O'Malley Visits Frederick - Talks Jobs

George Wenschhof

Maryland Democratic Governor Martin O'Malley will combine campaigning with raising money as he spends the greater part of the day in Frederick County, Maryland today.

He begins his visit by attending a Frederick County Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting at the Ceresville Mansion. As part of a "Jobs Across Maryland" Tour, the Governor will speak about efforts to create and save jobs. You can read the text of Governor O'Malley's prepared remarks here.

Afterward, the Governor will tour Thermo-Fisher Scientific which is the world's largest Biorepository facility in the world. Over 200 million biological specimens used for disease research and drug development are stored in this facility. The company employs over 250 people in facilities across the state.

O'Malley will also attend two fundraisers held at Restaurants located in the City of Frederick Historic District. The first, a high end ticket fundraiser from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Volt Restaurant and then beginning at 8:00 PM, a low dollar event at Patrick's Irish Restaurant.

Prior to attending the fundraisers, the Governor will meet with the Editorial Board of the Frederick News Post.

Due to efforts by the O'Malley administration such as the $5,000 tax credit to businesses that provide full time employment for an unemployed individual, the unemployment rate in Maryland has fared much better than the nationwide rate of 9.5%.

Maryland's current unemployment rate is 7%. Frederick County's unemployment rate as of the end of July was even lower at 6.5%.

While the overall unemployment numbers in Maryland compare favorably to other states across the country, some counties within Maryland have experienced higher unemployment rates, than the rest of the state with Washington County falling between 10-12%.

When looking at the end of June 2010 unemployment figures by county in Maryland, you can see pockets where unemployment is similar to what Washington county is experiencing. Somerset, Cecil and Dorchester counties are also at 10% and Baltimore City is at 11%.

After the September 14 primary election, O'Malley is expected to face former Republican Governor Robert Ehrlich in a rematch of the 2006 election won by O'Malley.

Brian Murphy, another Republican candidate for Governor, recently received the endorsement of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Yesterday, the Murphy campaign announced they would be conducting a statewide tour with Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins to discuss illegal immigration.

Their first meeting, open to the public, will be held Thursday August 19 at 7:00 PM at the American Legion in Frederick.

In spite of the endorsement of Sarah Palin and the help of Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, Ehrlich is expected to win the Republican primary.

The first Public Policy Polling survey released on July 13 showed Governor Martin O'Malley leading Ehrlich 45-42%.

In the finance reports just filed by both candidates, each reported raising 3 million over the last quarter. However, in the all important cash on hand figure, O'Malley has a huge advantage with 6.7 million compared to 2.1 million for the Ehrlich campaign.

This contest for Governor promises to remain close with the vote in Baltimore County being pivotal.

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