Over the past month I have watched with fascination as various politicos have opined on the Maryland Republican Party – its direction and leadership. A small handful of people have even publicly renounced their allegiance and fled to the limbo of the unaffiliated – Godspeed.
Last weekend was the Spring Convention of the Maryland Republican Party. For me it was the first time in 19 years that I did not have a role or a vote at the semi-annual meeting. From this unique position, I observed many things.
The final moments of the Maryland General Assembly approached Monday at midnight and mercifully, the continuing infliction of pain to the citizens of Maryland ended. Sine Die has brought a temporary end to Maryland's self-inflicted pain.
This week marked the 379th anniversary of the founding of our state. The Maryland General Assembly continues to prove they have no understanding of our rich patriotic history passing legislation, which defies our liberties and continue to oppress our citizens.
Is history replaying itself? Should citizens keep a wary eye upon the Maryland Senate as we approach Idus Martii? Will Maryland's businesses and economy fall victim to a stabbing and eventual death, as did Caesar that mid-March in ancient Rome? We will soon know.
The Maryland General Assembly has been debating your liberties. As of today many of your rights are about to be modified. The sad fact is most citizens will only complain after the fact when now is the time to take action.
My hat is off to the throngs of citizens who traveled to Annapolis last week in support of Second Amendment rights. Your presence was remarkable; and you made a point – but did you really take it far enough?
The Maryland General Assembly has been in session for about a fortnight. The governor has presented his budget bill package, legislator's pre-filed bills have been eyeballed at least once, and we are again on the way to 1,000 or more bills "dropped" for consideration.
Citizens of Maryland beware! Just over a week ago the Maryland General Assembly convened for its annual 90-day session. This session's political expectations look of be liberal-leaning and expensive.
A New Year has arrived. Although no one knows what lays ahead for 2013 in either our political or personal lives now is the traditional time to make New Year resolutions. This year I am sharing mine!
Every year I ponder about the prose to be written in our family Christmas letter, which is exclusively sent to those friends and family not involved in our day-to-day lives. Unlike my pontifications in this forum, it is crammed with family facts and stories of interest.
Last weekend most of the members of Maryland's Republican State Central Committee realized survival was impossible if they remained in the formation of a circular firing squad. By Saturday afternoon's adjournment, only a very few had any desire for self-inflicted political wounds.
Happy Thanksgiving! If you are reading this article on Thanksgiving Day, you are a relentless political junkie and you should immediately shutdown your computer and go spend time with your family!
The morning of Election Day was the first killing frost of fall across Maryland. In hindsight it seems appropriate, just as the season was devastating my plants and vegetables in Hampstead, the electorate was doing the same with the economic future of our country – they re-elected Barack Obama.
The presidential election is just 10 days away and the nation is abuzz with the candidates neck-and-neck as they sprint down the homestretch. This means it's time for the quadrennial Cavey prediction!
According to Real Clear Politics' polling averages, one week ago President Barack Obama was leading Gov. Mitt Romney in the national polls by just over four percentage points. Today Governor Romney edges the president by just under one point – what a difference a weak debate performance can make.
About a week ago the "secret video" was released by Mother Earth revealing in an "enquiring-minds-want-to-know" format just what former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney thinks of President Barack Obama. Hey, guess what? Mr. Romney is not a fan; however, his comments have been digested and regurgitated since as if it were real news.
It was an honor to be a delegate to the recent Republican National Convention. Even more an honor to be selected by the Maryland Delegation to serve on the RNC Platform Committee.
Two weeks ago I gave my version of a detailed prediction for Mitt Romney's running mate... my educated guess was incorrect. U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan will be the vice presidential nominee.
Very soon former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will announce his selection for a running mate. All GOP insiders have been playing the guessing game for the past few months. Here is the Cavey version of who and why.
Gov. Martin O'Malley is rapidly becoming the darling of the Democratic Party. He is traveling the country as an enthusiastic, acid-tongued advocate for President Barack Obama and the liberal wing of his party. The voters in Maryland will be held responsible for his future.
