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O'Malley, Ehrlich trade barbs in first debate

Economy, education take center stage in televised confrontation

By LIAM FARRELL, Staff Writer

Capital Gazette Communications

Published 10/12/10

BALTIMORE - After months of dueling TV advertisements and press conferences, Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley and his Republican rival, former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., have finally begun trading political blows face to face.

Rob Carr — Associated Press Former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., left, faces off against Gov. Martin O'Malley during Monday's debate in Baltimore.

• Eric Hartley: The debate?
I'd give it about a .10 >>

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The tense past was certainly prologue to yesterday's hour-long debate, which aired last night on WJZ TV-13. The debate was almost scratched at the last minute, with Ehrlich's camp threatening to walk away because prominent Democratic elected officials were in the audience.

Both candidates tried to solidify their messages. Ehrlich said the state's economy is hampered by a government...

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@Vic - 2010-10-14 09:19:59

I totally agree with that in normal circumstances.

Unfortunately no matter how it's approached in politics the past is always repeated. I would rather that the candidates go on record and make commitments to the future so who ever ends up in office we can hold them accountable to their words.

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George Herlth III - Linthicum, MD - Karma: Good

Public office - 2010-10-13 20:03:47

I can't figure out why Ehrlich would comtemplate walking out either. He had the guests list for a week. Ehrlich also refused to speak to reporters and left out the backdoor. Hey Ehrlich it's a public office your running for or from.

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Anthony Forrest - crownsville, MD - Karma: Excellent

Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2010-10-13 16:03:35

Staff message: Comments are limited to 2,000 characters. Consecutive posts made to circumvent this limitation will be deleted. Why is this comment hidden?

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Gov. OMalley---NO - 2010-10-13 16:00:39

NOVEMBER 2ND! A black day for Incumbents. Tread down the Liberal Extremist agenda?

SHOW THESE LAWMAKERS WHO ARE IN CHARGE. THEY SEEM TO HAVE FORGOT THEY ARE PUBLIC SERVANTS?

THEdominant issue you need to think about before you go to the polls is illegal immigration. Senator Harry Reid, Barbara Boxer, Gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown in California and the majority of Lib-Democrats are all ready to pass some form of Amnesty. Illegal Immigration means simply billions and billions of dollars, taken by the IRS to support foreigners. The business who hire them pay zero towards their health care, education for their children and cramming the prison system. Amnesty or a path to citizenship is indeed a very costly proposition and our elected officials don't seem to care. In the Liberal-Democratic ego it just means more votes, never mind that the Heritage Foundation estimates the costs at $2.6 Trillion dollars. THAT'S OVER TWO AND HALF TRILLION ADDED TO THE THIRTEEN TRILLION WE ALREADY TRYING TO DEAL WITH? Organizations such as Judicial Watch, FAIR and NumbersUSA are disturbed that this will be the first issue before the new session of the Senate, enactment of some form of Amnesty.

Nearly every state has Sanctuary Cities which are like refuges for illegal nationals and politicians such as Harry Reid, Barbara Boxer, Russ Feingold, Gove. Martin O'Malley and followers Nancy Pelosi, Janet Napolitano have voted to fund these communities. Investigate for your own piece of mind by using keywords in Google's Search Engine. Just remember to type this word--illegal alien and costs. If the repugnant amounts of cash appropriated by our lying governments don't affect your vote--nothing will? The Democrats ads keep slamming their adversaries about taxes, jobs and other chronic issues. Eight Million jobs are already available, but in the hands of foreign nationals instead of citizens and legal residents. Coming fast to Obamas plans is a overhaul of our deteriorating infrast

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Dave Francis - Indianapolis, IN - Karma: Neutral

George Herlth III - Linthicum, MD - 2010-10-13 14:30:44

The problem is that with ignoring the past is you are doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over.

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Vic Soley - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

debate - 2010-10-13 13:54:47

As I watched this debate it reminded me of a time I got in an argument with a kid in the school yard, it was a whole bunch of he said she said, I did this and you did that.

No body cares about the past, we all want to know whats going to happen in the future and both candidates failed miserably at delivering any solid clear message on what they are going to do and how they plan on getting us there.

Side note- attack ads work because that's all there is. If there was less focus on who done what and more on who will do what I bet you would get a stronger response from us poor 'un-informed' Marylanders.

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George Herlth III - Linthicum, MD - Karma: Good

DEBATE - 2010-10-13 10:54:34

Why should it matter to either side who is sitting in the audience? Does that change your stance on the issues? Aren't there partisan citizens whose mind you are trying to change for their vote?
I am still undecided about which candidate I am voting for but, the fact that the Ehrlich camp contemplated walking out says a lot about their character. If you really considered walking out on the debate, what keeps you from walking out on the people of Maryland?

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Craig Harris - Crofton, MD - Karma: Neutral

link - 2010-10-12 22:43:24

The link in my post below doesn't appear to be working right now. Try this one - http://bit.ly/a3iaiH or just Google Eric Knowles!

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William Cooke - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

don't waste your vote - 2010-10-12 22:40:45

Don't waste your vote on some ambitious sleazy politician. I'm voting for Eric Knowles this year. He is a hard working guy who actually cares about the Constitution and our rights. Visit his website at http://bit.ly/c2XjYY
. If you vote for anyone else you are throwing your vote away.

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William Cooke - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible