Posted: 04/03/2012

Last Updated: 15 hours and 23 minutes ago

ROSEDALE, Md. - State Senator Nancy Jacobs watched the election results to see if she'd be the Republican Nominee for U.S. Congress in the 2nd District.

Its now official. With 180 precincts reporting at 11:27, she has 60% of the votes.

She'll now be getting ready to take on Dutch Ruppersberger.

To watch the video see - Source Article: http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/region/baltimore_county/nancy-jacobs-primary-night-party

State Sen. Nancy Jacobs cruised to an easy victory in the 2nd Congressional District Republican primary over five other candidates.

By Ron Snyder 1:24 am

State Sen. Nancy Jacobs claimed victory over five other candidates Tuesday night in her bid to earn the Republican nomination in the 2nd Congressional District.

According to unofficial totals at 1 a.m. from the Maryland Board of Elections, Jacobs had 12,027 votes (59.1 percent), easily holding off her closest competitor Del. Rick Impalaria, who had 4,840 votes (23.8 percent).

Other candidates included Larry Smith (2,291 votes), Howard Orton (481), Ray Bly (394) and Vlad Degan (305).

Jacobs will now go on to face incumbent Democrat Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger in the general elections. Her win came on the same night that Mitt Romney won the Maryland GOP presidential primary.

"It's time to ditch Dutch (Ruppersberger)," Jacobs said. "We know there are a lot more Democrats than Republicans in the district, but we know that we have a lot of crossover support. There were plenty of people who came up to our workers and told us 'we're Democrats that can't vote for you in the primary, but come the general election, you will have our support."

To watch video - Source Article: http://essex.patch.com/articles/video-jacobs-wins-in-congressional-primary#video-9492657

Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Robert Lang and Associated Press

Ruppersberger will face Republican State Senator Nancy Jacobs in November. Jacobs defeated five other candidates including Harford and Baltimroe County Delegate Rick Impallaria to win the nomination.

To Read the Entire Article - Source Article: http://wbal.com/article/88447/2/template-story/Romney-Cardin-Win-Primary-State-Senate-Leader-Loses-Bid-For-Congress

From Del. Kathy Szeliga:

Friends,

Election day is this Tuesday!

You won't be surprised to know that I am urging you to vote for Andy Harris in Maryland's 1st Congressional District.

Additionally, I hope you will join me in my strong support for State Senator Nancy Jacobs in the District 2 Congressional race. I have known Nancy Jacobs for almost 25 years. She is a woman of integrity and someone I know we can always count on. I'm proud and honored to call her a friend and a mentor.

This election is critical. We must elect Nancy Jacobs to join conservative lawmakers in Congress who will insist that good governance and our Constitution come first.

As a State Senator and Minority Leader in Maryland Nancy Jacobs has been a champion of job growth and a supporter of small business. She received an award this year from Maryland Business For Responsive Government for her pro-business votes.

Nancy has also been chosen twice as one of Maryland's Top 100 Women. Recently she was selected by the Maryland State's Attorneys' Association as Senator of the Year. Jacobs succeeding in passing Jessica's Law, which cracks down child sex offenders. She also was the first to pass laws to fight gang violence.

Please join me and other respected conservatives, Bob Ehrlich, Andy Harris and Ellen Sauerbrey who support Nancy Jacobs for Congress. Nancy is known for her integrity and hard work on behalf of Marylanders. We believe she is the best candidate to beat Dutch Ruppersberger in the fall.

Sincerely,

Kathy

Delegate Kathy Szeliga

Source Article: http://www.daggerpress.com/2012/04/02/del-szeliga-vote-harris-and-jacobs-for-congress-on-election-day/#comment-102234

Hassan Giordano, Baltimore Independent Examiner

As turnout is expected to be light, tomorrow's Primary Elections weigh heavy in possible GOP turnaround in a true-blue state

...

2nd District– When I mentioned this race to Ms. Giordano, first thing she said when I mentioned the district's incumbent Dutch Ruppersberger, was "Oh lawd, whoever faces him has to beat out that good ole boys club he's a part of," as she was a former Baltimore County resident. Yet, while six Republicans are vying for their party's nomination in this fight, the one person I feel can really take the parties message to Dutch is former senate minority leader, Senator Nancy Jacobs. She is fiscally disciplined, tough on measures and votes that count and remains on message, not to mention being able to reach out to a surging amount of women in this district.

Source Article: http://www.examiner.com/independent-in-baltimore/value-your-vote-2012-examiner-maryland-primary-endorsements

OLD LINE ELEPHANT

MARYLAND CONSERVATIVE BLOG

Congress (MD-02) - There are three major candidates for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District - Delegate Rick Impallaria, State Senator Nancy Jacobs, and former Lieutenant Colonel Larry Smith; only the latter two would I consider. Impallaria is a crony of Pat McDonough and, frankly, is not a realistic choice for me, bringing it back to Smith or Jacobs. Smith is an outsider, in theory. A former Lieutenant Colonel, former aide to Congressman Andy Harris, and well versed in the issues. Jacobs has a record in politics, a fairly solid record on the issues, and endorsements from some GOP powerhouses like Craig, Ehrlich, Sauerbrey, and Andy Harris. Either one would be a solid nominee in the general, but I think Jacobs edges out Smith. So, I plan to vote for Nancy Jacobs.

Source Article: http://oldlineelephant.com/2012/04/01/my-2012-primary-votes/

( Nicole Munchel | Aegis staff, Patuxent Homestead / March 29, 2012 )

While voters make their way inside to cast an early ballot in the primary election last week, Bill Leasure of Edgewood sat outside the McFaul Center in Bel Air Thursday with a Nancy Jacobs for Congress sign.

Headliner local contests also include GOP nomination contest in Second Congressional District and for president

April 1, 2012 | 3:32 p.m.

With a local judicial race, a couple of congressional nominations and the Republican presidential nomination hanging in the balance, Harford County voters will have something to decide if they bother to show up at the polls for Tuesday's presidential primary election.

Six days of early voting for the primary closed Thursday evening with 3,246 casting ballots at the McFaul Activity Center in Bel Air. The total represents 2.56 percent of Harford's 126,736 registered Republican and Democratic voters, according to the Maryland Board of Elections.

The early voting figures appeared to be on par with the gubernatorial primary and general election of 2010, the first time early voting was allowed in the state.

Whether those early voting figures portend a decent turnout on Primary Election Day Tuesday remains to be seen because, for the most part, there isn't that much for people to choose from on either Democratic or Republican ballot.

Most of the interest in the primary locally can be summed up in a handful of races: the Republican nomination for president, the circuit court election and primaries for Harford's two congressional seats, one for the Democrats in the First District and one for the Republicans in the Second District, which covers Aberdeen and Havre de Grace and the remainder of the southern third of the county.

Contest for the black robe

Of that group, the judicial race is the one with arguably the most at stake locally, both for voters and candidates alike.

In the judicial race, Circuit Judge M. Elizabeth Bowen, who was appointed to the bench in January by Gov. Martin O'Malley, is being challenged by H. Edward Andrews and Steven Scheinin, two frequent, albeit unsuccessful, candidates in years gone by.

Voters in both parties can cast ballots for any one of the three. If one candidate wins in both primaries, he or she will be unopposed in the November general election. The full judicial term is 15 years.

It's rare for a sitting judge like Bowen to be defeated — in Harford it's only happened once before in modern times, in 1954, and never since the elections became limited only to voters in Harford County. (Prior to the 1960s, judges in the circuit that includes Harford and Baltimore counties had to run in both counties.) It's equally rare for a sitting judge not to be first on all of the primary ballots, but it has happened on occasion.

Bowen, a longtime assistant county prosecutor before being named to the bench, has the backing of most of the county's legal establishment, and her campaign has been managed by the same group that has been successfully running the campaigns of sitting judges for more than two decades.

That hasn't stopped Andrews from mounting an aggressive campaign, one that essentially challenges the notion that the governor, rather than the voters, should be able to pick their judges.

It's a play that might have some resonance in Harford, where O'Malley is extremely unpopular; however, it failed to take Andrews, Scheinin and a third candidate anywhere in 2008 when another O'Malley judicial appointee, Judge Angela Eaves, won both primaries after being on the bench for only a few months.

Presidential, congressional contests

While it also remains to be seen how much of a role, if any, Maryland has to play in the selection of the Republican Party's nominee, the race for delegates at this summer's party convention slogs onward.

Nine candidates are on the Tuesday's Republican presidential ballot, including the three main combatants, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich. Only President Barack Obama's name appears on the Democratic primary ballot.

Both parties have slates of delegates to their nominating conventions on the ballot, with different slates appearing for each of the two congressional districts into which Harford has been divided. (The Democrats will continue to vote for both male and female delegate slates in each congressional district.)

This year also marks the first since 2002 in which Harford voters will participate in two congressional elections, rather than three. Redistricting removed the northern third of the county from the Sixth Congressional District and placed it in the First District, along with the central part of the county. The southern third of the county remains in the Second Congressional District.

Two incumbent congressmen in those districts won't have opposition in Tuesday's primary, but there are plenty of challengers courting votes from the opposite parties.

In the Second District, Harford State Sen. Nancy Jacobs of Edgewood and Harford Del. Rick Impallaria of Joppa are seeking the Republican nomination, as are Larry Smith, Howard Orton, Vlad Degen and Ray Bly. The winner will face incumbent Congressman C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger, who does not have opposition in the Democratic primary.

In the First Congressional District, John LaFeria, Kim Letke and Wendy Rosen are vying for the Democratic nomination to face Congressman Andy Harris, who doesn't have opposition in the Republican primary.

By the numbers

Harford's 75 polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on primary election day. The county elections board added 10 new locations since the last election in 2010.

As of Wednesday, the county had 152,809 active registered voters, including 61,778 Democrats and 64,957 Republicans. That means both the numbers of Democrats and Republicans dropped from an earlier count, although Republicans continue to hold a lead of several thousand over Democrats.

In last week's early voting in Harford, 1,990 Republicans and 1,256 Democrats participated, according the state board of elections.

The busiest day by far was the final day, Thursday, where 753 votes were cast. The second busiest was the first day, Saturday, March 24, when 544 votes were cast.

There was a huge disparity in early voting by congressional district, perhaps reflecting the location of the single polling place in Bel Air in the heart of the First District. Democrats had hoped to register enough new voters to get a second early voting spot in the Route 40 corridor, which is the Second District, but they fell short.

According to state board of elections figures, 2,661 of the early votes cast in Harford were by people who live in the First District, compared to just 585 early votes from the Second District.

For more information on the primary election in Harford County, go to http://www.harfordvotes.info.

And visit http://www.exploreharford.com for complete election returns and reports on local races throughout Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

Copyright © 2012, The Baltimore Sun

Source Article: http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/harford/news/ph-ag-harford-election-preview-0404-20120401,0,3010850,full.story

Sen. Nancy Jacobs offers up her take on the importance of education.

By Nancy Jacobs March 29, 2012

From Sen. Nancy Jacobs:

In today's global marketplace, our children are already competing with their peers around the world. We are falling behind in science technology, engineering and math, the keys to economic growth. Our schools must prepare the next generation to meet the challenges of a changing world.

While Maryland's public schools are ranked top in the nation, many are still failing. Parents deserve the right to choose the right school for their children. No one should have to settle for an inferior education.

While many public schools excel, we must still foster excellence and innovation by supporting charter and private schools. They are proven to work. Ninety-nine percent of students at nonpublic schools are accepted into college, compared to 44.1 percent of public school students.

This week, hundreds of students, teachers, and administrators from private and charter schools demonstrated in Annapolis to support community investment in their schools. Catholic schools, Jewish schools, secular schools, and charter schools united to rally for Senate Bill 844, the Partnership for Student Education and Community Investment Tax Credit.

That bill gives a tax credit to businesses that donate to public and private schools. These donations must pay directly for students' education, including tuition, textbooks, transportation, and uniforms.

We need this tax credit because it will encourage investment by Maryland businesses that will really help Maryland schools. Bright, innovative graduates from schools like these will let us compete in the global marketplace. This tax credit will help our young people succeed.

When Maryland has corporate tax credits for everything from biodiesel to the film industry, I think there is no excuse to not support a tax credit for helping schools. It is good for students, good for businesses, and good for our community.

About this column: At Aberdeen Patch, we welcome letters to the editor that are thought-provoking and signed by the author. Please submit them to Aberdeen Patch editor Sean Welsh at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Source Article: http://aberdeen.patch.com/articles/jacobs-we-must-support-education#comments_list

From Sen. Nancy Jacobs:

OUR CHILDREN DESERVE THE BEST EDUCATION

In today's global marketplace, our children are already competing with their peers around the world. We are falling behind in science technology, engineering and math, the keys to economic growth. Our schools must prepare the next generation to meet the challenges of a changing world.

While Maryland's public schools are ranked top in the nation, many are still failing. Parents deserve the right to choose the right school for their children. No one should have to settle for an inferior education.

While many public schools excel, we must still foster excellence and innovation by supporting charter and private schools. They are proven to work. 99 percent of students at nonpublic schools are accepted into college, compared to 44.1 percent of public school students.

This week, hundreds of students, teachers, and administrators from private and charter schools demonstrated in Annapolis to support community investment in their schools. Catholic schools, Jewish schools, secular schools, and charter schools united to rally for Senate Bill 844, the Partnership for Student Education and Community Investment Tax Credit.

That bill gives a tax credit to businesses that donate to public and private schools. These donations must pay directly for students' education, including tuition, textbooks, transportation, and uniforms.

We need this tax credit because it will encourage investment by Maryland businesses that will really help Maryland schools. Bright, innovative graduates from schools like these will let us compete in the global marketplace. This tax credit will help our young people succeed.

When Maryland has corporate tax credits for everything from biodiesel to the film industry, I think there is no excuse to not support a tax credit for helping schools. It is good for students, good for businesses, and good for our community.

Sen. Nancy Jacobs

Source Article: http://www.daggerpress.com/2012/03/29/sen-jacobs-while-maryland%E2%80%99s-public-schools-are-ranked-top-in-the-nation-many-are-still-failing/

March 28, 2012 by mdgopinsider

Few days ago MDGOPInsider endorsed several candidates in Maryland. Sen. Jacobs was one of them. We at the MDGOPInsider thought it would nice to share with you the why we decided to go with State Senator Nancy Jacobs.

On the Issues:

Pro-Life

Pro-Second Amendment

Understands the War on Terror

Understands the effect of lack of a sound Immigration policy

Opposes Instate Tuition for Illegal Aliens

Nancy is just more likable than her opponents in either party.

Source Article: http://mdgopinsider.wordpress.com/2012/03/28/spot-light-on-state-senator-nancy-jacobs-the-next-representative-from-maryland-2/

4:30 p.m. EDT, March 23, 2012

It's difficult to see a path this year for any Republican to topple Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, a Democrat who won with a 30 point margin in 2010. The incumbent has raised far more money than all of his opponents combined and has gained significant influence in Congress after being appointed as the top-ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. He faces no opposition in the primary election.

Six Republicans, including two members of the General Assembly, have lined up for a shot at the GOP nomination. Perhaps the most prominent among them is state Sen. Nancy C. Jacobs, a former GOP leader in Annapolis who has support from Rep. Andy Harris in the adjacent 1st District. Jacobs could prove a more formidable threat than Ruppersberger's past opponents, but she jumped into the race relatively late and has significant ground to make up.

Larry Smith is a former aide to Harris and a former Pentagon official who recently has been pushing the other candidates for a debate. Smith also favors repealing the new national health care law and promoting domestic energy production. Rick Impallaria has served in the House of Delegates since 2003 and has vowed to work to repeal the health care law and to fight for stronger immigration enforcement.

Also in the running: Ray Bly, a Vietnam vet; Vlad Degen, of Reisterstown, and Howard Orton, who has called for balancing the budget and simplifying tax codes. None has reported raising any money for his campaign.

Nancy C. Jacobs, Republican

County: Harford

Website: nancyjacobsforcongress.com

Raised: $61,432

Larry Smith, Republican

County: Baltimore

Website: larrysmith4congress.com

Raised: $30,044

(I) C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Democrat

County: Baltimore

Website: dutchforcongress.com

Raised: $782,788

Ray Bly, Republican

County: Howard

Website: raybly.com

Raised: candidate has not reported

Vlad Degen, Republican

County: Baltimore

Website: vladdegen2012.com

Raised: candidate has not reported

Rick Impallaria, Republican

County: Harford

Website: rick4congress.net

Raised: candidate has not reported

Howard H. Orton, Republican

County: Anne Arundel

Website: facebook.com/HowardOrtonforCongress

Raised: candidate has not reported

Source Article: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bal-2nd-congressional-district-election-guide-2012-20120323,0,1791390.htmlstory

Editorial from The Aegis

March 27, 2012 | 3:53 p.m.

Early voting has begun and the official primary election in Harford County is Tuesday, April 3, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and there's a lot of talk about politics this season because it's a presidential election year.

Those who vote in the Democratic and Republican primaries, however, will find their choices limited in races for U.S. Congress. Republicans have a solid slate in the contest to pick a presidential nominee, but there is no presidential race in the Democratic primary. More about these races presently.

Bowen for judge

There is a key local race on the ballot, one that has the potential to be resolved when the polls close Tuesday, that being the race for Harford County Circuit Court judge. The same slate of candidates appears on both the Republican and Democratic primary ballot because the state judiciary branch was designed to be nonpartisan. Nominally, the incumbent is M. Elizabeth Bowen, who is facing challenges from Steven J. Scheinin, a perennial candidate for judge, who has run for the bench each time a judge has been on the ballot for more than a decade, and H. Edward Andrews III, who appears to be following in Scheinin's footsteps and is on his way to becoming a perennial also-ran for judge.

Make no mistake: Andrews and Scheinin have expressed, in past races and in campaigning for judge this time around, their sincere desire to be judge. As members of the bar in good standing, they are qualified in the eyes of the state.

Maryland, however, has a system wherein circuit court judges are appointed by the governor, who takes recommendations from a nominating committee consisting of people — lawyers and non-lawyers — from the county where the judge will preside. It's not a perfect system, but in the past several years, Harford County has been fairly well served by the judges who have come up through this appointment system.

Furthermore, Bowen is a respected prosecutor in the office of the Harford County State's Attorney, having worked in the office for more than two decades, and is well-acquainted with the local judiciary. Though she technically is the incumbent judge, having begun serving a 15-year term upon being appointed, her appointment came late in 2011 and she remains in training. While her credentials as a judge are limited, her experience as a prosecutor and lawyer make her the best pick of the three running for judge.

The Aegis recommends voters of both parties cast their ballots for M. Elizabeth Bowen for Harford County Circuit Court judge.

For U.S. Senate

For U.S. Senate, Democrat Ben Cardin is facing token opposition in his primary, and the Republicans have a ticket of 10 also-ran candidates seeking Senate seats. Democrats will do well to stick with Cardin, who has done a reasonably good job in office; on the Republican side, it seems clear the Grand Old Party sees little chance of unseating the incumbent as no one in the field stands out in the crowd. In the U.S. Senate races, The Aegis recommends Democrats vote for Cardin and makes no recommendation in the Republican primary.

Harford County voters also have a say in two U.S. House of Representatives seats, those from the state's First and Second Districts. Both seats are held by incumbents who are unopposed in their respective primaries and both of whom are fairly secure in their seats.

First District, U.S. House

In the First District, incumbent Republican Andy Harris, of Cockeysville, faces no primary opposition. Three Democrats are running to unseat him, John LaFerla, Kim Letke and Wendy Rosen. The eventual Democratic challenger will face an uphill fight, to put it politely. Letke is a resident of Harford County, which is the largest single county block of votes in the district, so she possibly could parlay this into mounting a challenge to Harris. Rosen also has the potential to mount a meaningful campaign in the fall, as she has managed to run a solid campaign in the primary, something a lot of Congressional candidates have trouble with in the state's geographically largest district.

The Aegis recommends Democrats cast ballots either for Letke or Rosen in the First District primary.

Second District, U.S. House

In the Second District, Democrat C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger is unopposed in the primary and the eventual Republican nominee will have an uphill battle trying to unseat him. Six Republicans, including a state senator and a delegate from Harford County, respectively, Nancy Jacobs and Rick Impallaria, are running for the opportunity to try to replace Ruppersberger.

Of the two members of the Maryland General Assembly, not to mention the rest of the field, Jacobs is the best candidate on the Republican side. She offers a measure of contrast to Impallaria's fiery and erratic brand of politics. Jacobs is rigid in her stands, but also is civil to those with whom she interacts, a trait that no doubt helped put her in a leadership role in the State Senate Republican Caucus.

The Aegis recommends Republicans in the Second District cast their ballots for Nancy Jacobs in the primary.

For president

The presidential race is the high-profile one on the ballot this time around, as the Republican field is crowded and, to some degree competitive, even as front runner Mitt Romney has consistently amassed a substantial number of nominating delegates. Also on the ballot for the GOP nomination are Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul and Rick Santorum, who have posed the biggest threats to Romney's campaign, as well as four candidates who have been all but bumped from the race: Jon Huntsman, Fred Karger, Rick Perry and Buddy Roemer.

Romney has been regarded as something of a mainstream darling since before the first primary ballots were cast, but he has failed, at least so far, to generate the kind of excitement supporters of Paul, Santorum and Gingrich have instilled in their smaller, but dedicated groups of supporters. Any of the four could do a good job as a standard bearer for what traditionally have been Republican schools of thought, but those schools of thought aren't necessarily in step with each other. A vote for either Gingrich, Paul, Romney or Santorum would be a vote that will help decide the future direction of the Republican Party. Voters are reminded to cast ballots for the delegates committed to the candidates they favor to have the most impact.

Copyright © 2012, The Baltimore Sun

Article Source: http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/harford/opinion-talk/ph-ag-edit-vote-0328-20120327,0,1893436.story

March 23, 2012 by mdgopinsider

Following are the endorsements for candidates running for President, Senate and The House.

President Governor Mitt Romney

US Senate Daniel Bongino

US Congress District 1: Rep. Andy Harris

US Congress District 2: State Senator Nancy Jacobs –

US Congress District 3: Eric Knowles

US Congress District 4: Faith Loudon

US Congress District 5: Tony O'Donnell

US Congress District 6: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett

US Congress District 7: M. Justin Kinsey

US Congress District 8: Ken Timmerman

Source Article: http://mdgopinsider.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/mdgopinsider-endorsements-for-2012-primary-4-3-2012/

Maryland Presidential Primary 2012

Maryland's Primary Election will occur on April 3, 2012. Early Voting will begin on March 24 and continue through March 29.

For more information on polling places and times for voting, please visit the Maryland Board of Elections website.

The Maryland Right to Life Federal Political Action Committee has made no endorsements for the office of President of the United States for the primary. Click here to view a comparison piece on the candidates' positions.

The following candidates have been endorsed by the Maryland Right to Life Federal Political Action Committee:

Office Sought District Candidate Name Political Party*

U.S. Congress 1 Andy Harris Republican

U.S. Congress 2 Nancy Jacobs Republican

U.S. Congress 5 Tony O'Donnell Republican

U.S. Congress 6 Roscoe Bartlett Republican

*Note: Maryland has a closed primary. You can only vote for a candidate in your political party. If the endorsed candidate wins his or her primary, any registered voter regardless of party may support the candidate in the General Election.

Source Article: http://www.mdrtl.org/political.html

Death Tax Facts: 

It Destroys Jobs

• • Economist Dr. Douglas Holtz Eakin found that the Death Tax lowers overall employment in America by 1.5 million jobs.
  • The Death Tax destroys jobs by targeting America's main economic engine - small (and often family-owned) businesses. Small businesses have been responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all net new jobs in the last decade.

It is a Poor Revenue Producer

• • The economic distortion the Death Tax causes with respect to other tax collection methods results in a net revenue decrease for the federal government. Congress could raise nearly twice the current revenue - an increase of 23.3 billion - by repealing the Death Tax.
  • Alicia Munnell, a member of President Clinton's Council on Economic Advisors, found that the Death Tax imposes compliance costs (tax planning, collection, etc) in excess of $26 billion. This compliance cost exceeds the Death Tax's revenue yield.

