Political Notes: Bateman launches re-election bid

Sheriff Ron Bateman announced Tuesday that he will run for a second term as Anne Arundel County's highest elected law enforcement officer.

Bateman chose the anniversary of his 29th year fighting crime as the day to announce his 2010 re-election campaign.

Elected as sheriff three years ago, Bateman has made a large dent in reducing the enormous backlog of unserved warrants that had plagued the sheriff's office. He has become well-known for his creative and often humorous sting operations to track down lawbreakers.

In January, a boxing-themed "Rope A Dope" sting hauled in 28 people wanted on drug charges....