Joe Vogel, a rookie Democratic lawmaker and 6th Congressional District candidate, has come under scrutiny for accepting a $3300 donation from Shalomyah Bowers, a radical, far-left  ‘Defund the Police’ activist. But Mr. Vogel remains silent. When questioned, Vogel’s congressional campaign refuses to comment on Bowers’ hefty donation, raising eyebrows and fueling speculation about Vogel’s stance on policing. A donation from a Defund the Police activist begs the question: Can law enforcement officers and police departments across the district trust Joe Vogel to stand up for them? Prominent D ..read more

The U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion on March 15, 2024, clarifying when public officials may block people on social media platforms. The ruling, derived from Lindke v. Freed, introduces a nuanced two-part test to determine when public officials’ actions on social media amount to state action under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983. This test is particularly relevant for Maryland residents seeking clarity on the conditions under which public and elected officials may lawfully block individuals from their social media accounts.     While not groundbreaking, this SCOTUS decision provides esse ..read more

April McClain Delaney, emerging as a definitive frontrunner in Maryland’s 6th Congressional District Democratic primary, bolstered her campaign this week with a powerful combination of high-profile endorsements and the release of her first television ad. On March 4, McCain Delaney’s congressional campaign announced Democratic endorsements from various esteemed local leaders, showcasing her growing support in Montgomery, Frederick, and Washinton Counties. A compelling 30-second ad quickly complemented McCain Delaney’s surge in backing from key endorsements, unveiled on Tuesday, March 5, undersc ..read more

The Main Cup, a Middletown, Maryland restaurant staple known far and wide across the tri-state region for its unique charm and quality dining experience, has announced a change in ownership. The Brenengen Family, the founders and long-time operators of the Middletown destination, revealed in a Facebook post on Monday, March 4, 2024, that the establishment was sold to Frederick’s Hootch & Banter proprietors.     In a heartfelt announcement on Facebook, the Brenengen Family shared, “It is with gratitude and excitement that we announce an important transition in the life of The Mai ..read more

Like a true godfather of politics, the late Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch handpicked Eric Luedtke from the ranks, whisking him from the chorus line to the frontlines of the General Assembly’s Democratic battalion. Running this show wasn’t for the faint-hearted. The work required a heavy hand that could make a wise guy think twice and discipline sharp enough to slice through dissent like a hot knife through cannoli cream. Luedtke’s mission? Keep his crew in line, marching to the beat of the Annapolis Machine‘s drum, without a single soldier stepping out of the shadowy sanctum of party lo ..read more

Dan Cox, a Republican candidate for Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, has accused President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of intimidation following a series of low-flying Black Hawk helicopters over his home on Friday, March 1, 2024. His allegations came hours after he publicly criticized President Biden on X, formerly known as Twitter, regarding the arrest of libertarian columnist Steve Baker. In a Facebook post, Cox, a constitutional lawyer, vehemently criticized the Biden administration for what he termed the “tyrannical arresting” of Brown [Baker], asserting that the subsequent overflights were ..read more

Dear Mr. Kurtz: As a steadfast admirer of your journalistic prowess and a regular reader of Maryland Matters – an online media outlet that, in a delightful twist of irony, some Marylanders may occasionally mistake for a blog – I find myself compelled to engage in a bit of friendly banter over your recent musings on the nature of journalism and, more specifically, the place of some the so-called bloggers within its venerable ranks. In your March 1 “Happy 7th Birthday to Maryland Matters” opinion piece, you offered some thoughts on the state of media, the Maryland bloggers blogging, and – by ext ..read more

Over the recent weekend, the legal matter between Eric Saul, a uniquely passionate blogger and talented writer, and me came to the public’s attention. Today, I have initiated steps to end this legal matter between Mr. Saul and myself. In my immediate reaction, seeking relief through our courts seemed the only way to address a matter that I found offensive. Yet, as someone engaged in the often contentious sphere of blogging and podcasting, I realize that my attempt to resolve a conflict escalated the situation much further than intended. I made a mistake; I overreacted. I am genuinely sorry fo ..read more

15 Maryland Democrats in 2024 are running for the United States House of Representatives in Maryland’s 6th Congressional District. These are the candidates. Peter Choharis There is no listed candidate website for Peter Choharis on the Maryland State Board of Elections website. However, an internet search indicates that Mr. Choharis is the founder of The Choharis Law Group and has nearly thirty years of legal experience in the U.S. and internationally. Mr. Choharis’ legal career spans many areas, including commercial disputes, administrative proceedings, foreign direct investment, and internati ..read more

In the wake of Maryland House Speaker Michael E. Busch’s death on April 7, 2019, State Senator Sarah Elfreth, a Democrat, emerged as a pivotal figure in the appointment process for Busch’s successor. Speaker Busch passed away at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore just as the Maryland General Assembly concluded its annual 90-day legislative session. His passing created a leadership void in the Maryland House of Delegates, specifically for the pivotal role of Speaker. Now, in a significant shift in her political career, Senator Elfreth is vying for a seat in Congress, represe ..read more