Bob's Power Play

Governor Bob Ehrlich pushed business leaders to exclusively back Republicans, thus moving to build his party's long-term strength in Maryland.

Despite the backing of the state's first Republican governor in 36 years, business interests are being out-muscled in the state capital by well-organized ground troops from the Maryland State Teachers Association and trial lawyers, Ehrlich said, singling out two groups for which he has particular disdain.

This is an outgrowth of Washington Republicans' K Street Project, an effort to force business lobbyists and others with issues before Tom DeLay's Congress to play ball only with one team.

And The Capital reports Congressional campaign fundraising numbers (from the March 31st reporting deadline), and an indication that there might be a contest in the 1st CD to select a new Democratic nominee.