It is Unpopular Everywhere

• • The Death Tax is consistently ranked as the least fair and most unpopular tax in America. Nearly 3/4 of Americans believe the Death Tax should be repealed.
  • Only 25 nations impose a Death Tax, and of those that do, America's Death Tax is the third-highest. Russia, China, Canada, Mexico and Sweden are among the many nations which impose no Death Tax.

For more information on the Death Tax please see the source info from the American Family Business Institute at www.nodeathtax.org

Five of the six candidates seeking the Republican nomination for the 2nd Congressional District participated in a debate Thursday night.

By Ron Snyder March 18, 2012

With just a few weeks to go until the primary elections on April 3, candidates running for the Republican nomination for the 2nd Congressional District are trying to reach out to as many voters as possible.

This was the case Thursday night as five of the six candidates gathered at the Del Capri in Dundalk for a debate sponsored by the East [Baltimore] County Republican Club.

Nearly 100 people attended the two-hour debate—which Essex-Middle River Patch Editor Ron Snyder helped moderate—that touched on subjects ranging from the economy and the environment to rising fuel costs and tensions in the Middle East.

Whoever wins the Republican primary will go on to challenge Democratic incumbent Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger in the November general election. The district is arguably the most geographically diverse in the state and stretches from Cecil County to include parts of Harford, Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Howard counties.

Among those participating in the debate were State Sen. Nancy Jacobs, Del. Rick Impallaria and Larry Smith, an Army veteran and former congressional staffer for U.S. Rep. Andy Harris. Jessup resident Raymond Bly and Howard Orton, of Brooklyn, were the other candidates who participated in the debate.

To view the debate in its entirety, click here.

East County Republican Club president Ric Metzger said the debate was important because citizens haven't had a chance to meet with candidates like Jacobs and Impallaria, who can't campaign much due to responsibilities with the General Assembly.

"This is an important election and we wanted citizens to be able to make an informed decision on a candidate," Metzger said.

Jacobs outlined her position on many issues, including a desire to reduce American dependence on foreign fuel, to repeal President Obama's health care reform legislation and to enforce illegal immigration policies.

"We have so many resources available in this country that we don't need to be going elsewhere for them," Jacobs said on the need to control fuel costs. "But they are not opening up because government, the liberals won't allow it.

"I believe we need to use the resources we have and become independent of these countries. I believe what they are doing is wrong and we are driving this country further into debt when we have those resources here in this country we should be using."

Smith, who has offered detailed policy positions on his website, said if elected he would support military action against Iran to ensure they do not have nuclear weapons. He also said he would support preschool voucher programs and would push for greater oversight over states' aging sewer systems, which he believes is one of the Chesapeake Bay's greatest environmental concerns today.

"If Iran gets nuclear weapons we will have a permanent base in Kuwait and everywhere else and this nightmare that is uncivilized international relations will continue," Smith said about Iran.

"We have been in a proxy war with Iran since 1979 through other actors and we have to do everything covert and overt to disallow that theocracy from bringing on...a great nuclear explosion over Israel."

Impallaria, who arrived toward the end of the debate because of voting responsibilities in Annapolis, cited his record, which includes voting against allowing in-state tuition for illegal immigrants and against deregulation of public utilities as reasons why voters should make him the nominee.

Impallaria also believes Maryland needs another conservative voice in Congress and a representative who isn't afraid to side against the President or House Democrats.

"I'm going to be out every day knocking on doors and exposing [Ruppersberger's] record, saying conservatism is the way to do it," Impallaria said. "I'm going to reach across the aisle and drag him on our side of the aisle. I'm not willing to compromise anymore."

Source Article with Poll: http://essex.patch.com/articles/gop-debate-offers-insight-into-candidates#comment_2795196

Watch the debate, hosted by the East County Republican Club, in its entirety here.

By Nick DiMarco March 16, 2012

District 2 Republican Congressional challengers squared off against one another Thursday night at a debate in Dundalk.

Topics discussed included the environment, Iran, Afghanistan, illegal immigration, the deficit among others.

Watch the video: The debate begins at the 19:00 mark.

The candidates in attendance (in the order they introduced themselves):

Howard Orton, Brooklyn (Anne Arundel County)

State Sen. Nancy Jacobs, Bel Air (Harford County)

Larry Smith, Timonium (Baltimore County)

Raymond Bly, Jessup (Howard County)

Del. Richard Impallaria, Joppa (Harford County)

Readers can view the full list of candidates here.

Source Article with Full Video Coverage: http://essex.patch.com/articles/video-district-2-congressional-candiates-debate#youtube_video-9347105

March 15, 2012 by mdgopinsider

Go to source article to vote: http://mdgopinsider.wordpress.com/2012/03/15/gop-district-2-primary-who-would-you-vote-for/#pd_a_6042774

By Lindsey McPherson, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

March 12, 2012 | 9:43 p.m.

Personalities and political ideologies collided as Congressional candidates answered questions about the economy, energy, transportation and other topics last week at the League of Women Voters forum.

The most calm of the discussions came from the District 2 candidates. Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, a Cockeysville Democrat who faces no primary competition, gave an introduction and then left the Republican candidates to answer the questions.

Nancy Jacobs, a state senator from Harford County, Larry Smith, a former aide to U.S. Rep. Andy Harris from Baltimore County and Jessup resident Ray Bly, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress before, were on hand for the March 8 forum.

The candidates seemed to agree on many things — that the government over regulates business and plays too much of a role in education.

However, they all had different issues they emphasized. Jacobs focused on the nation's debt.

"I will work tirelessly to reign in this out of control spending," she said.

Smith discussed the need to reduce dependence on foreign oil and embrace North American energy sources.

"Energy is our No. 1 puzzle as we go ahead," he said.

Bly shared his idea for reigniting the economy: "Do away with all the regulations." He said anyone should be able to build a business as long as they don't pollute the earth.

Three other Republicans in the District 2 race did not attend the forum.

Full house for District 3

All six candidates — incumbent John Sarbanes, a Towson Democrat, and his Democratic challenger David Lockwood, of Silver Spring, as well as Republicans Draper Phelps, of Annapolis, and Armand Girard, Thomas "Pinkston" Harris and Eric Delano Knowles, all of Baltimore — showed up for the District 3 forum.

During a discussion of the relationship between the federal government and the private sector, Sarbanes said "fundamentally the government has a role of putting basic infrastructure in place for the nation."

Harris, who unsuccessfully tried to win Sarbanes' seat in 2008 and 2010, started his answer by saying: "If I hear that word infrastructure one more time from Congressman Sarbanes, I'm going to vomit."

The next question was about whether the federal government has a role in ensuring school facilities are conducive to learning.

"At the risk of causing a physical reaction on the part of Mr. Harris, let me mention infrastructure again," Sarbanes answered, explaining that the government's financial support of school construction is "an investment that makes sense."

Harris tried to be witty in delivering most of his answers. In expressing his belief that the government needs to stop funding research on climate change, he said: "Yes the earth is getting warmer, but so is Mars."

Regarding alternative energy, Harris said: "Unfortunately the president has a Don Quixote complex and is chasing wind mills."

Other candidates took different approaches.

Lockwood mentioned, but did not detail, his solution for reducing the country's deficit, something he noted several times should not be passed on to "our children and our grandchildren."

Phelps, during at least three of his opportunities to speak, emphasized his view that abortion should be outlawed, noting "it's an unborn baby and it's committing murder."

Knowles hit on the importance of protecting constitutional rights.

"We have a Congress and we have a president and even a judicial branch that don't seem to adhere to those rights anymore," he said.

Girard, meanwhile, did not hammer home a specific point. In closing, he said one the of reasons he is running for Congress is he wants to simplify the tax code. He said: "I don't mind paying taxes, but let's make it simple, make it clear."

District 7 talk gets heated

The District 7 forum got a little heated as Woodbine Republican Frank Mirabile, who won the 2010 GOP primary, but lost to incumbent Elijah Cummings in the general election, delivered his answers with a sense of passion and urgency, and at one point had to be warned not to talk out of turn.

"I represent the vast majority of small business owners across this nation that don't have a voice in Congress now," he said during his introduction. His voice was loud and clear throughout the remainder of the forum, in which he attacked Cummings' voting record and the president's policies.

Cummings' answers were that of a polished incumbent — never too critical of the current leadership but always noting more could be done. For example, in discussing the budget, the Baltimore Democrat said: "We do have to cut, but we have to cut carefully ... you've got to put money into things that will be innovative."

Also present were Cummings' Democratic challengers Charles Smith, of Baltimore, and Ty Glen Busch, of Columbia.

Throughout the forum, Smith took several hits on Wall Street, noting "Wall Street almost brought the world to its knees" and "I fear Wall Street more than I fear terrorists."

Busch did not answer most of the questions. In his introduction, he said: "I'm running for Congress because I basically want to see and ensure that there is no further damage (from) the Republican party and the Tea Party ... to democracy."

It's time to ditch Dutch and go for real tested, trusted leadership. Time to vote Nancy Jacobs!

Source article: NumbersUSA

Senator Nancy Jacobs offers her take on automatic external defibrillators.

By Nancy Jacobs March 2, 2012

In the first critical moments of cardiac arrest, an automatic external defibrillator (AED) can restart someone's heart before emergency responders arrive. For every minute before being shocked by a defibrillator, a person's chance of surviving decreases by 10 percent. The great thing about AEDs is that they are easy for everyone to use. Studies have proven that even children can use them to save a life.

Maryland's AED program has been in place for over a decade. You can find them at schools, community centers, and businesses all over the state. But several Johns Hopkins doctors, including the Chief of Medicine, are concerned because in many places where AEDs should be accessible, they have been found locked away from the public.

Businesses say that they are afraid of liability issues, training requirements, and burdensome recordkeeping requirements in Maryland law. Afraid of a possible lawsuit, many facilities have locked up their AEDs so that nobody but "trained" employees can use them. The physicians say that means a bad public policy is limiting the number of lives that could be saved.

AEDs should be like fire extinguishers—easy to access when you need them. Currently, I am leading the effort to make AEDs easier for the public to access them. My bill, Senate Bill 461, would remove liability for facilities in the AED program and remove the link between training requirements and exposure to lawsuits.

When lives are literally on the line, we need AEDs to be accessible. I am working to make sure that, in a time of crisis, you can get the help you need, when you need it.

Article Source: http://aberdeen.patch.com/articles/jacobs

Sen. Nancy Jacobs responds to a DNR official's letter to the editor, which was in response to an earlier letter from Jacobs to Patch.

By Nancy Jacobs March 3, 2012

I agree with Secretary Griffin on one point and that is the need to keep our waterways and channels dredged for our recreational and charter boat owners, and our watermen. Boating is essential to Maryland's unique character and is vital to our economy; in-state spending by boat owners is estimated at $2 billion and supports 35,000 Maryland jobs. 

But I disagree that we need to raise the boating registration fees to pay for the state's mismanagement of funds.

Between 1991 and 2004, $48 million has been pilfered from the dedicated boating fund and used to shore up the budget shortfall. Although it has mostly been replaced with IOUs through bonds, the fund transfers have caused delays in boating projects, and according to a DNR report, resulted in the elimination of 790 grant programs. Sadly, these bonds they used as replacements for the money must be paid back with interest by Maryland taxpayers. Essentially, that means you're paying twice.

Until recently, a small but significant portion of the state gas tax was used each year to help keep the Waterway Fund afloat. But that stopped a few years ago when that Transportation Fund was raided and also ran dry.

The money generated by the state's 23.5 cent gas tax goes to maintaining and building roads and mass transit. But that means boaters are paying into this transportation fund each time they pump a gallon of gas or diesel into their boat but none of it makes its way to the Waterway Fund.

There's a misconception that boaters will somehow absorb the dramatic fee increase, but this proposal will keep many boaters on land. This leads to diminished returns with fewer boat slip rentals, less maintenance and repair work, and fewer boat sales.

