Gone But Not Forgotten

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. (R) honored some of the state's top small business owners today at an award ceremony in his State House reception room. The venue allowed him to boast about his efforts to make Maryland's business climate more friendly.

Before he became the first Republican governor in a generation, Ehrlich said, "Maryland could not compete" with other states in attracting businesses.

But he also got in a dig at members of the General Assembly who were scattered back in their districts just two days after the legislative session adjourned.

"God knows it's not perfect. We still have a legislative branch," he said, prompting laughter from the crowd of small business owners.

"We will make improvements there as well. I promise you," he said, foreshadowing the legislative races ahead.