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Republicans down in the dumps

It's not every day that the state Democratic Party's communication director and one of Maryland's most prominent Republicans agree on a party's political fortunes. But after former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele told a crowd of Republicans that "the Republican brand quite frankly sucks," David Paulson emailed PolitickerMD.com to express his empathy for Steele's idea. (PolitickerMD)

http://politickermd.com/danielreiter/2757/paulson-agrees-steele-s-republican-brand-quite-frankly-sucks-not-much-else

Pension review process to be clarified

The Board of Public Works agreed yesterday to clarify the appointment process for advisers to the state retirement and pension system after complaints that a nominee who would have been the first African-American in that post was treated poorly. (Nicole Fuller, The Baltimore Sun)

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.pension03jul03,0,6570932.story

Edwards continues to search for staff

LARGO - U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Fort Washington) is continuing the process of hiring staff. Maryland’s newest U.S. Representative told PolitickerMD.com, “We’re in the process of interviewing for our senior staff, legislative director, chief of staff and district manager.”  (PolitickerMD)

http://www.politickermd.com/danielreiter/2756/edwards-continues-staffing-process-details-remain-vague

Violent Baltimore city school receives large grant

A Baltimore high school is one of nine violent high schools nationwide to receive millions in federal funding for internships and improving students' career prospects. (The Associated Press)

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/k12/bal-school0702,0,6254685.story

Don't touch the thermostat!

Anne Arundel County police officers have a sweltering summer ahead.

In the county's latest effort to save on fuel costs, a new policy handed down by the county executive and police chief asks officers to hit the street with more foot patrols and turn off the air conditioning in their police cruisers. (Erin Cox and Heatehr Rawlyk, The Capital)

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/07_02-48/TOP

With the PolitickerMD.com Wake-Up Call e-mailed to your inbox, phone, Blackberry or PDA first thing in the morning, you can get a rundown of Maryland's top political headlines. Sign up to get the Wake-Up Call delivered every morning.