Article Source: http://havredegrace.patch.com/articles/jacobs-responds-to-dnr-official-on-boat-fees

Legislature working on details of budget

Posted: 02/29/2012

By: Christian Schaffer

The General Assembly only has about a month left to finalize the state's budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Governor Martin O'Malley's proposal called for an increase in the state's tax on gasoline. It's been widely criticized -- but on Wednesday a spokeswoman for the governor told ABC-2 News that despite earlier reports, the tax is still a possibility.

"He spends money like a drunken sailor," said State Sen. Nancy Jacobs (R-Harford County). "And it's not his money to spend, it's the money of the people of Maryland and they're hurting and he doesn't realize it."

One potential replacement should the gas tax fail is a hike in the state's income tax.

"What he is doing is ludicrous," Sen. Jacobs said. "He is throwing every possible tax out there, to see if we will swallow one of them."

Supporters of the governor's plan say there have already been deep cuts, which are starting to have an impact on services in Maryland.

"We have kids who now have to wait longer to get a school bus because they've collapsed bus routes. No more school nurses in a lot of schools so principals are doling out medicine," said Michele Lewis, the political and legislative director for AFSCME, a union made up of state and local employees.

She says increasing taxes on wealthy Marylanders would be the union's preferred option. "I don't think it's unreasonable to ask people that benefit from the great public services that we have in Maryland to pay a little more for them," Lewis said.

The governor's proposal would also shift hundreds of millions of dollars in payments to teacher pension funds from the state to the counties. County executives around the state have been sharply critical of that proposal.

"I don't think this governor lives in reality," Sen. Jacobs said. "Because if he did he would realize what he was doing to the people of Maryland with all these tax proposals of his."

Source Article with Video: http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/state/tax-proposals-debated-in-annapolis

BY DAGGER NEWS SERVICE

FEBRUARY 28, 2012

From the office of Sen. Nancy Jacobs:

Three renowned doctors will challenge the American Heart Association recommendations on lifesaving AEDs in a legislative hearing Tuesday in Annapolis.

They say AEDs have been discovered locked and inaccessible to public, limiting the chances of saving the life of someone in Sudden Cardiac Arrest. These AED experts say more lives could be saved if training requirements are dropped and training isn't linked to liability for the facilities housing AEDs. They argue that AEDs are so user-friendly a child can succeed in using one to save a life.

Dr. Myron Weisfeldt, Chief of Dept. of Medicine, Johns Hopkins

Dr. Betsy Hunt, MD, Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins

Dr. Morton Mower, Co-Inventor of first internal defibrillator, Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineer

These doctors are supporting Senate Bill 461 Tuesday, February 28th, in a hearing before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. That bill, sponsored by Senator Nancy Jacobs, will:

*Eliminate liability that exists for registered AED facilities in the state by not linking liability to compliance with a long list of program rules.

*Put language in the Good Samaritan Law specific to AED use and immunity.

*Changes the AED program so that only "one person" is required to oversee the device for proper maintenance, recalls, and updates.

In addition to the physicians, you will also hear testimony froma parent whose teenage son died on a basketball court. She started a foundation to put AEDs in public places. Aman whose life was saved with an AED will also testify in support of the bill.

Source Article: http://www.daggerpress.com/2012/02/28/sen-jacobs-are-lifesaving-automatic-external-defibrillators-saving-as-many-lives-as-possible-3-johns-hopkins-doctors-say-no/?utm_source=The+Daily+Dagger&utm_campaign=313438e799-The+Daily+Dagger&utm_medium=email

Find out who Republicans in the Towson, Lutherville-Timonium and Cockeysville area like for office.

By Nick DiMarco February 27, 2012

The 42nd District Republican Club has provided a snapshot of endorsements for Primary candidates headed into the April vote. 

Candidates for Congress and Senate were given five minutes to lobby for votes over a pancake breakfast, hosted by the club at the Knights of Columbia lodge in Lutherville, over the weekend.

The club is comprised of over 100 members along the Towson and York Road corridor. Following the candidates' speeches, each member in attendance was given a ballot, according to club president John Fiastro Jr.

The following candidates are endorsed by the 42nd District Republican Club:

Race: Candidate (Endorsement)

President: Mitt Romney

1st Congressional District: Andy Harris

2nd Congressional District: Nancy Jacobs

3rd Congressional District: Armand Girard

Senate: Richard Douglas

Check back with Patch for a follow-up featuring comments from candidate Larry Smith, of Timonium, and sitting lawmakers Del. Rick Impallaria and Sen. Nancy Jacobs. All three candidates are vying for Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger's seat in the 2nd Congressional District.

Source Article: http://cockeysville.patch.com/articles/42nd-district-republican-club-issues-primary-endorsements

Friday, February 24, 2012

Nancy Jacobs welcomed several members of the Maryland Federation of Republican Women on Tuesday to the Senate, where they were greeted with warm applause ... at first.

"I got attacked by several of them in the elevator," joked Mike Miller.

Jacobs, not missing a beat, replied that she didn't see any bruises or blood.

Miller replied that he was glad to have the visitors in attendance, adding that he was happy to be out of the elevator, too.

— Daniel Leaderman

Source Article: http://www.gazette.net/article/20120224/NEWS/702249589/1034/reporter-s-notebook-delegates-message-to-restaurateur-will-work&template=gazette

Harford County Republican faces five-way primary.

By Bryan P. Sears February 20, 2012

Nancy Jacobs picked up the endorsement of a former state Senate colleague Monday.

Freshman Rep. Andy Harris, a Cockeysville Republican, announced the endorsement in a statement released by Jacobs' congressional campaign.

"I trust Nancy Jacobs," Harris said in the statement. "That's why I have endorsed Nancy Jacobs for Congress. I need Nancy to help me fight the tax and spend liberals in Congress."

The endorsement was not a surprise.

Jacobs announced her candidacy last month. Harris introduced Jacobs at the event and told a reporter later that his presence was meant to be seen as an endorsement.

Jacobs faces a five-way primary, which includes notable candidates Del. Rick Impallaria and Larry Smith, a Timonium resident and a former aide to Harris.

The winner of the primary will move on to challenge Democratic Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, a five-term incumbent and former Baltimore County Executive.

Source Article: http://timonium.patch.com/articles/harris-endorses-jacobs-congressional-run

BY A DAGGER READER

FEBRUARY 20, 2012

From Sen. Nancy Jacobs:

Most of us want all children to be safe. But the sad truth is there are repeated reports of children who are abused physically or sexually and even murdered.

When they are harmed we must go to police. That did not happen in two high profile cases that captured the attention of the American public: the Casey Anthony trial and the scandal at Penn State University. I am sponsoring bills that create penalties for not telling the authorities when a child is missing or dead, and for not reporting child abuse.

At Penn State an assistant football coach stands accused of sexually abusing as many as ten children over fifteen years. The abuse continued unabated because people who knew didn't go to police.

Maryland has good laws in place currently about who must report child abuse. They include almost everyone. Even if the abuse isn't witnessed firsthand, our law requires people to call Social Services or police. Then experts will investigate. This way if there is abuse, it can be stopped early. My bill gives that reporting requirement teeth by adding a penalty for non-compliance.

In Florida Casey Anthony was acquitted in the murder of her small child. Evidence showed she hid information of Caylee's disappearance for over a month.

The case brought to light a loophole in the law in states around the country, including Maryland. I have a bill that would require parents to call police when a child is dead or missing.

Both of my bills have been endorsed by the Maryland State's Attorneys' Association.

Senator Nancy Jacobs

R-Harford/Cecil Counties

Source Article: http://www.daggerpress.com/2012/02/20/sen-jacobs-i-am-sponsoring-bills-that-create-penalties-for-not-telling-the-authorities-when-a-child-is-missing-or-dead-and-for-not-reporting-child-abuse/?utm_source=The+Daily+Dagger&utm_campaign=a997fde520-The+Daily+Dagger&utm_medium=email

Posted on | February 18, 2012 | 

by Smitty

Charm City (a name bestowed in the 1970s on Baltimore like a Nobel Peace Prize on the current POTUS) has a correspondingly charismatic representative, "Dutch" Ruppersberger. On of the Things You Do as a Representative is be an advocate for your constituents to the cold, faceless government. Constituent has problem; constituent calls Congressman; Congressman gets to play knight in shining armor, fighting the federal hydra. Granted, lopping off a head for the constituent will surely grow a few more, but rejoice in the fact that at least somebody was wrecked a little less.

So it's a bit odd that Rich Vail has hardly been given the time of day. It may be the case there there is little that can be done to support Vail's cause. One supports the Constitution with the knowledge that, not infrequently, the little pointy-headed bureaucratic pogues will often cheerfully blame the victim, Vail, for any error, rather than do the right thing. I should say something positive and point out that the pogues who did my de-mobilization work in Norfolk really were quick, efficient, and genuinely concerned that the almighty DD-214 be done correctly.

Can Vail find a better advocate? By the power of a bit of Google, Nancy Jacobs looks to be running to replace Ol' Dutch. Sometimes it's easier to fire a bum than rehabilitate him.

Nancy Jacobs for Congress

Source Article by "The Other McCain": http://theothermccain.com/2012/02/18/could-nancy-jacobs-do-a-better-job-of-taking-care-of-veterans-than-dutch-ruppersberger/#disqus_thread

BY DAGGER NEWS SERVICE

FEBRUARY 19, 2012

From the office of Sen. Nancy Jacobs:

Senator Nancy Jacobs was honored by Maryland Business for Responsive Government (MBRG) for her voting record for jobs and her support for creating a positive economic development climate in Maryland at a reception to be held by the organization on February 15th.

Roll Call is an independent publication published by MBRG that reviews legislators' support for jobs and business-friendly legislation in Annapolis. The votes chosen for inclusion in Roll Call are carefully selected by a non-partisan cross section of diverse business interests after the legislature has adjourned, sine die.

This year, MBRG honored a group of top scoring Democrats and Republicans with at least four years of service who have the highest cumulative scores in the House and the Senate, including their 2011 scores.

"Experience counts and Senator Jacobs has been among the top scorers in Annapolis in either party since she was elected to the House of Delegates in 1995. In the legislature, she has been consistently mindful of the effect of legislation on the business community, ensuring a fair judicial system and standing firm against taxes on Maryland's working families," said Kimberly M. Burns, president of MBRG.

"A high Roll Call score one year is one thing, but a consistently high Roll Call score that stands the test of time is an outstanding indicator that Nancy Jacobs is the 'real deal' when it comes to her concern for Maryland's economic development climate and job creation in Maryland," she said.

2011 is the 26th year of publication for Roll Call. Senator Jacob's cumulative score is 92% since she started in the General Assembly in 1995. In 2011, she achieved a perfect 100%.

Article Source: http://www.daggerpress.com/2012/02/19/sen-jacobs-receives-honors-for-pro-jobs-voting-record/

Senator Nancy Jacobs represents parts of Harford and Cecil counties.

By Sean Welsh February 18, 2012

Senator Nancy Jacobs was recently honored for her pro-jobs voting record, according to a statement from her office.

Jacobs, who represents Abingdon, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace and eastern Cecil County, was honored by Maryland Business for Responsive Government on Feb. 15.

"Experience counts and Senator Jacobs has been among the top scorers in Annapolis in either party since she was elected to the House of Delegates in 1995. In the legislature, she has been consistently mindful of the effect of legislation on the business community, ensuring a fair judicial system and standing firm against taxes on Maryland's working families," Kimberly M. Burns, president of MBRG, said in the statement.

Maryland Business for Responsive Government publication Roll Call identified Jacobs as having a 92 percent cumulative score in job creation since her debut with the general assembly in 1995. Last year, she earned a perfect score.

Article Source: http://aberdeen.patch.com/articles/sen-jacobs-honored-for-jobs-support

Senator Nancy Jacobs offers a letter to the editor on bills she is currently pursuing.

February 17, 2012

From the office of Sen. Nancy Jacobs:

———

Most of us want all children to be safe. But the sad truth is there are repeated reports of children who are abused physically or sexually and even murdered.

