I know about the governor's race. But had not realized Peter Franchot was part of the Democratic party.

And, I'd like to know what he was promised for not running against the Lt Gov.

The Lt. Gov. is more than likely not running for Governor. Aside from Franchot, Doug Gansler and Ken Ulman were the only serious contenders that were already actively fundraising for the upcoming Governor's race. Anthony Brown may be posturing for a run but in the end that run will be for Attorney General not Governor.

Md always needs fiscal conservatives with a value system that includes social justice and fairness. Franchot did not advance the office. Glad to see him gone.

There's no such thing as fiscally conservative social justice or fairness. In their essence "social justice" and "fairness" are buzzwords for spending.

You're right Matt ... they're called Republicans.

Maryellen ... Franchot is not gone, and will not be gone as State Comptroller which he will still be running for reelection in 2014.

It'd be an indication on how terrible the collective stance of the Republican party is today, if "OBummer" would win a third term - more then anything else.

@Joe

Reports are that Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein and Muammar Qaddafi are living in West Palm Beach and jamming with Elvis, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison.

Jesus, Joe. I've never seen more stupid forced into one sentence EVER. You seem to have gone right over the deep end, haven't you?

"US sending 20 more F-16s to Egypt, despite turmoil in Cairo"

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/12/10/us-sending-20-more-f-16s-to-egypt-despite-turmoil-in-cairo/?intcmp=obinsite#ixzz2Eldk66O6

Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization.
http://www.adl.org/terrorism/symbols/muslim_brotherhood_1.asp

FBI Chief: Muslim Brotherhood Supports Terrorism
http://www.investigativeproject.org/2581/fbi-chief-muslim-brotherhood-supports-terrorism

Yeah, Joe. You're so right, Egypt and Libya and Obama and everyone around you are all terrorists.

What a delusional idiot.

Joe, you are straying from the topic at hand by about one hemisphere. How Obama deals with the middle east has next to no bearing on Maryland politics. Please stay on topic.

Michael, if Joe had every irrelevant post deleted on here, 80% of his responses would be deleted.

JCG, you are one of those proponents of conspiracies at every turn of events! I suppose you just love to see your own ideas in print, even if they are "extreme"!

You never know how thing will turn out, who will run or not. A person might run for office that appeals to the masses and will be a Democrat. Politics are like gambling or stock market. I got this email for a stock ticket MCLN .0002 per share now I can buy the stock because I see ObamaCare medical waste will soar. It might make a jump like getting close enough interest to get through the primaries looks good gets a bump,But it not a guarantee a winner. Right place, right timing and presentation is the winner, oh money helps. Some people may not worry right now for State Comptroller Peter Franchot until after 12-21-12........ LOL

@Steve:
Not sure what your comment has to do with Franchot not running?

He can wait and pick and choose what office he wants to run for. With no Republican competition he won't have to spend much money no matter what the office is.

ROTFLMAO It's all part of the United Nation's nefarious Agenda 21 plot to take over Carroll County.

Yes... the five Commissioner Board of Carroll would qualify as a legitimate circle jerk...

Michael Theis againis more opposed to posts he does no like than those that are off topic. He has proven it by not telling Steve his post is off topic.

Who?

Oh, you mean the tea-bagger, oops, I mean tea-party poster child. LOL

I agree that Andy Harris needs a credible challenge! He is just too "extreme" for my taste!

I'd vote for Donald Duck, if he ran against Andy Harris.

Yeah I guess one prominent conservative in the state is one too many for you right? Gotta purge every last one.

Yeah, once they get to know more about Ulman's love for taxing anything and everything just like the democrat's poster boy, Governor Owe'Malley, I am sure they will come clamoring to get him elected.

Once they get to know how much he loves banning evil things like sugary drinks from all county owned property including parks and recreation facilities those soccer moms wanting a nice cold Gatorade while watching their kids soccer games this summer will just love him.

And let's not forget Ken Ulman practically invented the Howard County Public School system and of course deserves all the credit for how successful it is now, and was long before he was even on the County Council much less County Executive.

Care for some Kool-Aid John? .... Oops ... sorry Ken banned that too.

tend to agree..

Vote Green. Vote Libertarian. Write-in candidates.

Like he said, the MPP.

Wow. What arrogance. Instead of actually considering what a third party candidate has to say, you immediately blow them off because they don't fall in line with your team. The problem is that your teams keep putting candidates on the ballot that are reliably violating not only their own party's principles but at time the Constitution itself. So maybe next time there's an election, instead of falling for the old line that "this is the most important election ever, guys. Sure our guy isn't that great but you don't want that OTHER guy in office do you?" try listening to what some 3rd party candidates out there and if you agree with what they have to say, grow some principles and cast your vote for them.

