Franchot Blog

What an incredible night!

Hillary Rodham Clinton just delivered one of the most important speeches of this election season – and reminded us why 18 million Americans cast their votes for her! 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling.

Senator Clinton spoke from the heart and spoke to the hopes and dreams of everyone in this nation who yearns for change and seeks a better tomorrow. She spoke about the issues she has been fighting for years: health care, a strong economy and a clean environment. And she spoke about the need to elect Barack Obama President of the United States of America.

I'm so proud of our Party and I'm in awe of the speech Senator Clinton delivered tonight – and the extraordinary campaign she ran.

And earlier today, I visited with another impressive Democratic woman, Ms. Roxanne Taylor. Although not a household name, Ms. Taylor nonetheless, possesses the kind of grit and determination that embodies our Party, and embodies our American values.

Last night, Ms. Taylor, who is an Obama Delegate and here with the Maryland Delegation in Denver, suffered a stroke. She is in stable condition and good spirits, and hoping to be discharged soon. In fact, when I visited her this afternoon at the hospital, she was adamant that she was going to make to hear Barack Obama's acceptance speech on Thursday! That's the kind of passion that defines us as Democrats, and it's why we are going to prevail this November.

Join me in wishing Roxanne a speedy recovery, and please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

A great time was had by all at yesterday's event guest starring Wendell Pierce aka Bunk Moreland from The Wire. Check out some photos of the event:

Wendell Pierce Being Interviewed

Wendell Pierce with Delegate Curt Anderson, Comptroller Franchot and his wife, Anne Maher

Wendell Pierce with Comptroller Franchot and a member of the Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl winning team, Michael McCrary

Wow! What a night it was, and to think we are just getting started….

It was an absolute honor to be on the convention floor with my fellow Maryland delegates listening to two inspirational speakers deliver powerful messages about what we are fighting for as Democrats in this election and why we need to elect Barack Obama President of the United States of America.

One of last night's biggest highlights for me was hearing from Senator Ted Kennedy, who is one of the greatest progressive voices of a generation and whose career in the United States Senate is unmatched in accomplishments that have touched the lives of countless American families. Despite his current battle with brain cancer, Senator Kennedy showed last night the same dignity, courage and strength which we have all come to know from him and his family. From my vantage point on the floor, I could see very few dry eyes in the house.

I was also humbled to listen to the future First Lady, Michelle Obama. Her and Barack's story of growing up with humble roots, working hard and never forgetting where they came from is truly an American story we can all relate to. Her devotion to her family, her husband, and her country make her someone we all can look to for inspiration and for gaining a greater sense of the man we need to elect our 44th President.

After the speeches, I hosted a party for the Maryland delegation that featured actor Wendell Pierce who played Detective Bunk Moreland on HBO's hit series "The Wire". It was so good to see so many Marylanders fired up and it was great to swap stories with Wendell, who has been campaigning hard for Senator Obama.

While it may seem hard to top the excitement of yesterday, Day Two of the Convention looks to be yet another great day, with my good friend Mark Warner delivering the Keynote Address tonight along with what will surely be a passionate and strong speech from Senator Hillary Clinton.

Stay tuned throughout the convention for more updates.

Today, the gavel comes down for the official "call to order" to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Ever since I arrived in Denver yesterday afternoon, the city has been buzzing with enthusiasm over the announcement of Senator Joe Biden as Barack Obama's pick for vice president. The overwhelming number of Democrats I talked to have praised Senator Biden for the experience, independence and sound judgment he brings to the ticket.

Last night, I attended Congressman Elijah Cummings' reception for the Maryland delegation, where we were fortunate to be joined by Massachusetts Senator John Kerry. Every time I hear Congressman Cummings speak about Senator Obama and the importance of this election, I am humbled by the historic significance of this week leading up to Senator Obama's acceptance speech on Thursday night, which is also the same day which Dr. Martin Luther King gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech 45 years ago.

This morning started with a delegation breakfast hosted by Governor Martin O'Malley. We were also heartened to hear the news that Senator Ted Kennedy has made the trip to Denver and might be speaking tonight. His presence at this convention adds an extra level of excitement, particularly for those of us who have always remembered the Kennedy family's ability to inspire a nation to serve a higher cause – much like Senator Obama inspires a new generation of Americans now.

I'm now off to tonight's events, culminating in the primetime speech from the future First Lady, Michelle Obama. Since this campaign began, Americans have seen the grace, energy and commitment Michelle brings not only to her family, but also to Barack's campaign to change our nation's politics.

For those of you in Denver, I invite you to attend the reception I am hosting tonight for the Maryland delegation at Dixon's right downtown beginning at 9 pm. Our special guest this evening will be actor Wendell Pierce, who played Detective Bunk Moreland on HBO's hit series, The Wire. If you are not in Denver, do not worry…I will be posting video and stories from tonight's reception on the blog.

Comptroller Peter Franchot is twittering from the convention. Follow his feed at http://twitter.com/peterfranchot.