When they are harmed we must go to police. That did not happen in two high profile cases that captured the attention of the American public: the Casey Anthony trial and the scandal at Penn State University. I am sponsoring bills that create penalties for not telling the authorities when a child is missing or dead, and for not reporting child abuse.

At Penn State an assistant football coach stands accused of sexually abusing as many as ten children over fifteen years. The abuse continued unabated because people who knew didn't go to police.

Maryland has good laws in place currently about who must report child abuse. They include almost everyone. Even if the abuse isn't witnessed firsthand, our law requires people to call Social Services or police. Then experts will investigate. This way if there is abuse, it can be stopped early. My bill gives that reporting requirement teeth by adding a penalty for non-compliance.

In Florida, Casey Anthony was acquitted in the murder of her small child. Evidence showed she hid information of Caylee's disappearance for over a month.

The case brought to light a loophole in the law in states around the country, including Maryland. I have a bill that would require parents to call police when a child is dead or missing.

Both of my bills have been endorsed by the Maryland State's Attorneys' Association.

Senator Nancy Jacobs

R-Harford/Cecil

Source Article: http://havredegrace.patch.com/articles/jacobs-bills-to-protect-children

Senator Nancy Jacobs wonders if all options were considered before a gas tax.

February 4, 2012

From the office of Sen. Nancy Jacobs:

———

Feeling pain at the pump? If you think gas costs too much now, brace yourself for the Governor's new idea.

O'Malley announced his plan to add a 6 percent sales tax to gasoline. If passed, Maryland would have one of the highest gas taxes in the nation. I believe this tax hike is a completely misguided attack on the middle class.

With the current retail price of gas at about $3.50 per gallon, the sales tax means an additional 21 cents on every gallon sold. This almost doubles the current gas tax of 23.5 cents. We know that fuel prices are likely to rise. As they do, the gas tax will keep increasing.

The majority of gas tax revenues are supposed to go to the Transportation Trust Fund, designated for highways. However, O'Malley and previous governors have repeatedly raided the Transportation Trust Fund to cover unrelated budget deficits. In 2010 alone, $370 million was taken from the Transportation Trust Fund. Repairing highways and relieving congestion are very important, but can we trust the Administration to use the higher gas taxes for roads when they have failed to do so in the past?

Even though the majority of Marylanders drive to work, most of the gas tax money would pay for expense public transportation systems. Yet, only 7 percent of workers use mass transit. Public transportation systems serving Baltimore and Washington, D.C. are inefficient and unprofitable. By law, they are supposed to be self-sustaining with fare box receipts, but they are not. If passed, the gas tax would benefit residents of urban areas more than the drivers who pay the higher taxes.

O'Malley calls his tax hike a "tough choice." I think the real tough choice, the choice we should make is to learn to live within our means.

Nancy Jacobs

R-Harford/Cecil Counties

Source Article: http://havredegrace.patch.com/articles/sen-jacobs-other-tough-choices-considered

BY A DAGGER READER

FEBRUARY 3, 2012

From Sen. Nancy Jacobs:

Feeling pain at the pump? If you think gas costs too much now, brace yourself for the Governor's new idea.

O'Malley announced his plan to add a 6 percent sales tax to gasoline. If passed, Maryland would have one of the highest gas taxes in the nation. I believe this tax hike is a completely misguided attack on the middle class.

With the current retail price of gas at about $3.50 per gallon, the sales tax means an additional 21 cents on every gallon sold. This almost doubles the current gas tax of 23.5 cents. We know that fuel prices are likely to rise. As they do, the gas tax will keep increasing.

The majority of gas tax revenues are supposed to go to the Transportation Trust Fund, designated for highways. However, O'Malley and previous governors have repeatedly raided the Transportation Trust Fund to cover unrelated budget deficits. In 2010 alone, 370 million dollars were taken from the Transportation Trust Fund. Repairing highways and relieving congestion are very important, but can we trust the Administration to use the higher gas taxes for roads when they have failed to do so in the past?

Even though the majority of Marylanders drive to work, most of the gas tax money would pay for expense public transportation systems. Yet, only 7% of workers use mass transit. Public transportation systems serving Baltimore and Washington D.C. are inefficient and unprofitable. By law, they are supposed to be self-sustaining with fare box receipts, but they are not. If passed, the gas tax would benefit residents of urban areas more than the drivers who pay the higher taxes.

O'Malley calls his tax hike a "tough choice." I think the real tough choice, the choice we should make is to learn to live within our means.

Nancy Jacobs

R-Harford/Cecil Counties

Source Article: http://www.daggerpress.com/2012/02/03/sen-jacobs-gov-omalley-calls-gas-tax-increase-a-tough-choice-the-real-tough-choice-would-be-cutting-the-budget/

February 1, 2012

Former Governor Bob Ehrlich has endorsed Senator Nancy Jacobs for Congress in Maryland's second Congressional district. WBAL is reporting:

Former Gov. Bob Ehrlich has thrown his support behind Republican state Sen. Nancy Jacobs in her bid for Congress.

Jacobs announced Monday that Ehrlich had decided to endorse her.

"She's the kind of competitor taxpayers need to shake up Congress," the former governor said of Jacobs in a statement.

Jacobs officially threw her hat in the ring earlier this month, challenging Democratic Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger for his 2nd District seat in November.

This is a good get for Jacobs. Ehrlich is a big time endorsement that I'm sure other candidates were hoping for. In 2008, Ehrlich endorsed Andy Harris in MD-01 over incumbent Wayne Gilchrest. Harris won the primary, lost the general. Harris won in 2010.

Also running are former Lt Colonel and Harris aide Larry Smith and Delegate Rick Impallaria.

Source Article at Old Line Elephant, Maryland Conservative Blog: http://oldlineelephant.com/2012/02/01/ehrlich-endorsed-jacobs/

Jacobs Looks To Unseat Long-Time Incumbent Dutch Ruppersberger

POSTED: 11:12 am EST January 31, 2012

BALTIMORE -- Former Gov. Bob Ehrlich has thrown his support behind Republican state Sen. Nancy Jacobs in her bid for Congress.

Jacobs announced Monday that Ehrlich had decided to endorse her.

"She's the kind of competitor taxpayers need to shake up Congress," the former governor said of Jacobs in a statement.

Jacobs officially threw her hat in the ring earlier this month, challenging Democratic Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger for his 2nd District seat in November.

Source Article: http://www.wbaltv.com/politics/30339734/detail.html

BY A DAGGER READER

JANUARY 27, 2012

From Sen. Nancy Jacobs:

Beware! Governor O'Malley is going after the middle class with more of his tax increases. This week he announced a plan to limit the income tax deductions for anyone earning more than a hundred thousand dollars a year by ten percent.

This will devastate the housing market because it reduces the amount of money homeowners can write off for mortgage interest. People have already lost value in their homes. The housing market needs a boost and this will do just the opposite! My office has received dozens of e-mails from people who are very concerned about how it will hurt them.

I will fight this tax increase which the Democrats refer to as a "cap". They think with that label they can hide the fact that it is really just a tax increase. Its insane to hurt the housing market and overburden working families just so the Democrats can continue to spend uncontrollably.

According to the Comptroller's Office, Marylanders who make at least a hundred thousand dollars a year pay almost two thirds of all state and local income taxes. O'Malley should not be taxing these families even more. They are the ones who start businesses and create jobs. This move will drive away the enterprising people essential to our economy's recovery. Higher taxes for good paying jobs will discourage businesses from moving to Maryland.

While families face fewer pay raises, higher bills and tight times, Governor O'Malley continues to be a taxaholic! He may claim lowering your deductions is unavoidable...but his proposed budget is more than a billion dollars higher than last years. I guess he thinks increasing spending is unavoidable too? As the economy limps toward recovery, I think now is absolutely the worst time to raise taxes.

Source Article: http://www.daggerpress.com/2012/01/27/sen-jacobs-beware-governor-o%E2%80%99malley-is-going-after-the-middle-class-with-more-of-his-tax-increases/

Posted: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 3:30 pm | Updated: 1:57 pm, Thu Jan 26, 2012.

By Barry Rascovar, Inside Maryland Politics

The quirks of Maryland's presidential election year calendar have made life easy for Baltimore County's incumbent congressmen.

Thanks to an exceptionally early primary — April 3 — and favorable redistricting lines, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Elijah Cummings and Andy Harris can coast through the upcoming party elections.

Maryland Democratic leaders failed to have an impact on the 2012 presidential selection process by moving the state party elections from September to early spring. But the change proved a boon for Maryland's Capitol Hill contingent.

It takes time and money to beat an entrenched congressman. With just 83 days between the Jan. 11 filing deadline and April 3 primary, few politicians took the chance.

The luckiest incumbent was Harris (R-1st).

State Democrats had targeted the conservative Republican, who represents the Eastern Shore and parts of Harford and Baltimore counties. But last year, Democratic focus shifted to Western Maryland Republican Roscoe Bartlett (R-6th), who now must campaign in parts of liberal Montgomery County.

Meanwhile, Harris drew no opposition this year. His conservative district looks safe for years to come.

Cummings (D-7th) and Sarbanes (D-3rd) gained from redistricting, too. Combined with the early primary, they are safe this year and the rest of this decade.

Ruppersberger (D-2nd) drew scant primary opposition and will have plenty of time to prepare for his general election against either Harford County state Sen. Nancy Jacobs or Baltimore County Del. Rich Impallaria.

Jacobs will be favored in the GOP primary but Ruppersberger will be a prohibitive choice in November, thanks to redistricting that preserved a large bloc of loyal Democratic voters in Baltimore County.

Even the state's lone endangered incumbent, Bartlett, caught a break from the early primary. His two leading GOP opponents, state Sen. David Brinkley of Fredrick County, and Del. Kathy Afzali of Washington County, have little time to raise funds and canvass this large district.

Both will be tied up for the duration of the campaign in Annapolis while Bartlett raises funds on Capitol Hill and capitalizes on his name recognition.

In November, though, Bartlett will face the fight of his life when he confronts Montgomery County state Sen. Rob Garagiola.

Another Marylander is thankful for an early primary — Sen. Ben Cardin. He's challenged by state Sen. Anthony Muse of Prince George's County. But Muse has neither enough time nor money to seriously compete on April 3.

Muse will be bogged down in Annapolis, too, and can't match the pile of campaign cash Cardin has raised over six years.

Finally, Rep. Donna Edwards of Prince George's County (D-4th), is thankful for an early Democratic primary. A strong opponent, former State's Attorney Glenn Ivey, withdrew when he realized he didn't have time to undertake the fund-raising needed to level the playing field.

Clearly incumbency, along with a bit of luck, have their advantages.

Barry Rascovar , of Reisterstown, is a political columnist, communications consultant and radio commentator on WYPR-FM, 88.1. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Source Article: http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/community_times/perspectives/early-primary-favors-incumbants/article_22fdd2e5-090c-53c2-925c-bc25119843ac.html

With five declared candidates, voters have plenty of options when it comes to deciding who will face Democratic Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger in the November general election.

By Ron Snyder  January 17, 2012

The field for the Republican primary in the 2nd Congressional District race got more crowded last week when Del. Rick Impallaria filed to run for the nomination.

There are now five Republicans vying for the right to challenge Democratic incumbent Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger in the November general election.

The other Republicans in the field include state Sen. Nancy Jacobs and Larry Smith, a former aide to Rep. Andy Harris and lieutenant colonel in the Army. Vladimir Degen and Howard Orton are the other declared Republican candidates.

Jacobs received early endorsements from former Gov. Bob Ehrlich, along with Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold and Harford County Executive David Craig.

But, Del. Pat McDonough called Jacobs "a puppet candidate" picked by Harris to split the Republican vote.

If the Republican primary were held today, who would you vote for and why?

Take our poll and leave your comments below. Remember this is not a scientific poll.

If the Republican primary were held today, whom would you vote for in the 2nd Congressional District?

Vladamir Degen

Del. Rick Impallaria

State Sen. Nancy Jacobs

Howard Orton

Larry Smith

Total votes: 414 This is not a scientific poll.

For the original story online and poll please visit http://essex.patch.com/articles/poll-who-should-be-the-republican-nominee-in-the-2nd-congressional-district

Thursday, January 12, 2012
Robert Lang and Associated Press

In Annapolis today, a legislative ethics panel began its investigation of State Senator Ulysses Currie, but what the panel decided is anybody's guess.

