Tonight, Alison Lundergan Grimes is scheduled to attend a fundraiser with special guest, Gov. Martin O’Malley, the anti-gun governor from Maryland. Carole King, who has performed for the Obamas, is also scheduled to perform.
From the Wall Street Journal:
“On Thursday, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley headlines a fundraiser for Ms. Grimes in Louisville, opening the Democrat to questions about whether she, too, supports gun restrictions or tax increases like those signed by the Maryland governor.”
So what exactly does O’Malley support? For starters, he’s signed “some of the toughest gun restrictions in the country,” including requiring fingerprints to obtain a license to buy a gun and limiting magazines to a 10-bullet capacity. He’s also praised Obama’s “War on Coal,” supports ObamaCare, and has supported major tax increases for his state.
Does Alison Lundergan Grimes agree with O’Malley’s radically liberal positions? What does it say to Kentuckians that she continues to fundraise with liberal Democrats that stand in such direct opposition to the majority of Kentucky voters on these big issues?
“Saying you’ll protect Kentucky coal and second amendment rights doesn’t mean anything when you have a propensity for fundraising with radically liberal Democrats like Governor O’Malley,” said Kelsey Cooper, spokeswoman for the Kentucky GOP. “Alison Lundergan Grimes’ empty rhetoric on these issues is completely overshadowed by the fact that her campaign is bankrolled by the very people that threaten to destroy Kentucky values.”
BACKGROUND: GOV. MARTIN O’MALLEY
Guns
O’Malley Signed “Some Of The Toughest Gun Restrictions In The Country”
“Maryland Will Soon Have Some Of The Toughest Gun Restrictions In The Country. Governor Martin O’Malley Will Sign A Sweeping Gun Control Measure Thursday.” (“Governor Martin O’Malley To Sign Gun Control Bill,” NBC Washington, 5/16/13)
- “Anyone Buying A Handgun Will Have To Submit Fingerprints To Obtain A License.” “Under the new legislation, which the governor helped push through the General Assembly, anyone buying a handgun will have to submit fingerprints to obtain a license.” (“Governor Martin O’Malley To Sign Gun Control Bill,” NBC Washington, 5/16/13)
- 45 Types Of “Assault Weapons” Are Banned. “The bill also bans 45 types of assault weapons, but those who own the weapons before the law goes into effect will be allowed to keep them.” (“Governor Martin O’Malley To Sign Gun Control Bill,” NBC Washington, 5/16/13)
- “Gun Magazines Will Be Limited To 10 Bullets …” (“Governor Martin O’Malley To Sign Gun Control Bill,” NBC Washington, 5/16/13)
- “[G]un Ownership By People Who Have Been Involuntarily Committed To A Mental Health Facility Will Be Banned…” (“Governor Martin O’Malley To Sign Gun Control Bill,” NBC Washington, 5/16/13)
- “[M]aryland State Police Will Be Able To Suspend The Licenses Of Gun Dealers Who Fail To Comply With Recordkeeping Obligations.” (“Governor Martin O’Malley To Sign Gun Control Bill,” NBC Washington, 5/16/13)
Support for Climate Change
O’Malley Praised Obama’s Proposed Job-Killing Climate Regulations. “Climate change is real. We in Maryland applaud the vision that President Obama offered to the American people today. By targeting the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions, President Obama is moving the United States in the right direction toward strongly emphasizing renewable energy, improving air quality for our vulnerable populations, and mitigating the effects of severe weather events and flooding on our coastlines and low-lying areas. We are committed to partnering with him so that together, we can make the better choices these times demand.” (Press Release, “Statement from Governor Martin O’Malley on President Obama’s Climate Action Plan,” Governor Martin O’Malley, 6/25/13)
Taxes
“Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley Has Approved 40 New And Increased Taxes And Fees Since He Took Office In 2007 That Are Projected To Cost Marylanders $9.5 Billion Through Fiscal 2014.” (Andy Brownfield, “Gov. Martin O’Malley Rings Up $9.5 Billion In New Taxes,” The Washington Examiner, 6/11/13)
O’Malley Signed Into Law The Largest Tax Increase In Maryland State History. “Maryland will begin implementing the largest tax increase in state history today, when higher tobacco, vehicle titling and corporate income taxes and sweeping changes to personal income tax rates go into effect.” (Philip Rucker, “Many of Md. Tax Increases Will Go Into Effect Today,” Washington Post, 1/1/08)
In Proposing A Gas Tax, Gov. O’Malley Is “Testing A Risky New Political Calculus For The Post-Obama Era: Win Votes By Raising Taxes.” “As he gears up for a likely presidential run in 2016, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley is testing a risky new political calculus for the post-Obama era: Win votes by raising taxes. O’Malley, who is thought to be an all but certain player in the next race for the White House, surprised some observers when he proposed last week to raise taxes on gasoline statewide as part of a transportation plan designed to repair failing infrastructure and reduce commute time.” (Ruby Cramer, “Martin O’Malley Makes Risky 2016 Bet With Maryland Gas Tax,” BuzzFeed, 3/12/13)
O’Malley’s Gas Tax Would Hit “Every Car-Driving Resident Of His State — Including The Middle Class And The Working Poor.” “It’s another for O’Malley to propose a gas tax that will hit every car-driving resident of his state — including the middle class and the working poor.” (Ruby Cramer, “Martin O’Malley Makes Risky 2016 Bet With Maryland Gas Tax,” BuzzFeed, 3/12/13)
Support for Obamacare
O’Malley Celebrated The Passage Of ObamaCare. “Under President Obama’s leadership, finally, we will begin to control the rising cost of healthcare in America, improve the ability of all Americans to take their children to a doctor, and put the American people back in control of their healthcare decisions.” (Governor Martin O’Malley, “Statement From Governor Martin O’Malley Following The Passage Of Health Care Reform” Press Release, 3/22/10)
O’Malley Hailed The Supreme Court’s Decision Upholding ObamaCare In 2012. “Today’s decision gives considerable momentum to our health care reform efforts here in Maryland. What it does not – and indeed must not – do, is give us license to take our eye off the ball or slow our progress. Moms, dads, and kids throughout Maryland are counting on their elected leaders to continue the mission of lowering costs, and improving the quality of care. We remain as committed as ever to moving forward on behalf of our families. We must move forward, not back.” (Governor Martin O’Malley And Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown, “Joint Statement From Governor Martin O’Malley And Lt. Governor Anthony Brown On U.S. Supreme Court Ruling On Affordable Care Act,” Press Release, 6/28/12)
