Maryland House of Delegates

When Del. Saqib Ali (D-Gaithersburg) ran for a position in the state General Assembly in 2006 he faced challenges that most politicians do not face.

"Some people said to me ‘you have a funny name' and ‘you are a Muslim,'" Ali told PolitickerMD.com.  "They said just go home. Don't run."

Ali, who is of Pakistani and Indian descent, even had to deal with a protester who sat outside his home one-day in the summer of 2006 carrying a sign and shouting derogatory comments about Ali's religion.

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) was among those in attendance at a fundraiser for Del. Saqib Ali (D-Gaithersburg) at the home of family friends in Potomac, Saturday.

"It is a campaign event for my re-election," Ali told PolitickerMD.com over the weekend.

The 33-year-old legislator, who represents District 39 in Montgomery County, is thought to be considering a run for higher office in the future, but pledged that he would "run for delegate" in 2010.

Del. D. Page Elmore (R-Salisbury) gathered a large group of supporters to celebrate his 69th birthday and do a little fundraising at the Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, today. It was the delegate's fourth annual crab and pork feast.

"It gives me the opportunity to see a lot of my constituents," Elmore told PolitickerMD.com prior to the event. "It's the first crab feast of the year and people have been waiting for the crabs."

"We don't do a lot of political talk," he added.

The delegate, who is not up for re-election until 2010, said roughly 400 tickets had been sold at a cost of $40 per person.

Del. Pat McDonough (R-Middle River) confirmed that he has "great" interest in seeking the position of county executive for Baltimore County in 2010.

"I think it is the second most powerful position in the state," McDonough said of Baltimore County executive, "behind only the governor."

Saying he would have the authority "to get things done" on issues ranging from education to "deteriorating neighborhoods," McDonough said his "high name recognition" and ability to "get Democratic voters" would increase his chances at winning.  

In 1999, the Maryland General Assembly voted to ban lobbyists from buying meals for individual lawmakers. Designed to curb the appearance of impropriety, the legislation, House Bill (HB) 1, passed with overwhelming support.

The law, however, did not forbid lobbyists from buying meals for lawmakers in a committee or county delegation setting, which has some advocacy groups calling for a total repeal on lobbyist gifts, while others say the current law prevents small lobbying firms and grassroots organizations from competing with big budget firms, and needs to be changed.

"The average Joe who wants to talk to a (General Assembly) member over a meal can't do so," Senate Majority Whip Lisa Gladden (D-Baltimore) said during an interview with PolitickerMD.com. "You have only the big wigs who can afford it."

Del. Stephen Lafferty (D-Stoneleigh) told PolitickerMD.com that he would look at the prospects of running for state Senate if Sen. James Brochin (D-Towson) declines to seek re-election in 2010. Brochin has expressed interest in running for the position of county executive in Baltimore County, but has yet to announce any formal plans. 

"One always has to keep their options open," Lafferty said, adding that the current buzz surrounding a possible Senate run is "speculation" and "premature."