The legislative committee investigating ethics violations of Senator Ulysses Currie met behind closed doors for about an hour, citing the state's ethics laws that exempt their meetings from Maryland's Open Meetings Act.

Most of the 12 delegates and senators left the meeting without commenting.

"We are following the rule of law as prescribed, and there is no comment. We're not allowed to comment," Republican Senator Nancy Jacobs told reporters as she left the meeting.

Baltimore City Democratic Delegate Brian McHale is the co-chairman of the panel. He says according to the state's ethics law, the investigation of Currie, including his possible testimony will be held in private, unless Currie, or the committee wants to open it. Beyond that McHale says he can't talk about it.

"It's very clear.I'm prohibited (from commenting).I'm not going to run the risk of violating what I'm required, to protect confidentiality of the process," McHale told reporters after the meeting.

Committee attorneys told reporters that the panel's recommendation will be made public, and any recommended punishment must be made in a public vote.

Leaders of Common Cause of Maryland, who waited for the meeting to end, say the committee's hearings should be open to the public.

The panel is deciding whether to discipline Currie for failing to disclose that he worked for Shoppers Food Warehouse while he voted on bills favorable to the supermarket chain.

The panel, made up of delegates and senators could make a recommendation to remove Currie, or censure him.

In November a federal jury in Baltimore found Currie not guilty of federal bribery and extortion charges.

Currie was removed as chairman of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee when he was indicted.

The move was supposed to be temporary, but Senate President Mike Miller has told WBAL News that Currie won't be restored to that position regardless of the outcome of the ethics investigation.

In a brief conversation with WBAL News on Wednesday, Currie confirmed he was not getting his chairmanship back, but he declined to talk further about the ethics investigation.

Neither Currie or his lawyer attended today's meeting.

Miller has told WBAL News that he expects the committee to wrap up its work in a few weeks.

McHale would not say how long the process would take.

Miller, Other Leaders Talk Construction

Maryland's Democratic leaders outlined their proposals for boosting construction and jobs before a panel Thursday, while Republicans criticized tax proposals and slow-movement on allowing drilling in western Maryland's Marcellus Shale.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller also emphasized that a sales tax increase floated by Gov. Martin O'Malley on the first day of the legislative session doesn't have legs.

"It's not happening, folks," Miller, D-Calvert, told the Maryland Economic Development Association in Annapolis on the second day of the state's 90-day legislative session.

However, Miller said he hoped a gas tax increase would be approved to help pay for transportation infrastructure, noting the tax hasn't been raised since 1992.

But Sen. E.J. Pipkin, R-Cecil, said the state simply isn't spending the money it already has for transportation effectively.

"Before we turn around and ask citizens to write a check for more, we need to talk about how we currently spend our dollars," Pipkin said.

The Senate minority leader also criticized a lengthy process outlined by the O'Malley administration to allow drilling in the Marcellus Shale. He noted that a final report with findings and recommendations relating to the impact of drilling isn't due until 2014.

"We have companies that want to put $10, $20, $30 billion - that's right, billion dollars - in western Maryland and this administration hasn't moved," Pipkin said. "We are not creating those jobs."

O'Malley has underscored that he wants to be cautious due to concerns that the hydraulic fracturing process used to drill for natural gas in the geological formation has had serious environmental and health implications in other states.

House Speaker Michael Busch, D-Anne Arundel, emphasized a strong push the governor and the legislature will be making to invest in infrastructure. He noted O'Malley's announcement that week that he is steering $370 million into school construction as an example.

"That $370 million will leverage $500 million of local money," Busch said. "That's 11,000 construction jobs. The construction industry is down 20 percent. Labor costs are low. The interest rates are going to be as low as they're ever going to be - 3 and a half, 4 percent - and each one those schools provides a community benefit."

Delegate Anthony O'Donnell, R-Calvert, pointed to how Maryland approved a $9.5 million grant to keep Bechtel Power Corp. from moving out of Frederick.

"We're threatened by policies that drive job creation and economic development out of the state and some people minimize that," O'Donnell said. "They say it's not happening. I'm here to tell you it is happening."

Senate Approves First Bill

On the second day of the 2012 Session of the Maryland General Assembly, the Senate took its first vote.

The Senate unanimously approved a bill setting up new boundaries for county commissioners' districts in Somerset County.

The bill now goes to the House of Delegates.

To view the source article and accompanying video please visit http://wbal.com/article/85440/21/template-story/Ethics-Panel-Remains-Secret-On-Currie

From Senator Nancy Jacobs, Minority Leader (Cecil/Harford):

The voting records of Maryland's elected officials on supporting business have just been released. That survey by Maryland Business for Responsive Government ironically comes just as Maryland learns it ranks dead last in job growth last year.

Governor O'Malley claimed his priority was "Jobs, Jobs, Jobs" during the legislative session. But, U.S. Department of Labor numbers for May put our state last in job expansion. Democrats must change their mindset. Lip service isn't enough. They must vote to help business expand in this down economy.

The numbers certainly won't surprise Marylanders who've been searching desperately for work. When those job seekers apply for a position they discover they are vying against hundreds of other candidates. And we are not speaking about the chronically unemployed here.

We must ask the Governor and all Maryland Democrats, isn't it finally time to become truly business friendly? Take a look at the Democrats rankings this year from the business group: http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102875309002-24/Roll_Call_11final_6.22.11.pdf. I am honored to receive a 100 percent ranking. Other Republican's fare well too. Notice that Democrats have dropped significantly in their support of business compared to the same survey in the past.

Governor O'Malley would have you believe Maryland fared better than other states through this extended recession. But the dependency on state and federal jobs won't keep our state afloat anymore. Governments are being forced to finally shrink as the private sector did years ago. Despite this, the O'Malley Administration and democrat leadership in Annapolis chose to increase fees and taxes this year, rather than facing the hard facts and cutting spending. For business to grow we can't have business as usual.

There are better solutions but it will take creativity and thinking outside the box. Some of them might alienate traditional Democrat voters, but let's lead and not pander. How about using the scalpel to slice entitlements; cuts never considered palatable in the past.

Let's also commit to no new taxes! The Maryland legislature passed an alcohol tax this session which takes effect July 1. That will hurt business. Liquor stores which border other states say they won't be able to compete when people can easily avoid the new tax a few miles away. Even non-border liquor stores and bars across the state will suffer from this new tax.

Now a gas tax hike may be considered at a special legislative session this fall. What a horrible time to talk about increasing the cost at the pump when families are struggling and businesses that ship goods are trying say alive.

In Virginia, Governor Bob McDonnell is keeping taxation, regulation and litigation at a minimum, and its working. Our companies may leave Maryland for Virginia now. Take a lesson from that state; be more business friendly. Our companies will stay and expand and other companies will want to come.

To read the article online please visit http://www.daggerpress.com/2011/06/28/sen-jacobs-the-time-has-come-for-all-elected-officials-to-make-maryland-business-friendly/

For more on Nancy's voting record while in office please visit http://www.votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/6169/nancy-jacobs

For more information please visit http://www.mbrg.org/index.php

Legislators seek Second District nomination to opposed Ruppersberger

BY BRYNA ZUMER, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

January 13, 2012 | 1:38 p.m.

The race for Harford County's two congressional seats, in Districts 1 and 2, took some interesting turns as the filing deadline passed Wednesday night, particularly as it pertains to the Republican nomination in District 2.

Del. Rick Impallaria, who has served in the Maryland General Assembly since 2003, filed Wednesday in the Republican primary, where he'll face fellow Harford legislator Sen. Nancy Jacobs, among others.

"Actually, I had been considering it for quite a while, and when [Del.] Pat McDonough said he would like to run, I decided to give him that opportunity to explore that," Impallaria said Thursday. McDonough said last week he wouldn't run.

"Many people approached me and I finally decided yesterday that I had enough input and enough support," he said.

Impallaria said he wants to unseat incumbent Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, a Democrat, because most people in his district do not agree with Ruppersberger's views.

Impallaria noted he was originally chairman of Citizens For Property Rights and collected enough signatures to oppose an initiative by Ruppersberger that Impallaria said would have condemned property rights in Baltimore County. At the time, Ruppersberger was Baltimore County executive. He went to Congress in 2003, the same year Impallaria went to Annapolis.

"Ever since then, Dutch – I think he's a nice person, but, politically, I don't agree with his views," Impallaria said.

Impallaria, a Joppa resident, said Ruppersberger has supported illegal immigration and "watched the jobs going away" in Baltimore.

"He's done a lot of things that has damaged not only the country but has damaged his own constituency, his own district," he said.

"I just believe that at this point in time, I am what the public is looking for. They are not looking for an entrenched politician. They are looking for someone who will buck the system and say what needs to be said," he said.

Impallaria said he has clear answers on energy, jobs, national defense and the ability to criticize not only the party that is in power but also the Republican party.

"I believe I am what the country needs and what the citizens of Maryland who live in the second Congressional district [need]," he said. "I want to be a candidate that makes a true difference, not a token difference."

Impallaria dismissed Jacobs as a competitor. She filed last week.

"I believe she is more the establishment candidate and she's not as quick to take a position," he said, adding she has flip-flopped on some issues.

The other Republican candidates in the district are Vladmir Degen, of Riesterstown; Howard Orton, of Brooklyn; and Larry Smith, of Timonium. Ruppersberger is the only Democrat in the race, and thus won't have a primary contest..

In the first Congressional district, which includes the northern two-thirds of Harford, incumbent Rep. Andy Harris, elected two years ago, faces no Republican primary opposition. Three Democrats filed for the seat, John LaFerla, of Chestertown; Kim Letke, of White Marsh; and Wendy Rosen of Cockeysville.

Following redistricting last fall, no part of Harford is in the Sixth District.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/harford/news/ph-ag-congress-0113-20120112,0,1867108.story

WYPR Baltimore: Wednesday January 4, 12 - 1 pm: Sen. Nancy Jacobs with Dan Rodricks

Just as she prepares to announce her candidacy for Congress, Maryland Sen. Nancy Jacobs joins us on the show this hour to discuss the results of the Iowa caucuses and the start of the Republican presidential nominating process. Also joining us: Center Maryland columnist Josh Kurtz, the editor of the Capitol Hill publication Environment & Energy Daily.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download MP3

Source URL 
http://www.wypr.org/podcast/wednesday-january-4-12-1-pm-sen-nancy-jacobs-and-iowa-caucus-results

Cecil Whig: Jacobs makes it official: She’s running for Congress

Veteran Annapolis legislator wants to work in Washington, D.C.

Posted: Friday, January 6, 2012 1:00 am | Updated: 5:31 pm, Thu Jan 5, 2012.

By Cheryl Mattix This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 0 comments

State Sen. Nancy Jacobs, R-34 Cecil/Harford, on Thursday announced her candidacy for the 2nd District seat in Congress currently held by incumbent C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger, a Democrat and Baltimore County resident.

Jacobs made the announcement surrounded by a group of supporters at Jad's Caddy Shack in Essex.

Over the past few months, Jacobs said she has been meeting with citizens and business owners across the district where she says the feedback has been "overwhelmingly positive."

"I'm convinced that voters are ready for a change," she said.

Jacobs said she has opposed tax hikes and regulations in order to help small business community create jobs. With gang violence on the rise, Jacobs worked hand-in-hand with community law enforcement to pass the state's first gang law.

Jacobs supported enactment through the General Assembly of Jessica's Law that mandates long prison sentences for child sex offenders.

"Voters want a representative who cares about their concerns and listens to their opinions," Jacobs said. "I'm not a Washington insider."

She said she has developed a reputation for strong constituent service while serving as a delegate and senator representing Cecil and Harford counties.

"I think my personal style gives me an edge against a Washington-insider incumbent who's lost touch with the people back home," she said.

"With citizens struggling to pay their bills and find jobs, the politicians in Washington shouldn't be running up the tab on the voter's dime," she said.

Jacobs said she is committed to creating jobs and controlling the national deficit.

