Yes..but he doesn't seem to be the usual rabid firebreathing abortionist.
# Supports abortion rights, with mixed voting record. (Apr 2002)
# Voted YES on funding for health providers who don't provide abortion info. (Sep 2002)
# Voted YES on banning human cloning, including medical research. (Jul 2001)
# Voted YES on federal crime to harm fetus while committing other crimes. (Apr 2001)
# Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortions. (Apr 2000)
# Voted YES on barring transporting minors to get an abortion. (Jun 1999)
Agreed. Like I said, I like the guy. He's a very attractive candidate, but the reason he didn't immediately jump to the top of the '08 Presidential list (IMHO) is this issue. If he sincerely moves to the right, however - and wins re-election - who knows what 2012 might bring?
The Gov. is a pragmatic republican in a state that is rabidly Pro-Dim. Baltimore and the DC suburb counties (including the infamous Montgomery Co.) usually decide the state and federal elections for the rest of us.
MD had an abortion referendum over ten years ago, so no pro-life pol will bear down on it much.
Ron Smith is a "paleo-conservative" talk show host who opposes the war, but generally supports the GOP.
WBAL's radio and TV stations are somewhat independant of each other. Actually a good strategy -that way you can appeal to the broader populance (and sell advertisers on either).