Yesterday was a monumentally important day; not only was it the official birthday of our nation; but deeper than that, it is a celebration of our freedom and our lifestyle. It is our Independence Day, a point in time which makes our society different.
Today is the summer solstice and the daylight hours will slowly decrease from now until just before Christmas. However, the heat of summer and the intense campaigning for President of The United States is just getting underway.
One week ago today I voluntarily took an early retirement from Nationwide Insurance after almost 32 years as their agent on Main Street in Hampstead. It was a smooth and equitable parting of the ways. I am thankful for the opportunities I had as one of their independent contractors.
In the strange quixotic world of high school students, wedged in-between prom and graduation, are Senior Award Ceremonies. It is the event where soon-to-be graduates are rewarded and honored. The path to application and awarding State Senatorial Scholarships, however, is both interesting and creative.
Hear Ye! Here Ye! Citizens of Maryland! It is with great trepidation and tremendous consternation I remind you that Maryland General Assembly will convene, by request of the governor, for a two-day Special Session next week in Annapolis. May God help us all.
Every once in a while the rest of the world should have a little peak at the underbelly of the Maryland Republican Party. This weekend at Solomon's Island MDGOP will hold its spring convention – an official gathering of the state’s central committees and a bunch of political junkies, like me.
Last week a small political phenomena occurred – Maryland actually was "in play" for the GOP on the national scene. Three of the four remaining presidential candidates visited the Old Line State, and Maryland Republicans, for a brief instant, played a defining role in national GOP politics.
A visit by a presidential candidate is a complex operation with dozens of moving parts. In 2008 I was fortunate to have hosted Sen. John McCain at a February Lincoln Day Dinner, and last week I was once again called upon to help with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's visit.
During the course of the past several months there has been vast dissertation from the media and local politicos concerning the candidates in the Republican presidential primary. Today, I pile on with opinion, too.
Last week both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly voted favorably on the Civil Marriage Protection Act, allowing gays to legally marry in Maryland. In hindsight that vote was more of a study about the character of our elected representatives than a great dissertation on changing Maryland's morals by law.
The big controversy in Baltimore County these days is the current discussion about transgendered people. The council is considering a bill which would include gender identity and expression as an equal right afforded under the law.
This morning, 90 miles to the northeast of Pittsburgh, a crowd of 30,000 will gather on Gobbler's Knob and await the annual prediction of the world's most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. The immortal Phil will peer from his stump in search of his shadow.
It has been an interesting week for the Republican Party since the Mitt Romney rout in the Granite State. So, for those of you who have been living in a hole, or perhaps just returned from another dimension within the past seven days, here are some random observations to ponder.
Tuesday evening the Republican primary election season kicked off in Iowa where former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney pulled off an eight vote win over former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. The pathway now leads to New Hampshire where Romney looks to be almost a sure winner.
'Twas the night of redistricting, when all through our State
Every legislator was worrying, what would be their fate.
The begging was over and favors accomplished with care,
In hope that perfect districts would be found somewhere.
Fame is more fickle than fortune. If Tea-Party-leaning Republicans truly desire the end goal of ousting President Barack Obama in the 2012 elections, then they must have greater focus and become less fickle.
In November of 1893 my great-grandparents moved into their new farmhouse surrounded by hickory trees and perched on a hill in northern Baltimore County. The newlywed's first meal in the just completed home was – Thanksgiving dinner. Our family – now 118 years later – still gathers to celebrate together.
Gov. Martin O'Malley's final plan for congressional redistricting is such an atrocity opponents will have two excellent avenues of challenge. The plan should be challenged in federal court under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and taken to the citizens in the form of referendum.
The morning sun glistened through the small clump of palms, twinkling just enough light on the pool to make the surface of the clear blue water light up the outdoor breakfast nook.
The challenge for Gov. Martin O'Malley's redistricting exercise is not that of drawing a map which would serve the people. His challenge has been in drawing a map where he and incumbent Democrats get to choose the voters – ignoring the requests of citizen input because they know the voter quickly forgets.
After three Republican candidate debates and a smattering of states having straw poll contests, the big question for the party remains – Can it unite behind its nominee, determined to win at all costs, or will it allow the media to muddle the race, dividing itself to be conquered?
