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In the Media: Clinton Campaigns in Baltimore; Lawmaker Closer to Domestic Violence Definition Change

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Gage Skidmore
/
Flickr
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

A digest of Baltimore news from local sources.

From the Baltimore Sun: Hillary Clinton makes case for cities in Baltimore

"Democratic presidential front runner Hillary Clinton used her first campaign visit in Maryland to argue Sunday for more federal investment in cities, a general election message in a blue state that is beginning to receive an atypical level of attention from presidential candidates from both parties.

"Speaking in Baltimore just more than two weeks before the state's primary, the former secretary of state was joined by several local elected officials. She picked up the endorsement of Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, the last Democratic member of the state's congressional delegation to back her.

"'I particularly want to pay attention to our cities, like Baltimore,' Clinton told about 1,500 supporters gathered in a converted garage near South Baltimore. 'I will focus particularly on communities, neighborhoods, regions that have been passed by.'

"The visit came at the start of what looks to be an energetic presidential election in Maryland and the four other states voting on April 26. Campaign aides for Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont are also beginning to organize here, and most of the Republican candidates are starting to prepare for what could be an important day in the fight for delegates.

"Clinton, who leads Sanders in delegates and votes, delved repeatedly into Maryland politics with a level of specificity unusual for a presidential candidate speaking at a rally. During a passage on federal transportation funding, she took aim at Republican Gov. Larry Hogan by arguing that 'the Red Line here in Baltimore should have been completed.'"

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From City Paper: In surprise move, Maryland lawmaker uses amendment to change domestic violence definition

"Maryland Del. Angela Angel (D-Prince George's County) had some success this week in her efforts to widen the definition of domestic violence in Maryland, but she says she still has a lot of work to do – and not much time in which to do it.

"Angel's original bill, HB 1396, which City Paper wrote about on Thursday, sought to include the malicious destruction of property as a form of domestic abuse. However, that legislation died in committee.

"On Thursday, in a surprise move, Angel introduced an amendment to SB 924 to include malicious destruction of property to the definition of abuse in Maryland Family Law code. The bill passed the House with a vote of 65 to 60.

"She said many of her fellow delegates expressed support—one said the need for such language went beyond party lines.

"In an interview with City Paper Friday night, Angel was jubilant but said there was still much work to be done. The bill still hasn’t crossed over from the House of Delegates to the Maryland State Senate, where it will also need approval. By Saturday, Angel had started a hashtag, #WhereIsSB924 to continue raising awareness."

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From the Washington Post: Meet the woman known as the ‘voice’ of the Maryland Senate

"Lynne B. Porter could be called the Phil Rizzuto of the Maryland Senate.

"But although the late Yankee and 40-year broadcaster for the team was known for his bombastic unpredictability, Porter, 63, is treasured in the august State House chamber for her unflappable calm.

"For nearly three decades, Porter has worked as the Senate reading clerk, calling out the name of each bill as it is considered, tallying votes and projecting the legislation under consideration on two electronic screens.

"She will walk away from her microphone for the last time at midnight Monday, when she retires from the Department of Legislative Services and the Maryland General Assembly adjourns for the year.

“'It’s hard to believe I’ve spent half of my life in the General Assembly,' said Porter, who lives in Bowie, in Prince George’s County.

"Before the ceremonial balloons are thrown over the gallery banister, Porter is expected to call the titles and record the votes of bills that, among other things, will offer tax breaks to most Marylanders, change the way prisoners are sentenced and police officers are trained and disciplined, and provide a process for closures of community hospitals."

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