Kendel Ehrlich

HAGERSTOWN - Balloons, T-shirts and stickers all made their pitches for Republican candidates as two television screens broadcast the Washington Redskins game Sunday during a rally for Gov. Robert Ehrlich. While the Redskins went on to lose to the New York Giants, Ehrlich showed no signs of insecurity about his own campaign. "We have the ability for the first time in my 48 years to make this a marketplace state," Ehrlich told a crowd during a rally for families at Clarion Hotel in Hagerstown.

When Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich came to Washington County last week, The Herald-Mail had the opportunity to speak with him about taxes and slot machines. Here is the transcript of the interview, conducted by staff reporter Laura Ernde. Q. House Speaker Michael Busch was in Hagerstown earlier this week talking about the need for tax increases to pay for transportation, education and health care. How do you respond to that? A. I certainly have respectful but significant disagreements with the speaker on a number of issues.

Students raise money for tsunami victims Several Washington County public schools recently reported successful fund-raising efforts on behalf of the tsunami victims in Southeast Asia. · A coin drive at Winter Street Elementary School produced $209 from students, staff, family and neighbors. · The Boonsboro Middle School Social Studies Department coordinated collection of spare change and donations that totaled $1,013. · At Sharpsburg Elementary School, Principal Carl Stark said he would color his hair pink for a day if the students raised at least $1,000 in the "Coins For Caring" fund-raising campaign.