Gov. O'Malley testified yesterday on Capitol Hill about the possibility of a another round of "stimulus" from the federal government. He stated that if the first round doesn't do the job, that he would be open to more money from Congress. With unemployment in Maryland at 7.2%, up from 5.4% just last year, O'Malley believes that more government spending could help the state.

What a shock, right? [Sigh]. An important point that the Baltimore Sun failed to recognize is that next year is an election year. With a projected deficit of $2 billion, O'Malley knows he cannot raise taxes and meaningful spending cuts have never been his cup of tea. So what else is there? More "stimulus"? Nothing like free money from the feds to cover huge deficits right before an election.

Polls are now showing that Americans are not really thrilled with growing deficits and government, and they want President Obama to do something about it. Gov. O'Malley needs to get with the program: No more "stimulus", no more handouts, stop growing government. During this recession, all of us are tightening our belts and learning to live within our means. It's time for state government to do the same.