Madaleno Surprises Many (Part I)

Among the tiny slice of people living in District 18 who follow the politics of the General Assembly, the big news this week has been Rich Madaleno’s position relating to the much-hated computer services tax. Under a plan pushed hard by Gov. O’Malley and Sen. President Miller, that tax would be replaced by (1) an increase in the income tax rate for millionaires, and (2) a cut in the transportation budget. Madaleno would prefer ditching the millionaire-tax increase and cutting the budget even more - not a position one might have expected, and one that has clearly displeased the powers that be in Annapolis.

Madaleno bucked the governor, the president, and possibly a number of people in his district by opposing the plan. As reported in places such as the Baltimore Sun:

Some members of the Senate's tax committee argued for using budget cuts alone to compensate for its repeal, saying that the millionaires levy was effectively a tax against hundreds of small business owners who file personal income taxes rather than corporate income taxes.

"I just don't see how, at a time when we're unwilling or unable to move forward with the computer services tax, that we should move forward with another tax on small businesses," said Sen. Richard Madaleno, a Montgomery County Democrat who voted against the bill.

So, with his typical “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature” attitude, Miller was quick to publicly threaten Madaleno. According to the Washington Times, “Miller said Mr. Madaleno endangered his political future by voting against the tax increase.”

Lest there be any doubt as to Miller's intentions, the Sun makes it clear:

After the hearing, Miller said he was "disappointed" in Madaleno and attributed the freshman senator's refusal to fall in line with the governor's proposal to being "young" and "probably nervous."

Miller hinted darkly that Madaleno, a freshman senator and fiscal expert, was "pegged for leadership" but had let down the boss, who is known for rewarding loyal senators with coveted committee leadership slots.

Let’s not forget that Miller only recently promoted Madaleno, a freshman senator, to a subcommittee vice-chairmanship. He is quite comfortable using his position to reward his allies and to punish others.

But is Madaleno really in trouble with Miller and O’Malley? While I don’t know for certain, I suspect not. First, the committee vote that Madaleno lost was 10-5; this was going to easily pass out of committee with or without Madaleno’s support.

Second, Madaleno worked long and hard during the special session to push reluctant colleagues on Miller and O’Malley’s tax package. The bill passed the Senate with zero votes to spare; Madaleno made the difference, and both Miller and O’Malley knew it. With his encyclopedic knowledge of budget and tax issues, he was able to make very persuasive arguments to nervous colleagues. Were it not for Madaleno, the special session could very easily have failed, making the governor look foolish for having called it.

In return, both Democratic leaders gave Madaleno the back of their hands on the gay-rights issues that are so important to him. Miller, in fact, was actively hostile not only to marriage but even to civil unions, and he even voted against a small bill to give domestic partners the same tax exemption rights as other families when they make changes to the title of their homes.

And when it came time to directly fund research into the transportation project at the Intersection of Death, a project that Madaleno has said is one of his top priorities, O'Malley's Department of Transportation said no.

Also, as Madaleno told the Sun, this is the first tax increase he hasn't supported in the six years he’s been in the General Assembly (the first four as a delegate). We’re not talking about someone who routinely defies senior members of his party when tax increases are on the table.

I have no doubt that Mike Miller is mad. O’Malley may be, as well. But Madaleno's actions this week have not done them any harm, and he has helped them immensely in his short time in the Senate. I suspect they know that they’re stronger with him than without him.

Only time will tell if I’m right on this score.

And what about outside of Annapolis? How are Madaleno’s votes and statements playing in District 18? Is he in serious trouble at home?

That is the subject of part II of this post.

(Hey, if I don't break it up, then no one will read it all the way through)