Pat McDonough

Today (or tonight depending on when you are reading this,) I would like to send a personal message to Del. Patrick McDonough (R) who represents District 7 in Baltimore and Harford Counties…YOU’VE PICKED THE WRONG FIGHT…in regards to Maryland Public Television last year.

In August of last year, MPT decided to use one of its digital sub-channels to broadcast “V-me,” a public television service in Spanish. In response to this, McDonough vowed to write a bill to establish a commission to decide what goes on the digital sub-channels. This was something I could not agree with him on the basis that it is completely un-American to control content of the airwaves, outside of things indecent…make that reasonably indecent. Don’t worry, I still believe that English should be encouraged, immigration laws should be enforced and fencing the border is a waste of time.

Del. Pat McDonough: Politicker PhotoDel. Pat McDonough (R-Middle River) confirmed that he has "great" interest in seeking the position of county executive for Baltimore County in 2010.

"I think it is the second most powerful position in the state," McDonough said of Baltimore County executive, "behind only the governor."

Saying he would have the authority "to get things done" on issues ranging from education to "deteriorating neighborhoods," McDonough said his "high name recognition" and ability to "get Democratic voters" would increase his chances at winning.

Del. Barry GlassmanTonight, the Harford County Republican Central Committee is interviewing candidates seeking to replace retiring state Sen. J. Robert Hooper. They will announce their recommendation immediately afterwards at the Pat McDonough Annual Legislative Update Dinner and Fundraiser.

The committee is widely expected to recommend District 35A Del. Barry Glassman, who Sen. Hooper personally endorsed. If appointed to the Senate, the race for Glassman’s House seat would be wide-open.

Hooper, whose resignation takes effect December 31, is retiring for health reasons – he’s weathered both colon cancer and a mild heart attack in recent years. He told the Baltimore Sun that November’s special legislative session convinced him that he cannot keep up with the demands of the office. He was elected to the Senate in 1998.

Glassman, 45, is a former Harford County Councilman and was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1998.