Maryland Democratic Party Executive Director David Sloan released the following statement contrasting the record of Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley with that of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell:

“Bob McDonnell and Virginia Republicans tout their accomplishments but – as often with the GOP – the facts tell another story. McDonnell’s illusionary “surplus” is the result of deferred bills, dismantled programs important to the middle class, budgetary obfuscation and federal stimulus spending. Rather than investing in Virginia’s future, McDonnell has slashed hundreds of millions of dollars from schools, colleges and universities, and cut funding by a third for EMTs, police officers and firefighters. No wonder Virginia has one of the worst track records on funding education and ranks 44th in job creation in 2011.”

“In Maryland, Governor O’Malley and Democrats have consistently chosen a balanced and adult approach that protects the priorities of middle-class families. Over the last five years, Governor O’Malley has cut $6.8 billion in spending, made record investments in public education and school construction, maintained affordable higher education and expanded healthcare coverage to more than 900,000 low-income, disabled and chronically ill children and adults. Due to the tough decisions Governor O’Malley and Maryland Democrats have made, Maryland’s public schools are ranked number one in the nation, the crime rate is at a 36 year low, and nearly 14,000 jobs were created this year.”

“Voters in Maryland have consistently chosen Democrats to make the right choices. Rather than celebrate a ‘surplus’ built on the backs of working families through cuts in education, public safety, and health care, Governor O’Malley and Maryland Democrats have and will work together to manage our state’s finances responsibly and protect our shared future.”