Jacobs served one-term in the House of Delegates and is in her fourth term in the Maryland Senate, where she served one year as senator minority leader. She was recently named Senator of the Year by the Maryland State's Attorney's Association.

"Nancy is a leader who cares about her constituents. She is a tenacious fighter -- but knows how to work across the aisle when needed. In these troubling times, she is the kind of competitor taxpayers need to shake up Congress," former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. said.

Jacobs also has endorsements from two county executives in Maryland.

"Having worked with Sen. Jacobs for many years, she is a common sense, honest, dedicated public servant who is not afraid to take on tough issues," Harford County Executive David R. Craig said.

"I've known Nancy Jacobs for nearly two decades and she is committed to the people, community and country," Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold said this week.

Leopold and Jacobs served together in the House of Delegates.

"In tough times, she will be able to get things done, I have no doubt about it," Leopold said. "I've seen her work to reign in out of control spending, she's strong on law enforcement, and she's worked to create jobs. She's a citizen lawmaker who gets through the partisan politics to get things done."

Link to Source Article

FOX 45 Baltimore: A growing number of challengers are lining up to take on incumbents

Congress' approval rating is so low that a growing number of challengers are lining up to take on incumbents.

Maryland's second district race is a prime example.

Nancy Jacobs has spent 17 years as a Delegate and State Senator. She represents Harford and Cecil Counties.

Now, she wants to go to Capitol Hill to replace incumbent Democrat Dutch Ruppersberger.

Thursday, January 5 2012, 09:58 PM EST

Photos of Event Posted

We've posted photos from our announcement event. Click here to view them.

WBAL TV 11 Baltimore: State Sen. Nancy Jacobs To Run For Congress

Jacobs To Vie For Ruppersberger's Seat

POSTED: 7:31 am EST January 4, 2012

ESSEX, Md. -- Republican state Sen. Nancy Jacobs said she will run for Maryland's 2nd Congressional District seat.

Jacobs, who now represents Cecil and Harford counties in the state Senate, said Tuesday she has ruled out running for governor or Harford County executive. She announced her congressional bid at a news conference Thursday at Jad's Caddy Shack in Essex, Baltimore County.

"So today, I'm announcing, that I'm running for Congress," Jacobs said to supporters, showing them a sneak peek of her new political ad that will run online.

Jacobs was flanked by politicians from all levels, including Rep. Andy Harris, R-District 1, who she served side by side with in Annapolis for 12 years. Jacobs promised to work for the people and not "become Washington" if she's elected.

"I effect change by working with people, by not alienating the other side, by working together and that's what I plan to do in Washington," Jacobs said.

Jacobs has been a state senator since 1999. She served as the Senate minority leader last year. She also served a term in the House of Delegates before she won her Senate seat.

Jacobs will face Larry Smith, a former Harris aide, in the GOP primary.

Democratic Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger is serving his fifth term representing the state's 2nd Congressional District.

Jacobs said she has experience dealing with Ruppersberger when they were both in local government -- she was a Senate freshman when they butted heads over a Baltimore County development bill.

"I was told to sit down and shut up. I was told that this is local courtesy," Jacobs said. "Taking people's property to sell to developers in Baltimore County is not local courtesy."

Ruppersberger was not available for comment Thursday as he was attending a conference on the Eastern Shore; however, his press secretary told 11 News, "As county councilman, county executive and U.S. representative, Dutch Ruppersberger has been a dedicated and successful advocate for his constituents. He works across the political aisle on the issues that matter the most, like creating jobs, saving homes, reducing government waste and protecting our nation. We look forward to a fair campaign with all of the candidates."

Jacobs said she is looking forward to that fair fight

Read more: http://www.wbaltv.com/politics/30130805/detail.html#ixzz1igeUMoPd

CBS News Baltimore: State Sen. Nancy Jacobs Running For Congress

Mike Hellgren has the analysis and spoke one-on-one with Jacobs.

Jacobs is hoping to tap into those fed up with what is happening in Washington, but first, she’s hoping to get some Democrats to cross over onto her side. Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger won the seat in the last election by more than 64,000 votes.

“I’m not a Washington insider. I’ll never be a Washington insider.”

Republican Nancy Jacobs is counting on the dissatisfaction with Washington D.C. to give her a seat in Congress.

A conservative, she’s served in Maryland’s General Assembly since 1994, and before that, she was a teacher, a broadcaster and a realtor.

She hopes to be holding Democrat Dutch Ruppersberger’s seat next year.

Hellgren: “What about the anti-incumbency mood? Do you think it benefits you?”
 Jacobs: “Oh, absolutely it benefits me because I have a record of not being one of those incumbents who becomes part of the system.”

“Look at my record, look at who I am and look at where we are,” Ruppersberger said.

But Ruppersberger, who’s held the seat since 2003, beat his challengers by margins of more than two-to-one in the last two elections.

And the district, which snakes through parts of Baltimore and Harford counties, still favors Democrats.

“It’s very, very hard to beat an incumbent, and I think it’s going to be very hard for anyone– Nancy Jacobs or whomever– to beat Dutch Ruppersberger,” explained Donald Norris, professor and chair of the Department of Public Policy and director of the Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis and Research at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. “I think it’s less an anti-incumbency mood than it is an anti-Washington, anti-Congress mood.

But Jacobs, who has already released her first ad, is one of Maryland’s most recognizable Republicans, making her name on crime issues and leading the fight against same-sex marriage in the state Senate last year. She promises to make the race for the second competitive.

“That’s our first goal: to raise money to run the kind of campaign that we need to run,” she said.

Congressman Ruppersberger released a statement in response to Jacobs’ campaign saying: “As county councilman, county executive, and U.S. representative, Dutch Ruppersberger has been a dedicated and successful advocate for his constituents. He works across the political aisle on the issues that matter the most, like creating jobs, saving homes, reducing government waste and protecting our nation. We look forward to a fair campaign with all of the candidates.”Before redistricting, several prominent Republicans held the seat, including Bob Ehrlich and Helen Bentley.

Jacobs recently stepped down as Senate minority leader to focus on this race.

Source Link at CBS News Baltimore

Gazette.net: Jacobs, Brinkley, Muse schedule announcements for federal office plans

'Washington needs to be fixed,' Jacobs says

by Sarah Breitenbach, Staff Writer

As the Jan. 11 deadline to file for 2012 congressional races approaches, several state lawmakers plan to use this week to let constituents know whether they will run for federal office.

Sens. C. Anthony Muse, David R. Brinkley and Nancy Jacobs have scheduled announcement events.

All three have been considering running for U.S. Senate or House of Representatives for weeks, drawing speculation about challenges to sitting incumbents.

Observers expect Muse (D-Dist. 26) of Fort Washington to announce a primary campaign against Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D) of Pikesville on Thursday evening in Upper Marlboro.

At least seven other Democrats, including Cardin, also have filed in that race.

Muse did not want to reveal his final campaign decision until Thursday, but said that months of traveling the state and talking to potential constituents helped him make a decision.

Brinkley (R-Dist. 4) of New Market will announce during a press conference Wednesday in Frederick whether he plans to give a primary challenge to sitting Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett (R-Dist. 6) of Buckeystown and a handful of other Republicans.

Jacobs left her role as minority leader in the Senate in October to consider campaigns for either Harford County executive, governor or Congress.

In December, she established an exploratory committee to consider a run for Maryland's 2nd Congressional District seat, held by Democrat C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.

"We've made decisions and we're going to be announcing which option we're pursuing on Thursday," Jacobs said.

Although she refused to confirm which office she will pursue, Jacobs did recognize that a campaign announcement in Essex likely rules out a run for executive in Harford County.

Source Link at Gazette.net

ABC 2 News: Jacobs plans to run for congress against incumbent Dutch Ruppersberger

Jacobs, who stepped down as the Senate Minority Leader to consider running for higher office, says she's spent the past few months meeting with voters and business owners to make a decision.

In the end, Jacobs says she decided she had to take action.

"Those of you who know me know I can't sit down, and be quiet, and let things happen to good people."

"I can't do that, that's not what I was sent there for. And that's not why I believe you all want me to go to Washington."

Jacobs has served in the House of Delegates, and in the Maryland Senate, as Senate Minority Leader.

Source Link at ABC News

Baltimore Sun: Jacobs to challenge Ruppersberger in Maryland's 2nd District

State Sen. Nancy Jacobs said Tuesday she will announce her candidacy for the 2nd Congressional District this week, making her the latest state lawmaker to jump into a House race for the 2012 election.

Jacobs, who stepped down as Republican Senate leader in Annapolis this past fall to explore running for higher office, said she decided she could be most effective in Congress. The 2nd District is currently held by Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, a Democrat and former Baltimore County executive.

"A lot of people that I've been speaking with feel that once Dutch left Baltimore County and went to Washington he became Washington," said Jacobs, who is 60. "I think they have the confidence in me that I would never turn into Washington because, quite frankly, I've never turned into Annapolis."

Jacobs became the Senate's first female GOP leader last year. In the Senate, she focused on criminal justice legislation, including measures to address gang violence and impose higher minimum penalties for sexual offenses against children.

"The biggest pieces of my legislation – the things I've worked the hardest on -- are bipartisan issues," she said.

Republican Larry Smith, a former aide to Rep. Andy Harris, has already announced that he will seek the GOP nomination. Whoever wins the April primary will face five-term Ruppersberger in a district that became slightly more friendly to Democrats in last year's redistricting. Ruppersberger won with 64 percent of the vote in 2010.

Jacobs will formally enter the race on Thursday.

Other state lawmakers running for Congress include Democrat State Sen. Rob Garagiola, who is looking to unseat Republican Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett in Maryland's 6th District and Del. Anthony O'Donnell, the Republican leader in the House of Delegates, who will take on Democrat Rep. Steny Hoyer.

Source Link at the Baltimore Sun

Washington Post: Nancy Jacobs to challenge Dutch Ruppersberger for congressional seat

Posted at 06:13 PM ET, 01/03/2012

By Ben Pershing

Rep. C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger (D) has drawn a Republican opponent, as state Sen. Nancy Jacobs (Harford) said Tuesday that she would challenge the veteran Democrat in Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District.

Jacobs, who served in 2011 as Senate minority leader, had been considering other potential campaigns but has instead decided to announce her plan to take on Ruppersberger, according to the Associated Press.

The newly drawn version of the 2nd District mostly hugs the Chesapeake Bay, taking in portions of Baltimore County and Baltimore City as well as slices of Anne Arundel County to the south and Harford County to the north.

Ruppersberger has won reelection with relative ease since first securing the seat in 2002, and the district continues to favor Democrats in 2012, particularly with President Obama atop the ballot to drive turnout.

Source Link at the Washington Post

ExploreHarford.com: Nancy Jacobs to announce run for Congress

Harford State Senator Nancy Jacobs annuonced Thursday she will run for the Second Congressional District seat in the House of Representatives in the Republican primary. (File photo, Patuxent Homestead / January 5, 2012)

BY BRYNA ZUMER, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

January 6, 2012

Sen. Nancy Jacobs, a Republican who represents parts of Harford and Cecil counties, is expected to formally announce her run for Congress on Thursday morning.

She wrote on her Facebook page Tuesday night that she would be making the announcement at Jad's Restaurant in Essex at 11 a.m. Thursday.

Jacobs' District, 34, includes the northern end of Cecil and the eastern part of Harford.

She would be challenging Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, who has represented Maryland's second Congressional district since 2003.

"As you know at the end of our special Legislative session in October I announced that I would be stepping down as the Senate Minority Leader in order to pursue the possibility of running for higher office," Jacobs wrote on Facebook. "We have been examining our options as to what office I should seek. I wanted to let you know that I have made my decision."

Jacobs thanked her supporters and urged them to spread the word about the campaign.

"I'm excited about what lies ahead and I hope you are too," she wrote.

She was not immediately available for comment Wednesday night.

Her supporters online included Del. Donna Stifler, a Republican in Harford District 35A.

Jacobs earlier announced an exploratory committee to consider running in the second Congressional district, writing on her website that she is tired of excuses from Washington, D.C., and wants to challenge the "Beltway status quo."

