Having started my day feeling sick, tired and achy, the present I received in my inbox just a short time ago really made my day: "CNN Breaking News: Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter will switch from the Republican to the Democratic Party, multiple sources tell CNN."

I have had a great deal of respect and admiration for the senior senator from Pennsylvania for quite some time. He has shown for years that principles count more than party loyalty. He is a shining example of public service and MANY democrats could learn more than a thing or two about the grace and dignity Sen. Specter has shown for his office. Like many people on both sides of the aisle, Sen. Specter understands the true meaning of patriotism—using it for unification, not obstruction.

I look forward to following where Sen. Specter and the White House lead this nation. He deserves not only our gratitude for making the right decision today, but more importantly, recognition for his nearly thirty years of honorable service to this nation in the U.S. Senate.

Get the news from every perspective::
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/28/specter.party.switch/

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/04/28/source-specter-intends-switch-political-parties/

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/28/specter-will-run-as-a-democrat-in-2010/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/28/arlen-specter-switching-p_n_192298.html

http://specter.senate.gov/public/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlen_Specter

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124093451028864031.html

http://www2.arkansasonline.com/news/2009/apr/28/specter-seek-re-election-democrat/?subscriber/national

http://www.amconmag.com/blog/2009/04/28/specter-switches/

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/politics_nation/2009/04/arlen_specter_switches_parties.html

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0409/21798.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30456741/

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/04/28/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4974413.shtml

http://www.wtov9.com/nationalnews/19311990/detail.html#-

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/specter-to-switch-parties.html?hpid=topnews

http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/index.ssf/2009/04/us_sen_arlen_specter_of_pennsy.html

http://www.npr.org/blogs/politicaljunkie/2009/04/ap_reports_sen_arlen_specter_t.html?sc=fb&cc=fp

Labels: Arlen, Big News, Democrat, News, Newsworthy, politics, Republican, Republican Party, Specter

In late July I was hired by the Committee to Elect Scott Rolle to document the campaign on its quest for the Attorney General's office in Maryland. It is little secret that I am a registered Democrat and an outspoken advocate of individual rights and freedoms, but I've often found my loyalties lie with no single party. Rather my loyalties lie in truly American principles of governing and honesty that no party can claim solely as their own.

I have worked on national and local campaigns for both parties, most notably Sen. John McCain's unsuccessful presidential bid in 2000. Even as a young boy I found excitement and joy in learning about and participating the political process.



The image that you see above was captured after a luncheon in Hagerstown, MD with Lt. Gov. Michael Steele. I caught Scott literally in a moving car speeding on his way to the next community event. It's certainly one of my favorite images of the year, not so much because it's Scott Rolle (who is a handsome gentleman), but because this one image conveys so much more than it might let on. In looking at this image, I'm struck by his measured expression and strong posture. It conveys warmth, heart and vigor all in one. I've been lucky enough to capture the essence of a man before, and I've been lucky once again with Scott Rolle.

Interestingly enough, the folks on the campaign loved this image so much that they used in on the banner of his website: ScottRolle.com. Check it out! I think it looks fantastic. And hopefully soon you'll see all of the other images I've taken for the campaign.

I'm excited to be working with Scott Rolle and his staff. Of all the campaigns I have worked with over the years, this campaign seems to put forth a youthful optimism and sense of duty that I've never seen before. Of the leading candidates, Scott Rolle strikes me to be the least affected by partisan bickering. It is refreshing to know that he surrounds himself with trusted advisers whose base ideology may be different than his own. I've watched him take counsel from everyone -- from me down to the 16-year-old volunteers and everyday citizens on the street. I am glad to see real democracy in action with Scott Rolle. While I may have initially said that I wouldn't vote for a Republican for Attorney General, Scott has proven himself to be a Republican of a different stripe. His ears and his heart are open to everyone and I hope he wins come November. It would be a tremendous win for the State of Maryland and a warning for sexual predators and violent offenders. I guess you could say I'm a bit of a convert. But that's okay, I'm voting for integrity and justice, not by the tired party line.

Stay tuned here for my perspective on Scott Rolle, the campaign and his journey to become the next Attorney General for the State of Maryland, now occupied by the retiring Attorney General Joseph Curran.

Labels: Attorney General, Democrat, Doug Gansler, Frederick County, Hagerstown, John McCain, Justin Schuck, Maryland, Michael Steele, Montgomery County, photography, Republican, Robert Ehrlich, Scott Rolle