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“It’s the economy, stupid!” – James Carville’s memorable note-to-self during the 1992 presidential race – will be the determining factor in the 2012 campaign, according to the common wisdom.

As Marylanders, we are fortunate to live in one of the wealthiest states in the nation. Yet 9.7 percent of the people in our state live in poverty – that’s nearly 560,000 people, including almost 175,000 children.

Thirty-two states have, by large majorities, affirmed the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Even so, some gay activists predict reversing this trend on Election Day 2012 when the citizens in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington vote on the definition of marriage.

The other day I saw a little toddler walking across a field following her daddy. Her steps were cautious and unsteady. She seemed very tentative with each movement.

This is the second in a four-part series examining election-related issues.

  I went away on an overnight work retreat last week, and I missed the boys terribly on Thursday night. The only other time I have left them both overnight was for another work obligation. And, of course, Leo stayed with my parents for two weeks last year when John and I