A friend of mine, who is a pastor, recently inspired me. While preaching about the life of Moses he theorized that we (society) were in need of "storytellers." During the next 10 minutes I was mesmerized by what he said.
If elected officials and policymakers truly want to understand the ideas and opinions of Marylanders, they need only work the Republican (or Democratic) booth at the Maryland State Fair.
This past week saw excitement in the Republican Party with the Ames Straw Poll, plus the addition and subtraction of Republican presidential candidates. However, you do not have to travel to Ames or the Iowa State Fair for your GOP fix...it can be found right here in the Old Line State!
Interviewing candidates who wanted to run for political office was always interesting and many times humorous. Part of my job as a Republican Central Committee chairman in Baltimore County was to do just that, including interviewing those who were interested in running for one of the five congressional seats which sliced through my county.
Tomorrow, at approximately 11:36 A.M. EDT, the final NASA Space Shuttle mission will thrust away from Mother Earth, closing another chapter in the history of space exploration and leaving my generation yet another reminder of dreams and adventures of the past.
Time marches on. The summer solstice has come and gone and daylight is getting less and less. Still little has been mentioned by Maryland's governor about redistricting. No committee has been appointed to date and little has been said publically about the expected special session of the Maryland General Assembly slated for this fall.
In the business world there are relatively few stories about people who became a success "overnight." Typically even businesses that are on the fast track to success have laid the ground work, done years of due diligence and secured a financial base before achieving public notoriety as the up and coming business.
Many people look to Memorial Day weekend as the kick-off for the summer vacation season. The Bay Bridge will be jammed and in Ocean City kids will be squealing while playing in the sand. Families will picnic and visit with each other all across the nation.
Most of my adult life I have been an active participant in the political world; there have been many thrills, highlights and even a few once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Until two days ago I thought nothing would top last February when my son, Jason, decided he was running for office, requesting my help and counsel.
In the world of politics, many people take the life around them for granted. Daily political play and expounding personal political theories become all consuming. Too many politicos only worry about the minutia of politics, power and money. They tend to forget the important foundations of our country – such as the freedom we enjoy.
Mercifully at midnight Monday the gavel banged on the podium and the Maryland General Assembly adjourned Sine Die. The 428th session will be recorded as one of the most invasive sessions for taxpayer and the most directionless session for Gov. Martin O’Malley and the Democrat leadership to date.
This past week as political pundits in Annapolis discussed the vague nuisances and differences between a fee and a tax, the North Carroll community paid tribute to a fallen marine: Staff Sgt. James Malachowski, a 25-year-old hero who bravely died, in combat, serving our country.
There once was a Guv named O’Malley
Whose political career did not dally.
‘Cause promises he made
And surpluses he’d raid
In hope no taxes he would tally.
Many of my conservative brethren are a little wrapped around the axle about the rapidity and lack of resistance incurred in the Maryland General Assembly by the Civil Marriage Protection Act. They are not looking at the broader picture and the overall direction which is to be Maryland’s future and the alliances which must take place.
Why is Presidents’ Day weekend the best time to buy a mattress? Back in the day, when we were kids February was one of the best months. The shortest winter month was always good for a snow day or two, plus we got two days off (unless on a weekend) to celebrate birthdays for Presidents Washington and Lincoln.
The past several years have shown the State of Maryland clearly believes its drivers are in need of changing their driving habits; first came the speed cameras and now a “tax” on drivers who accumulate multiple points on their driving records. Negative reinforcement does not make good government.
This past week a few new rays of hope were cast upon the Republican Party. These glimmers of promise came from both state and national perspectives. Perhaps there will soon be a readjustment in the Grand Old Party and – with luck – it will dribble over onto public attitude, too.
A mandatory task for political pundits and alleged soothsayers of the realm is to make predictions of the future regarding Maryland’s political path. So, once again, I have spread my linen and cast the grains to predict the unknowns of Maryland’s political scene.
There have been volumes written in the Republican blogosphere about Maryland’s Republicans exiting the “Ehrlich-era” and forging ahead, finding a new direction with a new leader. Change is good, it brings new ideas and new people; however, a little perspective is needed before we close out this era.
