Maryland’s Attorney General did not have the authority to sue the federal government without the Governor’s approval until we passed the Maryland Defense Act last year.

Since then, Brian Frosh has entered into twenty law suits – on federal actions affecting the environment, health care coverage, immigration, and other issues.

Every Republican member of my committee asked Frosh questions at today’s briefing.

None was favorable.

“What is your batting average for your lawsuits?”

“Aren’t these suits taking away from the other obligations of your office?”

I waited until the end to ask my questions.

Batting last, if you will, which was my position in the batting order most of the time.

“How do you decide whether to participate in a lawsuit?” I asked AG Frosh.

He then listed: Has a law been violated? What is our likelihood of success? Are there extremely important rights at stake? Will there be a big economic impact? How much time can we devote?

The law we passed last year mandated that the Governor include $1 million in the budget to fund five additional attorneys and staff for these legal actions.

Governor Hogan used $1 million of special funds from consumer protection recoveries that support the Attorney General’s Office to fund the mandate.

I will ask the Attorney General’s Office for written advice on the Governor’s action.