Well said VoR..

@Rob

I think you nailed it !!!!

@Amy:

You are correct, the position of Comptroller in Maryland historically has always been a very powerful position. It may prove beneficial for Franchot to stay right where he is.

Frank, credible polls over the past decade have shown a substantial philosophical shift to the far left by a majority of registered democrats in Maryland. It is also a well known fact that Democrats hold a nearly 3/1 advantage over Republicans for registered voters in the five central, most populated, counties in the state. With those overwhelming numbers of opposition it is plain to see that Republicans have been in the wilderness for quite some time here in Maryland. Nothing short of moving the Nation's Capital to San Francisco is going to change that because Maryland will continue to be a government employee mecca run by progressives who want bigger and bigger government to intrude upon our lives. So why don't you stop redundantly stating the obvious ad nauseam and come up with some relevant and insightful comments.

Ummm No Frank, that was for you sir.

See, posters are so afraid of Frank's verbal assaults they call him "sir". Ridicule is the pigs most potent weapon. There is no defense. It’s irrational. It’s infuriating. It also works as a key pressure point to force the target into concessions. But don't forget Frankie a tactic that drags on too long becomes a drag.

And Frankie also picks a target freezes it and personalizes and polarizes it and isolates from sympathy or support.

Frank the majority of this state is to the left. You probably see it as "mainstream" because of your perspective. You probably also view MSNBC as mainstream as well as the New York Times, Washington Post, CBS, NBC, ABC, PBS. This state is a one party monopoly of liberal democrats and has been for so long that people just assume that it will always be that way and sadly it probably will be.

Joe, you are an otherwise reasonable man. Didn't your momma teach you that religion and politics not topics for polite conversation?

Wow! I thought this story was about politics. So sorry 1ke. Momma also taught me about people like you.

They elected Jack Johnson AND his wife! These same kinds of voters re-elected Marion CrackHead Barry how many times?
The Democrats wanted to appoint in Alstons place a amn involved in a street shootout that killed a 14 year old by stander and he is an admitted drug dealer.

the same kinds of voters re-elected a man who had been for 5 months confined to a mental ward and a man named Reynolds is running for his seat. Reynolds is a convicted thief and child molester. He will surely get votes.
Many want Alston reseated too. Wake up dude and see the light.

Stop with the mother talk asswhole.

Repeat for the mentally challenged: "These same kinds of voters" re-elected Marion CrackHead Barry...

Reading is fundamental for the mental retarded Frank. Ever learn what a "subsidy" is?

Joe, your account has been suspended for the following violations of the Patch Terms of Use:

Posting comments which contain masked profanity.
Posting comments that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, profane or offensive.

Anyone wishing to brush up on the Patch Terms of Use can do so by following this link: http://www.patch.com/terms

Frank, have you EVER posted anything that is NOT a smart ass reply to someone else? Have you EVER posted anything of substance? A Patch vulture stalking others is your life.

Frank, he did not state that Maryland voters did, he said Democrats and then later said, "the same kinds of voters" but he never said Maryland voters. Yes Joe gets a little off topic but so do you, Jag, and Steve so stop calling the kettle black Mr. Pot.

Steve jag Frank can slur others at will and they are golden to you? I never post anything slurring anyone unless it is in defense of the same. Frank, jag etc ONLY reply to others with ignorant petty comments and never seem to post anything else. Just playground idiocy. I guess you love that.

I am outraged at your continued insistence that I make sense, spell correctly, do some kind of research, read real texts and actually evince a belief in some version of the social contract. How dare you, sir?

Lil Joe, I feel your pain.

Lets break out the violins and sing a song of sorrow for your feelings of being abused.

Frank, Most every one of your posts is a post that includes a comment of a personal nature of the type that is meant to slur the poster. Do you never make a comment that is NOT a "reply"? Do you ever make a comment that others can treat as you treat theirs?

Why don't you post a deeply held opinion or something you stand on or for so others can comment? I couldn't find those types of comments in your history or FIFA, or Steve. Why? It's all spelling and word usage and snide and demeaning.

Take a stand on your own for once. Be something but re-active.

Another lurking in the bushes? Only posts to insult others? Rarely post an original post but ON:Y replies to others in your snide little ways.

Most every one of your posts is a post that includes a comment of a personal nature of the type that is meant to slur the poster. Do you never make a comment that is NOT a "reply"? Do you ever make a comment that others can treat as you treat theirs?

Why don't you post a deeply held opinion so others can comment? I couldn't find those types of comments in your history FIFA, or Frank OR Steve. Why?

Joey Sanchez, go read my history. You as Joey or Joe or Sanchez are what you say I am.

FIFA says "Nanananana, you are what you say I am, nananana."

Don't be smug. Log in and you're involved.