This weekend the members of the Republican State Central Committee will gather in Annapolis for their winter meeting and elect new officers to serve the upcoming four-year term. It will be at least the fifth time I have been on sight to watch or participate in this quadrennial process.
The other morning I looked westward out my kitchen window at the thick mat of bright yellow maple leaves lying on the ground barely moving in the wind. They were glowing and it was beautiful. The sun was shining and I was happy.
It’s been seven months since my last political rumination on TheTentacle.com. The reason for my sabbatical was my full-time employment with the Ehrlich for Governor Campaign.
Three hundred seventy-six years ago on this day passengers disembarked from two small wooden ships, set foot in a new land; on that day Maryland was born.
A couple of days ago as I thundered around the Baltimore Beltway at 11:15 P.M. heading for home, my mind wandered into calculating the political miles logged on my road warrior of a car. Even though the math problem helped keep me alert, the results were surprising.
Even on the toughest streets of Baltimore City the blanket of snow, which buried the city, seemed to make it appear clean and pure. The police department reported that the heavy snowfall caused crime to decrease and it simultaneously taught the citizens of Baltimore a lesson on economics – conservatism.
It’s early Wednesday morning. The snowfall is just a constant fine white sparkle, the bare limbs of the maple tree are piled so high with the accumulation of previous storms that the new snow skiffs off like dust.
On February 4th we will have story time in Annapolis. The governor of our beautiful – but economically depressed – state, will stand before a joint session of the legislature, with the media in full force, and tell all the boys and girls who are listening a fairy tale.
Tuesday, while listing through the drone of testimony and fighting to stay awake at a Joint Republican Caucus Briefing, I was suddenly aware of a collision between the world of business and the bureaucratic world of government.
While preparing for this end-of-year column, I found myself sitting cross-legged on the floor of my dimly lit den. Dressed in my best Swami headwear, which was decorated in old political buttons, in front of me was the scattered trappings and final results of past political races; and a jet black bowling ball. I was ready to become one with the old scarred ball; to gaze into it and once again predict the political future.
It’s been a long time since I have taken the time to write you a letter. I trust all is well with you and Mrs. Claus. As only you could know, I have been a nice boy over the years, perhaps a naughty slip or two, which have been mostly reconciled. I have worked hard at my job, have done my best to be kind, taught my children well and tried to set an example for my fellow man.
Looking ahead to the upcoming year, the summer of 2010 will lend a new wrinkle to the political scene. Next year on Labor Day weekend you can celebrate by early voting.
Fresh on the heels of Election Day wins, just two weeks prior, the Maryland Republican Party cinched up their belts, and – with new determination – started their forward march toward Victory 2010 this past weekend. This re-birth has begun, as if by an omen, in dark blue Prince George’s County.
Tuesday evening I joined the Republican faithful gathered in Frederick at The Green Turtle to watch election results. While they were cheering the victory of Randy McClement, mayor-elect of Frederick City, I couldn’t help but think that perhaps the political pendulum crossed the apex and was now swinging the other way. Their way.
When I was much younger I remember by mother telling me, more than once: “Young man, you need an attitude adjustment.” Perhaps this same wisdom should be heeded by the Maryland Republican Party.
Few people inside or outside the Party of Lincoln would argue the fact that now is the time to invest in Republicans, because everyone knows buying low always yields the best profit. Currently my beloved party is at a low ebb; however, there are signs that the stock will soon rise.
Last week Karl Rove spoke at the Goucher College “President’s Forum “series. Mr. Rove and Goucher President Sanford J. Unger took the stage in front of an audience of over 500. The evening was a learning experience for the liberal student body; however, for me, it was just vintage Karl Rove.
The strict definitions of political parties are changing driven by the thought patterns of a disgruntled populace. Election 2010 will not be exclusively “R’s” and “D’s.” Instead it will be directed by where you fall in place on the liberal/conservative political spectrum.
There is a vast difference between revolution, which is a fundamental change in power, and revolt, meaning to renounce allegiance or subjection. There is revolution happening across our nation currently as masses of people take the streets to protest Obamacare.
