The joys of franking

Maryland Moment:

Comptroller William Donald Schaefer (D) has begrudgingly, it seems, offered to support the Democratic nominee for governor this year -- which is just one reason why he is likely to raise eyebrows this morning when he unveils new public service ads featuring the wife and son of the Republican incumbent.

The ads -- there are television and radio versions -- are designed to promote Maryland's upcoming tax-free shopping period on clothes and footwear from Aug. 23 to Aug. 27. The TV version of the ad depicts first lady Kendel Ehrlich and her 7-year-old son, Drew, doing back-to-school shopping.

Well, old loyalties do die hard.

Speaking of tax holidays, the Robert Reich column explains why they're a scam. I don't fully agree with what he says, but I always welcome challenges to the taboos surrounding progressive vs. regressive taxes.

Tags: Maryland politics, Schaefer, Ehrlich, taxes, Robert Reich