A short article on the “Comments and Analysis” page of February 13’s “The Washington Times” is titled “Blind in Benghazi…Congressional inquiry closes in on the truth about the Sept. 11, 2012 terrorist attack” (no author credited). To summarize, the article states that instead of boosting security in Benghazi before September 11, the US State Department had done just the opposite, by decreasing the modest US military presence there in the weeks preceding the attack.

Many questions about the aftermath still remain, including the identity of the person who decided “…that an unknown video floating on You Tube would take the blame for what happened.”  Then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had posed the question, “What difference, at this point, does it make?” but knowing what happened would make a huge difference for the protection of US personnel. The U.S. State Department has boosted security; embassies that previously had no Marine units now have them, along with other measures now having been taken in “high risk” locations.

The article concludes by saying, “The sooner the White House opens up and allows this investigation to conclude, the sooner this tragedy and scandal can be put behind us.” And until we know exactly where Mrs. Clinton was at 3 a.m. on the morning of the attack, what kind of vote of confidence could she possibly expect if she makes a 2016 run for President?

-St. Mary’s County Commissioner Todd Morgan (R), has filed for his second term, representing California, Lexington Park and Great Mills. At this writing, he is running unopposed.

-Former St. Mary’s County Commissioner Thomas F. McKay announced that he will be running for the Maryland House of Delegates seat for District 29A, representing northern St. Mary’s County. This seat is currently held by Del. John F. Wood, Jr. (D) who has announced that he would not be seeking re-election after serving in this position for almost thirty years. McKay faces GOP opponents Matt Morgan and Bryan “Puff” Barthelme in the June 24 Primary election.

-The filing deadline for all candidates for the June Primary is February 25. MD GOP Chair Diana Waterman reminds us that this leaves only five business days to file – through 9 p.m. on Feb. 25. The phone number of the St. Mary’s County Board of Elections is (301)475-7844, Ext. 1100.

-The Maryland House of Delegates each year honors President Abraham Lincoln with a prayer and an address given by delegates selected by fellow members. This year’s commemoration event was held on February 10; Del. Tony O’Donnell gave the prayer.

-Larry Hogan, MD GOP gubernatorial candidate, has won the RED Maryland Poll for the third consecutive month. To view all results, contact redmaryland@gmail.com.

GOP Events Around Town…

-The St. Mary’s County Republican Club meets on Thursday, February 20 at D.B. McMillan’s Restaurant in the Wildewood Shopping Center. The Social Hour begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. Guest speakers will be SMCPS Superintendent Dr. Mike Martirano, and Dr. Jeff Maher, SMCPS Executive Director of Teaching, Learning and Professional Development. The meeting is free and open to the public; all are welcomed to attend.

-Join Republican candidate for Maryland governor Charles Lollar for a Pizza Dinner to be held at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church located on Benfield Road in Severna Park on Thursday, February 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (The AAC