Martin O'Malley

Facing a looming budget shortfall, Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-Baltimore) announced he would be considering steeper cuts to funding for health care and education and is considering a furlough program, according to The Baltimore Sun.

Last month, the Board of Revenue Estimates reported the state's general fund revenues were at roughly $14 billion - $432 million less than original estimates.

To combat the deficit, O'Malley announced he would be asking state agencies to identify cuts of up to five percent in the current year's budget. The governor plans to present these cuts to the Board of Public Works on October 15. 

O'Malley said the nation's economic outlook and the result of November's slots referendum would influence the decision to make more cuts.

Comptroller Peter Franchot is refuting attacks from pro-slots organization For Maryland For Our Future, claiming the charges against him are "outright lies."

Franchot was referencing two new television ads launched last week by For Maryland For Our Future. The organization said the ads were intended to correct Comptroller Peter Franchot's "misleading" and "false public statements" about November's slots referendum.

Former Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R) signs a girls cast at a Corn Roast: Politicker.com photo

REISTERSTOWN - Bob Ehrlich remains undecided about a possible rematch against Gov. Martin O'Malley in 2010. His supporters, however, aren't waiting.

At a Corn Roast this weekend -- designed to add cash to the Bob Ehrlich for Maryland Committee -- the one-term governor shook hands with supporters, took pictures, chatted with old friends and even signed a young girl's cast. Hundreds of Ehrlich's Republican counterparts attended the annual fundraiser hosted by Tom and Jone Reynolds at their Reisterstown farm.

While some supporters at the event had no clue if the former governor would make a second bid, many were just hopeful, while others seemed certain.

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-Baltimore) is expected to propose millions of dollars worth of additional cuts to the state budget in the coming weeks.

O'Malley is asking state agencies to identify cuts of up to 5 percent in the current year's budget, which he can propose at the next Board of Public Works meeting.

Comptroller Peter Franchot is stumbling through his second year in statewide office, according to state Senate President Thomas V. "Mike" Miller.

"Your bad habits have diminished your standing and reduced your effectiveness as Comptroller," wrote Miller (D-Chesapeake Beach) in a letter to Franchot (D-Takoma Park) on Thursday.

Miller's comments were in response to a note sent by Franchot earlier this week.

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."

Gov. Martin O'Malley plans to call for hundreds of millions of dollars in budget cuts at the next Board of Public Works meeting, after a new report showed the state's general fund revenues at roughly $14 billion - $432 million less than original estimates.

The budget shortfall came to light on Tuesday when the Board of Revenue Estimates submitted a revised estimate for fiscal year 2009 in a letter to the governor.

Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley's job approval rating has increased according to a new poll.

A survey by Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies shows 45 percent of those polled statewide approved of O'Malley's performance as the state's chief executive. Thirty-five percent disapproved and 20 percent gave no response.

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele says he has not ruled out the idea of running for Governor in 2010.

In addition to his family and "situations on the ground," Steele said the mindset of voters would play a crucial role in his eventual decision.

"No one wants to run for an office and be a punching bag for the other side," Steele told PolitickerMD.com. "If Marylanders are ready to take it up a notch and do something a little bit different then we'll take a look at it."

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- There is a handful of Republicans already eyeing the governor's seat in 2010 according to state House Minority Leader Tony O'Donnell.

"I know a few people who could do it and do it very well," O'Donnel told PolitickerMD.com at the Embassy Suites hotel in Minnesota's state capital.

O'Donnell wouldn't mention any names, but did say there were "a lot of good candidates who are looking at the race right now."

O'Donnell predicted a victory for state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) in Maryland's 1st Congressional District race.

"I was pleased that I endorsed him a long time ago," he said before taking a shot at state's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville).