20060624 KDDC As Confusion reigns over Upcoming Electric Rates

The Maryland Democratic Party adds to the confusion

with a misinformation campaign

June 23^rd, 2006

By Kevin Dayhoff

As confusion reigns over the BGE electric rate increase, the Democratic Party posted an advertisement on their web-site, The Baltimore Sun, claiming to have a “calculator” that will calculate the difference in your electric bill by comparing the Maryland General Assembly rate relief plan and the plan worked out by Governor Ehrlich.

I can no longer find the ad on the Baltimore Sun web-site, but you can view it here.

Apparently, Jay Hancock, pictured above, the excellent business reporter for the Baltimore Sun, thinks that the “Democrat "calculator" is hokum:”

“Democrats published a Web page that purportedly compares the electricity rate-relief plan passed last week by the General Assembly with that of Gov. Robert Ehrlich. Unless you are amused by terrible statistics, don't bother with the "calculator" showing what your BGE bill would be under different scenarios. It will give you zero useful information and, in fact, adds to the confusion over electricity that Democrats accuse Ehrlich of sowing. House Speaker Mike Busch, please take down this site that has been put up in your name. Your plan can be defended based on facts; you don't need this kind of junk.”

Read the rest here.

Be sure to read the last paragraph…

“Well, this isn't boiling. It's slicing and dicing and pureeing and turning beef into BS. If you want to see an intelligent comparison, read Brad Olson's story from last week. It shows that the Democrats' plan is slightly better from a financial standpoint, not grossly superior as portrayed on their Web site. There is enough confusion surrounding this issue already.”

For Governor Ehrlich’s reasons as to why he vetoed the legislation, go here or Click here!

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

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