Next week, I will be traveling to Denver, Colorado to participate in an historic Democratic National Convention as we nominate Senator Barack Obama to become the next President of the United States of America. I'll be blogging live everyday from the Convention to keep you up-to-date on all of the important developments, so be sure to check my campaign blog at www.franchot.com/blog. Stay tuned to my website for videos, stories and convention coverage from a Maryland perspective.

Tune in all next week at www.franchot.com/blog

I was proud to endorse Barack Obama in January because he is an inspirational leader who can bring people together to truly change Washington. Our country faces some enormous challenges - ending the disastrous war in Iraq, getting our economy back on the right track, combating catastrophic climate change and addressing an energy crisis that's putting the squeeze on too many of Maryland's middle class families. I know that Barack Obama is the right person to lead this country in these difficult times.

This election is going to be tough and Barack Obama needs Maryland to help deliver the victory and set America back on the right track. I strongly encourage you to join Marylanders for Obama today.

JOIN MARYLANDERS FOR OBAMA AT MD.BARACKOBAMA.COM!

Thanks so much for your time and support.

Comptroller Peter Franchot is giving away millions of dollars to Marylanders. He's sent thousands of letters to Marylanders offering to give you your money back. This money comes from unclaimed property accounts, and, thanks to Comptroller Franchot's leadership, he's matching unclaimed property accounts with tax rolls to make sure you can get the money you're owed!

The Comptroller is trying to return $778 million to Maryland citizens. He's sending letters to Marylanders notifying them that they will be getting checks over the next few weeks. Even if you didn't get a letter, that doesn't mean that you aren't owed money! Go to www.MissingMoney.com and find out if the government owes you!

On Tuesday night, after 15 long months and 54 contests, I was thrilled to see Senator Barack Obama secure the Democratic nomination for President. The primary results in Montana and South Dakota marked both an ending and new beginning in the long journey to take back the White House following eight years of the failed presidency of George W. Bush. As Democrats and as Americans, we can all be proud of the trailblazing and historical candidacies of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, both of which have galvanized and inspired millions of ordinary people to believe once again in the promise of America.

Throughout this campaign, Senator Obama’s message of changing our nation’s politics has brought together Democrats, Republicans and independents who are ready to turn the page and begin a new chapter in American history. I was honored to be a part of a phenomenal team of leaders here in Maryland including Congressman Elijah Cummings, Attorney General Doug Gansler, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and countless others who worked to deliver an overwhelming victory for him this February.

Now, with the primary season behind us, we must unite as Democrats and turn our full attention to the challenge ahead this fall. John McCain may try to distance himself from the President, but he cannot escape the fact that he is campaigning to carry out George Bush’s third term. With so much at stake in the coming months, let us today celebrate all that our party and our country has accomplished this primary season, knowing that come tomorrow, we as Democrats must get back to the hard work necessary to take back our country this November.

I urge you to log onto http://www.barackobama.com to see how you can get involved in the campaign and help change America. Toghether, we can make a difference and secure an historic victory in November.

Amending our Constitution to bring slot machine gambling to Maryland won't lower your taxes or solve our budget crisis, but it will mean higher crime, more gambling addictions and more broken homes across our state. In fact, it's estimated that Maryland can expect to pay $3 in costs for every $1 in supposed slots benefits.

I am a proud member of Marylanders United to Stop Slots, a grassroots coalition consisting of thousands of concerned citizens who oppose amending our Constitution to legalize slot machine gambling in Maryland. As Governor O'Malley aptly put it in January 2004, Slots is a "fools' gold solution."

Marylanders United is a grassroots coalition of community, faith and political activists who oppose a back door tax increase on working families. Our coalition just launched a new website, MarylandersUnited.com. I hope you'll visit the site and join our campaign to stop slot machine gambling in Maryland.

TOGETHER, WE CAN STOP SLOTS. JOIN MARYLANDERS UNITED NOW!

Out of state gambling industry fat cats will spend millions of dollars trying to convince you that giving them windfall profits is somehow good public policy for Maryland. We all know it's not. And united, we can defeat the wealthy special interests and make a real difference.

According to the Washington Post, the more people know the truth about slot machine gambling, the more they oppose it. They write, "Advocates of slots don't want Marylanders to know too much before the fall referendum. They'd rather not have voters focus on crime, addictive behavior and other social costs associated with gambling, handouts to the moribund horse racing industry, or the fact that the state constitution would be tampered with under the proposal on the ballot. But here's a case where only a well-informed citizenry can make a sound decision."

You can use our website to make sure people know the truth about the dangers of amending our Constitution to bring slot machine gambling to Maryland. You can write a letter to the editor, call talk radio, send a message to your friends, get internet graphics, sign up to volunteer and contribute to our effort to stop slots. Please, visit the new MarylandersUnited.com today and join our coalition to stop slots!

TOGETHER, WE CAN STOP SLOTS. JOIN MARYLANDERS UNITED NOW!

Thanks so much for your time and continued support.

Welcome to my newly updated campaign website!

Since being elected Comptroller in November 2006, I have tried my best to uphold my promise to you of being an independent voice and fiscal watchdog in Annapolis. It is my hope that this updated website will help keep you informed on our efforts to deliver on this promise.

Please check back to this site often as I hope to keep it updated with the latest news and happenings of our work. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance!