Justin Ready

Del. Rick Weldon of Frederick announced Tuesday he would be leaving the Republican Party and would register as an independent, according to The Frederick News-Post.

During a press conference at Frederick City Hall Tuesday afternoon, Weldon said he wanted to put policy in front of politics.

The Maryland Democratic Party is pointing to a new poll as proof that Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-Baltimore) is taking Maryland in the right direction.

A survey paid for and conducted by Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies shows 45 percent of those polled statewide approved of O'Malley's performance as the state's chief executive: an 8 point increase since March.

"Marylanders get it," said party chair Michael Cryor in a statement. "Marylanders understand we have more challenges before us and we expect smart, long term solutions that work."

Maryland Republican Party executive director Justin Ready had only one thing to say on the eve of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's speech at the Republican National Convetion:

"You've got your hands full now boys."

But David Paulson, the Maryland Democratic Party's communications director, said the comment "tells you something about where their heads are at."

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Maryland Republicans agree that Republican Congressman Wayne Gilchrest's endorsement of Democrat Frank Kratovil is disappointing but not unexpected.

"I think a lot of Republicans are gonna view this as a little bit of a betrayal of that support that he's had for years," said Justin Ready, who serves as executive director of the Maryland Republican Party.

Gilchrest currently represents Maryland's 1st Congressional District, but was defeated by state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) in the February primary. Gilchrest endorsed state's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) early Tuesday morning. The two are scheduled to appear together in Annapolis and Easton the same day.

"As a long time fan of Wayne Gilchrest I'm disappointed," said Don Murphy, chair of the Maryland delegation to the Republican National Convention. "I can't even say I'm disappointed in him. I'm just disappointed...period."

Mike Pappas called the endorsement a "non-issue." Pappas serves as second vice-chair of the Baltimore County Republican Central Committee and is the MDGOP parliamentarian.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -  Top Republican officials say Sarah Palin's 17-year old daughter's pregnancy should have little effect on the race for the White House.

Many thought John McCain's pick of Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska), an outspoken conservative, as a running mate would squash some concerns from social conservatives that a McCain presidency would be far to moderate. But, as news of her unmarried daughter's pregnancy broke, opponents began to question Palin's effectiveness as a conservative anchor for the Republican ticket. 

MDGOP Executive Director Justin Ready predicted the pro-life and evangelical community would lend their "love and support" to the Palin family and called the pregnancy a "family concern."

Maryland Republican Party Executive Director Justin Ready says Sen. John McCain’s choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate can help the party tap into new voting blocks.

She’s “kind of a person who can win over large swaths of voters,” Ready told PolitickerMD.com. “Being a woman, she is going to be able to appeal to groups of voters who were on the fence.”

Ready also pointed to Palin’s “executive experience.” Palin is currently the governor of Alaska and was mayor of a small of the Alaskan town of Wasilla, which has a population of 5,470 people.

In an effort to begin recruiting young supporters and energize the base, the Maryland Democratic Party is attempting to make its post convention celebration look rather "unconventional."

Maryland Democrats plan to host "Unconventional Rallies for change" back at home during the week of the Republican National Convention. The rallies will be held at five universities throughout the state on three consecutive days. Gov. Martin O'Malley and U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings will speak.

According to the state party's communications director, David Paulson, the timing of the event is no coincidence.

"The Unconventional Rallies will reinforce our candidates' and our party's tremendous growth among Maryland's young people who are registering Democratic at record numbers, said Democratic party spokesman David Paulson.

Last week The Gazette reported Democrats outnumbered Republicans in Maryland 2 to 1.

The Maryland Republican Party shot back and pointed to John McCain's numerous young supporters.

The Maryland Republican Party held their Victory Fund fundraiser on Sunday at MDGOP Chair James Pelura’s Davidsonville home.

The event was priced at $100 per ticket and $250 VIP.

According to MDGOP Executive Director Justin Ready, about 200 people were in attendance at the event, including Everett Alvarez Jr.

Alvarez is the honorary chair of the Maryland delegation to the Republican National Convention. He also served with John McCain in Vietnam.

The Queen Anne’s County Republican Central Committee hosted their annual crab feast on Thursday. The event, held at Harris Crab House was priced at $45 per person.

According to Andrew Langer, the McCain ’08 Eastern Shore regional director, the event was attended by about 80 people.

Notable attendees included state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville), state GOP Executive Director Justin Ready, Del. Mike Smiegel (R-Cecil County), Del. Richard Sossi (R-Queen Anne’s County), Queen Anne’s County Commission President Eric Wargotz and the Maryland Federation of Republican Women President Pat Parker.

State GOP Executive Director Justin Ready is taking state's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) to task for what Ready believes is the Democratic congressional candidate’s hypocrisy.

In an interview with PolitickerMD.com last week , the 1st district Democratic nominee said that his opponent, state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville), would “arguably raise more money than me.”

“It is amazing, in my view, that Kratovil didn’t outraised (sic) Harris big-time considering the huge fundraisers he had in D.C. and Prince George’s County, as well as with anti-gun activists on the Eastern Shore,” wrote Ready in an email to PolitickerMD.com. “He is not even attempting to hide his desire to be a lap dog for the left-wing leadership in Maryland.”