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31. Out in the County with Michael Sanderson

In episode 31 of The Lobby, in celebration of Conduit Street Podcast's recent achievement in reaching 1000 followers, Damian jumps all the way in on county politics. Guest Michael Sanderson of the Maryland Association of Counties and the Conduit Street Podcast joins us to share his insight into Maryland government structure, where the power rests in the state, and the reason we care what the county thinks. Later, he'll top off our Center Maryland 2022 Legislative Session Winners with one of his own that listeners may be less than aware of. This year's MACo Conference is going to be a…

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A Lobby Special: #DaysBetween

As we reach the end of the Center Maryland #DaysBetween, Damian sits down with Jim Anderson, a former Enterprise real estate executive with first-hand experience with James Rouse and the Columbia project, as well as many other notable developments nationwide. The two share their experiences with the Rouse ideology and tease apart what made him as influential and ahead of his time as he was. We hope to see you soon in the Lobby.

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A Conference Call special: Lincoln, Lincoln, and Local Journalism

In this special Conference Call cross-over episode of The Lobby, Damian is joined by CNN political analyst and author John Avlon to talk about the lasting and unseen legacy of the politicking of Abraham Lincoln, and the keys to his success. Later, Damian and John discuss the importance of local journalism in the wake of the launch of the Baltimore Banner, and the effect of dwindling local news around the country. We hope to see you soon in the Lobby.

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Believin’ in Evelyn w/ Janssen Evelyn

Candace and Tom celebrate FIVE YEARS of podcasting by hosting a live interview with Howard County Council District 4 candidate Janssen Evelyn. He addressed why housing is one of his top priorities and the way in which art infuses itself into his life. Janssen also recounts some stories from the field as he works to become the first person of color to represent Downtown Columbia on the County Council.

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30. Friendly Neighborhood Pharmacist with Scott Pace and Bretta Grinsteinner

In episode 30 of The Lobby, Damian speaks with Bretta Grinsteinner, a vice-president at EPIC pharmacy, and Scott Pace, an independent pharmacy owner and go-to voice on the relationship between Pharmaceutical Services Administrative Organizations (PSAOs) and pharmacies for the Maryland legislature. Legislation to differentiate between PSAOs and Pharmacy Benefit Managers is moving on for the Governor's signature. Listen as they discuss the bills' paths to victory, independent pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of Pharmaceutical Services Administrative Organizations. The 2022 legislative session is almost over! Be on the lookout for our Center Maryland 2022 Session Winners. We hope…

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29. Ukraine, Locally with Senator Jim Rosapepe

In episode 29 of The Lobby, Damian speaks with Senator Jim Rosapepe (MD-21) about the legislative session and the suspension of the gas tax. Then, stick around while the Senator gives his view of the unfolding situation in Ukraine, colored by his own foreign policy experience as the U.S. Ambassador to Romania from 1997-2001. We hope to see you soon in the Lobby.

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Politics

Surging gas taxes expected to be political weapon in Maryland politics

Candidates for governor wielded divergent views on Maryland’s looming gas tax hike like a cudgel this week, seeking to score points with voters ahead of a July primary while those in a position to bring relief stood by. The 18 percent increase, scheduled to automatically occur in July, divided the crowded Democratic field as Republican candidates capitalized on economic discontent. That’s a strategy that political experts noted smoothed a path to victory in two elections for Republican Gov. Larry Hogan in a deeply Democratic state.

Read More: Washington Post