Occasionally in political life you have one of those “ah-ha” moments. Late Monday afternoon at Towson University was such a moment for me – and Sen. Ben Cardin, too.
At our family reunion last weekend, conversation turned to Maryland’s politics. Not that political talk is uncommon at this type of gathering, however, this time the facial expressions of the miscellaneous kinfolk gathered for this chat told me there was both interest and concern on many levels.
The word of the month is accountability. This fourteen-letter word and its conjugations have been holding feet to the fire for many people, including myself, of late.
This weekend there will be thousands of “Tea Parties” across the United States. In Maryland at least seven are planned, being diligently promoted and advertised. If you can attend a local Tea Party please do so. While you are there, take a little time and ponder these thoughts.
Sunday, as the sun was setting and the speed camera referendum was going down in flames, it was rumored that you could hear music coming from both Government House and the Senate President’s office in Annapolis. Those in attendance, it was said, were reveling in the fact that public referendums in Maryland are almost impossible.
Rolling up to the 2010 election it seems the predominate theme within our state is a continued desire for change. Is it a philosophical change, or a broad-brushed wholesale changing of the "professional," long-term politicians, who, regardless of party, are perceived as sharing the blame for the current political and economic situation?
Have you ever had the creepy feeling you were being watched? Perhaps you have experienced the frustration of fighting with the “computer” and coming up on the short end. Or maybe you have felt oppressed by governmental regulation, like you are spending every day in a long line at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Maryland’s political landscape is showing the pre-revolutionary signs of change. Just over a week ago, thousands of voting citizens took to the streets in the cold damp April rain to show their disgust in government’s rampant spending and to exercise their right to assemble in protest.
Government grows in size and power at an inverse proportion to the apathy and non-participation of citizens. The Maryland General Assembly is proof positive of this theory because they are left to run amok, conjuring and contemplating changes in law that effects your life.
On three separate occasions during the 1962 school year, the entire student body, first through sixth grades, of Fifth District Elementary sat cross-legged on the auditorium floor to watch history in the making on the school’s 27-inch black and white television. Mercury astronauts were our heroes.
Our society has many ways to gauge the success or failure of those involved in the political world. One unique measurement of judging those who have mounted the national platform of “being someone of note” is to be a host or to be lampooned on Saturday Night Live. Last Saturday Michael Steele made it.
Since January I have embarked on a magical tour across Maryland, visiting Republican Central Committees and Republican Clubs in many counties. Rather than a widespread group depression among the faithful, as many in the media would have you believe exists, there is a collective re-grouping of these party regulars.
In December 1808, an uneducated farmer and his pregnant wife purchased 348 acres of farmland in Hardin County, Kentucky, for about $200 and the assumption of a prior mortgage. Less than 60 days later, on February 12, 1809, a son was born – Abraham Lincoln.
If the Republican Party was a person and not an entity, it would be in the hospital – condition listed as serious, awaiting a transplant and full recovery would be expected only after long periods of physical therapy.
The culture of corruption in Maryland Democrat politics has twice reared its head within a fortnight. Sadly few citizens have been shocked. Sadder still, the two elected officials indicted didn't even realize what they did was outside the guidelines of business as usual.
A few days ago in the quiet of the night, I sat alone in a dimly lighted room, referred to as my office, wondering what would be in store for the citizens of Maryland in 2009. Summoning all my strength, I once again gazed into my wife’s jet-black bowling ball seeking a glimpse into the future of Maryland politics.
Bet you didn’t expect a letter from the “Republican Family” this year. Well, surprise, we’re alive and well. Just sending an annual holiday note to catch you up on some of our family’s happenings and highlights of the past year.
This weekend the Maryland Republican Party will hold its winter convention in Annapolis. Contrary to what many might think the semi-annual gathering of the GOP faithful will not be a time of mourning and gnashing of teeth. Instead a review, revival and rebirth is expected.
Since the November 4th election, there has been much ballyhoo about the redefinition and much needed re-packaging of the Republican Party, especially as to whom should be the authors and leaders of this remake and even how to get started.
Election Day 2008 was a depressing, gut-wrenching day for the Republican Party. The citizens of the United States continued their flogging of the party of Lincoln with the ongoing removal of Republican seats from both chambers of Congress, and a rejection of their candidate for president, John McCain.
Election Day is two days short of two week away and the candidates are coming down the home stretch of the oddest presidential race in history. Do the two presidential candidates drive these oddities, or does the current situation of our economy?
Saturday was a typical clear early autumn day; cool, crisp and damp as the early morning saw a dedicated group of Maryland for McCain campaign workers heading south to Fairfax, Virginia, to help the cause in that highly targeted state.
There is a growing phenomenon that is taking the United States by storm – The Palin Effect. You can recognize this new occurrence by the renewed and intense interest in national politics by the overall female population.
Sen. John McCain’s choice of Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate was the dominating conversation in St. Paul at the Republican National Convention. The resulting affect of this selection vice presidential pick was a totally revived Republican Party, like giving a huge shot of adrenalin to a formerly lethargic patient.
By the time this article is posted I will be crammed into one of the cheap seats of a popular domestic airline. At o-dark thirty when the fares are cheap, with my knees against the seat in front of me and my shoulder pressed against the person in seat 19B, I’ll be winging my way to the Twin Cities for the 2008 Republican National Convention.
Almost everyone who has laid finger to keyboard has written about the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing; however, the story for me is viewing the quadrennial bubbling of national pride and knowing its juxtaposition with local heroes.
Last weekend my family made a quick road-trip to Swormville, New York, a small hamlet northeast of Buffalo with a really cool looking volunteer fire station. The primary goal was a visit with my brother-in-law; however, some interesting facts about presidential politics were identified along the way.
Last Saturday was the 5th Annual D.C. Testicle Festival sponsored by the Montana State Society. The event was in Arlington, Virginia, and once again just a little too far for me to travel for a four-hour event on a busy summer Saturday.
This week is prime vacation time for many citizens, me included. Doubtfully many people will take the time to read a political junkie website this week, especially the day before summer’s biggest holiday; however, for you few, here are some thoughts.
Last week was Flag Week; Saturday, June 14, was Flag Day. It’s a shame that many Americans take this symbol of our freedom for granted. Here at the “Cavey Compound” Old Glory flies everyday because we are free…and my Dad makes sure it happens.
The primary season is officially over; it’s time to move toward the main event, electing a new president and a Congress that will accomplish positive changes.
About two weeks ago I started my fascination with “gas station politics.” We have all encountered this brand of political wisdom, spewed from the innocent perspective of the common citizen normally at too high of a volume and in a public place.
In November, the entire United States will trudge to the ballot box on the Tuesday which follows the first Monday of the month – General Election Day. Everyone who wishes to uphold their duty as a citizen knows that is the day to cast their vote. So, why then do we make Primary Election Day so complicated?
Last week was quite an adventure…a two-day trip to St. Paul, Minnesota – site of the 2008 Republican National Convention. The goal for the trip was to “scout out” the city, the Maryland Delegation’s hotel accommodations, and available venues. The best part, however, was my side trip to the State Capitol.
This week the General Assembly was dismissed from Annapolis to return home to the real world. And not a moment too soon. The annual legislative session is like a visit to the dentist; you know it has to happen and you’re glad when you are finished – especially if you had a political root canal.
A week or so ago, while chatting up Maryland politics with a yellow dog Democrat friend of mine, our topic shifted to presidential politics. He lamented to me about not knowing what he would do come November. He might even stay home in disgust! Unable to remain silent my comment was: “Glad I’m not a Democrat.”
The race to become the 44th President of the United States has boiled down to three individuals, two Democrat and one Republican. There are some similarities, such as all three are members of the human race and each have the letters a, c and o in their name. They are also each members of the U.S. Senate, however only one passes underwriting standards.
The world of party politics is a strange entanglement of political clubs, candidate campaigns, entourages of elected officials and the organized political party apparatus. Many know the value and can recognize the former; but few understand the organization of the party faithful consistently struggling in the trenches – the state central committee.
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