When you’re nearing third base, assume the coach will wave you home.  If you slow down, the catcher may be waiting to tag you out. 

          BJ Surhoff taught us that at a Ripken Fantasy Camp. 

          In Annapolis (and elsewhere), that means plan ahead and be prepared.

          We must have a special session this fall to redraw the lines for the state’s eight Congressional districts.  We could consider other issues at that time – if the Governor and the presiding officers agree to do so. 

           Today was not the first time that a lobbyist asked me whether an issue of interest to him would be on the agenda this fall.  Better to be running at full speed than to be caught unawares.

           The budget bill was debated by the House this afternoon.  Earlier in the day, I was asked to be ready to speak on abortion, stem cell research, and horse racing. 

            “It’s a matter of conscience – for those of us in this body, for the voters who approved abortion when it was on referendum in 1992, and for the women on Medicaid who would be affected if the state no longer paid part of the cost if they choose to have one,” I declared. 

            The floor was as quiet as it has ever been during the many times I have spoken over the last 29 years.  The amendment to eliminate state funding for abortions failed, 52-82. 

             Other members effectively made the argument to preserve state funding of research with both adult and embryonic stem cells.  The amendment to eliminate this program failed, 44-90.

            “If we cut funding for purses and the operating expenses of the race tracks, you won’t have 100,000 people in the infield at Pimlico on the third Saturday in May. The Preakness will be run in another state,” I said.  This amendment failed, 11-121. 

March 23