"Congress exists to serve the people and they are failing miserably. It's time to shake things up in D.C.," Jacobs wrote on the site. "I have always cared deeply about the community in which I live, work and have raised my family. I want to continue to work to improve the lives of people in our community with more job opportunities, a stronger economy and a brighter future for our families."

Source link at ExploreHarford.com

The Dagger: Sen. Jacobs to Challenge Ruppersberger in 2nd District Congressional; Endorsed by Ehrlich, Craig, Leopold

DAGGER PRESS: Jan 5, 2012

From the office of State Sen. Nancy Jacobs:

State Senator Nancy Jacobs tells people gathered at Jad's Caddy Shack in Essex today that she will run for Congress in the 2nd District against incumbent, Dutch Ruppersberger. Over the past few months Jacobs has been meeting with citizens and business owners across the district. After receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback, she is convinced that voters are ready for a change.

As a former small business owner, Jacobs has fought burdensome tax hikes and regulations to help our small business community create jobs for all Marylanders. With gang violence on the rise, Jacobs worked hand-in-hand with community law enforcement to pass the first gang law in Maryland history.

As a mother and grandmother, Jacobs has repeatedly fought for our children cracking down on child sex offenders with Jessica's Law that mandated long prison sentences for child sex offenders.

Voters want a representative who cares about their concerns and listens to their opinions. Nancy Jacobs' strong history of constituent service will give her an edge against a Washington-insider incumbent who's lost touch with the people back home.

With citizens struggling to pay their bills and find jobs, the politicians in Washington shouldn't be running up the tab on the voter's dime. Jacobs is committing to fixing what should be our nation's top priority: job growth and getting our skyrocketing deficit in line. Pledging to work tirelessly for the people of the 2nd District, Jacobs plan to reach out to all citizens seeking their votes.

Nancy Jacobs has served in the House of Delegates, the Maryland Senate and as Senator Minority leader. She was recently named Senator of the Year by the Maryland State's Attorney's Association.

Here are a few of the elected officials who are endorsing Nancy Jacobs for Congress:

Bob Ehrlich: "Nancy is a leader who cares about her constituents. She is a tenacious fighter–but knows how to work across the aisle when needed. In these troubling times, she is the kind of competitor taxpayers need to shake up Congress."

Harford County Executive David R. Craig: "Having worked with Senator Jacobs for many years, she is a common sense, honest, dedicated public servant who is not afraid to take on tough issues. She has worked hard for the citizens of Harford County in the General Assembly and truly cares about the people she represents."

Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold: "I've known Nancy Jacobs for nearly two decades. She is committed to the people, community and country. That is just what the people of the second district deserve. In tough times, she will be able to get things done...I have no doubt about it. I've seen her work to reign in out of control spending, she's strong on law enforcement, and she's worked to create jobs. She's a citizen lawmaker who gets through the partisan politics to get things done."

Source Link:  Dagger Press

Perry Hall Patch: Jacobs Forms Exploratory Committee, Examines Challenge to Ruppersberger

Posted on December 5, 2011 at 12:19 pm

Bryan P. Sears / Insider Politics

Nancy Jacobs, a Harford County Republican, announced Monday that she's formed an exploratory committee to examine a challenge to Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger.

Jacobs, a four-term state senator, is the second Republican to consider challenging Ruppersberger, a Democrat, for the 2nd District seat he has held since 2002.

The district, as redrawn for the 2012 elections, stretches from southern Harford County through southeast Baltimore County and northern Anne Arundel County to Fort George G. Meade. A portion of the district also wraps around I-695 to northwestern Baltimore County.

Last month, Larry Smith, a Timonium resident and aide to Republican freshman Rep. Andy Harris, announced he would seek the Republican nomination to challenge Ruppersberger, a former two-term Baltimore County executive.

The announcement by Jacobs allows her to raise some money and conduct other activities not considered to be actual campaigning without formally filing as a candidate. She must file as a candidate once she begins to conduct campaign activities or raise or spend more than $5,000.

http://perryhall.patch.com/blog_posts/jacobs-forms-exploratory-committee-examines-challenge-to-ruppersberger

WBAL Radio Baltimore: The Ron Smith Show with Marta Mossburg

Dec 5, 2011

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Gazzette.net: Jacobs considers Congressional run against Ruppersberger

State senator says incumbent ‘has become too much of a Washington insider’

by Steve Kelly, Staff Writer

Republican State Sen. Nancy Jacobs is considering challenging incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger in Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District, Jacobs said Monday.

Jacobs (R-Dist.34) of Abingdon in Harford County said in a statement she is “strongly considering” a run against Ruppersberger in 2012. So far, no one has filed in the 2nd District race, according to the state Board of Elections website. The deadline is Jan. 11.

 “I think we need to make some changes in Washington,” she said. “Looking at the gridlock that’s going on — it’s wrong. People need to get above petty partisan politics.”

In the release announcing the formation of her exploratory committee, Jacobs touts her support of legislation to punish gang violence, protect children from sexual predators, and support small business.

Jacobs said she likes and admires Ruppersberger, but thinks he has become too much of a Washington insider.

“I think we need elected officials who don’t become insiders, who don’t become Washington,” Jacobs said.

Ruppersberger “is busy creating jobs for Maryland and getting our country’s economy back on track,” his press secretary, Jaime Lennon, said in an emailed statement. “He always looks forward to the campaign process.”

Ruppersberger is serving his fifth two-year term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee and a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

The 2nd District includes portions of Harford, Baltimore, Howard and Anne Arundel counties and Baltimore city under the new redistricting plan approved by the state.

Jacobs was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1994 and the state Senate in 1998. In October, she resigned her post as Senate Minority Leader to potentially seek another office, she said.

Larry Smith, a Republican from Timonium, also has announced he will challenge Ruppersberger, according to media reports and Smith’s website, larrysmith4congress.com. Neither Smith nor representatives of his campaign could be reached for comment by press time.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ]

http://www.gazette.net/article/20111205/NEWS/712059976/1034/jacobs-considers-congressional-run-against-ruppersberger&;template=gazette

The Dagger: Sen. Jacobs Considers Run for Congress in 2nd District; “Congress Exists to Serve the People and They Are Failing Miserably”

Nancy Jacobs Establishes Exploratory Committee

From the office of Sen. Nancy Jacobs:

State Senator Nancy Jacobs has been a leader in passing key legislation to crack down on gang violence and protect our children from sexual predators with legislation such as Jessica’s Law. She has been a steadfast ally to the small business community and has consistently promoted job creation and investment legislation indicated by her 92% cumulative rating from Maryland Business for Responsive Government.

Now Jacobs is strongly considering a bid for the 2nd Congressional District in an effort to take the people’s fight to Washington. She has just formed an Exploratory Committee to prepare for a potential run for Congress.

Senator Jacobs is tired of the excuses coming from Washington and knows it’s time to challenge the Beltway status quo. “Congress exists to serve the people and they are failing miserably. It’s time to shake things up in D.C. I have always cared deeply about the community in which I live, work and have raised my family. I want to continue to work to improve the lives of people in our community with more job opportunities, a stronger economy and a brighter future for our families.”

Senator Ed Reilly, Minority Whip, reflected upon Nancy Jacobs’ tenure as Senate Minority Leader. “It has been an honor to be under her consistent, grounded leadership. She cares about families, about the community and she is committed to serve. If Nancy decides to run, I will support her any way I can.”

Jacobs fights hard for Maryland children and families. She is tough on criminals and gangs. She champions business growth and job creation and works to make Maryland more business friendly. That kind of advocacy is just what’s needed in Washington.

Jacobs will appear on WAMD 970 AM radio at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday during The Morning Show with Maynard Edwards and Cindy Mumby. Listen or watch the discussions with Jacobs live on WAMD 970.

http://www.daggerpress.com/2011/12/05/sen-jacbos-considers-run-for-congress-in-2nd-district-congress-exists-to-serve-the-people-and-they-are-failing-miserably/

WBAL-TV: State Senator Sets Sight on 2nd Congressional District

Nancy Jacobs Establishes Exploratory Committee

BALTIMORE -- State Sen. Nancy Jacobs said she is considering a run for the 2nd Congressional District and that support is "coming in droves."

Jacobs told 11 News reporter Lowell Melser that she has established an exploratory committee to prepare for a possible campaign.

Jacobs said it's her time to run and listed her qualifications: "I'm my own person. I do what I think is right, what my people want me to do, and that can't be said about a lot of elected officials in Washington."

Jacobs also noted that Congress' low approval rating, coupled with what she called her bipartisan work in Annapolis, were factors that made her the perfect challenger for Democratic Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger.

Jacobs had considered running for Congress before but said the timing wasn't right.

"I'm looking at the climate of the country and the way people feel right now," Jacobs said. "They want Washington to do something, and Washington isn't moving fast enough, and it's become too partisan. I feel very strongly that I can make a difference down there.'"

As for her work in Annapolis, Jacobs said she has a reputation for working with both sides of the aisle and pointed to legislation to crack down on gang violence and protecting children against sexual predators.

Because Jacobs has represented a majority Democratic district for the past 17 years in Annapolis, she felt being a Republican should not work against her.

"A lot of what I do is not partisan," Jacobs said. "I think because I've represented a strong Democratic area before that this is not going to be that much different."

Looking ahead, Jacobs said she wouldn't be looking into the congressional move if she didn't have the support, which she said was substantial.

Read more: http://www.wbaltv.com/politics/29927010/detail.html#ixzz1flTBqNO9

Washington Times: Jacobs forms exploratory committee

By David Hill
Published on December 5, 2011, 07:27PM

Maryland Sen. Nancy Jacobs announced Monday she has formed an exploratory committee to consider running for Congress next year against Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger III.

The committee will allow Mrs. Jacobs, Harford Republican, to raise money as she considers a run against Mr. Ruppersberger, a Democrat who has represented the state's 2nd District since 2003.

"Congress exists to serve the people and they are failing miserably," she said in a statement. "It's time to shake things up in D.C."

Mrs. Jacobs has served in the state Senate since 1999, and was Senate minority leader during this year's regular and special sessions. She stepped down as leader in October — a move she said would allow her more time to consider runs for Congress, governor or Harford County executive.

She is not the only Republican eyeing the congressional seat, as Republicans Steven Bowen and Larry Smith have already filed to challenge Mr. Ruppersberger.

Delegate Patrick L. McDonough, Baltimore County Republican, has also said he is considering entering the race.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/city-state/2011/dec/5/jacobs-forms-exploratory-committee/

Baltimore Sun: Nancy Jacobs considers 2nd District run

Nancy Jacobs considers 2nd District run

Baltimore Sun

State Sen. Nancy Jacobs said Monday she has launched an exploratory committee to consider a run for Congress from Maryland's 2nd Congressional District, the seat currently held by Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.

Jacobs, who stepped down as Republican Senate leader in October, filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission late last week that will allow her to raise money for the race. The filing was not available on the agency's website Monday.

"Congress exists to serve the people and they are failing miserably," Jacobs said in a statement. "It's time to shake things up in D.C."

Jacobs, 60, became the Senate's first female GOP leader this year but stepped down 10 months later to consider running for another office. In the Senate, she has focused on criminal justice legislation – including measures to address gang violence and higher minimum penalties for sexual offenses against children.

But Jacobs will face an uphill climb against Ruppersberger, whose district became more Democratic in the congressional redistricting this year. Ruppersberger won with 64 percent of the vote in 2010.

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/2011/12/nancy_jacobs_considers_2nd_dis.html

Cecil Whig: Sen. Jacobs mulls run for Congress

Posted: Monday, December 5, 2011 11:36 am
Updated: 11:42 am, Mon Dec 5, 2011.
By Cheryl Mattix

Sen. Nancy Jacobs, R-Cecil/Harford announced Monday morning that she has formed an exploratory committee to prepare for a run for Maryland's 2nd Congressional District currently held by Charles C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger, a Democrat from Baltimore County.

Jacobs made the announcement at a fundraiser breakfast for 1st Congressional District Rep. Andy Harris at Pier One restaurant in North East. Further updates will follow.

http://www.cecilwhig.com/news/local_news/article_7e79501a-1f5f-11e1-9679-0019bb2963f4.html