaigns is the presidential election between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barrack Obama. The 1st District, which includes the entire Eastern Shore and parts of Baltimore city and county, Anne Arundel and Harford counties, voted heavily for President Bush in the 2004 election.

“If there are new voters coming out to vote for Obama, will they also vote for Kratovil?” said Harry Basehart, cofounder of PACE at SU and professor emeritus of political science.

Harris’ TV spot came first, on Aug. 6, and featured his energy plan. Harris said that while Congress has done little to lower gas prices, he favors domestic fuel alternative energy like wind, solar and biofuel, and more conservation.

The advertisement does not touch upon Harris’ support of nuclear power, increasing oil refinery production and drilling offshore for oil.

Kratovil launched a TV ad Friday that introduces his background as a prosecutor and also focuses on cracking down on illegal immigration and cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay.

“A lot of voters still don’t know Frank and who he is,” said his campaign manager, Tim McCann.

Additionally, more national backing from democratic groups will likely boost Kratovil’s fundraising totals.

The Blue Dog Coalition is a 49-member group of House Democrats that emphasize fiscal conservatism. The group can donate a maximum $5,000 donation from the group’s PAC and encourage its members to donate to the Democratic candidate.

Kratovil said after the endorsement reducing wasteful spending and developing a practical energy plan are higher on his list of concerns than voting among party lines.

“I admire their willingness to set partisanship aside and work across party lines to tackle tough budget issues,” he said. “That’s the kind of Congressman I plan to be for the 1st District.”

Carrie James, a spokeswoman for the DCCC, said the red-to-blue program will select competitive races across the country and offer support through finances, strategy and communication.

“We added Frank Kratovil to the Red to Blue program because he has assembled a strong campaign with impressive grassroots and finance operations, and he has demonstrated that he represents a new direction for Maryland,” James said.

Chris Meekins, Harris’ campaign manager, said his candidate has a proven record in the senate that favors smart spending and fights earmarks.

Harris has already received endorsements from former Gov. Robert Ehrlich and Republican state delegates and local officials.

“Campaigning has been nonstop,” Meekins said. “We’re staying on pace.”

The most recent poll by Harris’ campaign indicates that he has a 16-point lead over Kratovil, with about 44 percent of voters favoring him and 28 percent going to Kratovil.

Additionally, the poll by Harris’ campaign found that about one-fourth of voters had not heard of Kratovil.

Kratovil, who on Thursday visited a biodiesel plant in Berlin, said his campaign efforts are hampered some by his job as a state’s attorney.

Assigning cases to a staff of seven assistant state’s attorneys, Kratovil says he has a backlog of cases involving illegal immigrants charged with crimes.

“We shouldn’t have to be dealing with this if we did our job in enforcing immigration,” Kratovil said.

Basehart said while Kratovil is a threat to claim the seat long held by the republicans, the 1st District favors Harris.

“Betting money is probably on Harris to win,” he said.

MD Firefighters Return

Forty Maryland firefighters returned from a three-week wildfire assignment in California, Thursday, Aug. 2. Fourteen of them were Maryland Department of Natural Resources personnel. They live or work in the following counties: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico.