http://www.douggansler.com/blog Doug Gansler for Attorney General Campaign Blog {weblog_language} info@ganslerformaryland.com Copyright 2013 2013-05-11T17:30:21+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/no_shortage_of_scammers Attorney General Gansler warns consumers about the latest identity theft threat making the rounds, which attempts to trick call recipients into thinking they are eligible for a free medical alert device. 2013-05-11T17:30:21+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/gun_law_passes_constitutional_muster After an exhaustive legal review, Attorney General Gansler has found the commonsense gun control legislation passed by the General Assembly this year would withstand constitutional challenges. 2013-05-11T04:15:04+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/following_our_lead_on_campaign_finance More than two years after Attorney General Gansler’s Advisory Committee on Campaign Finance submitted its final recommendations to reform the flawed system, the General Assembly approved legislation that includes several core proposals contained in the advisory committee’s report. It was signed into law on May 2. 2013-05-06T02:16:08+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/making_a_law_better A law championed last year by Attorney General Gansler that protects children from becoming victims of identity theft was strengthened this year by adding protections for foster children who are more likely to have a line of credit illegally opened in their name by family members or scammers. 2013-05-03T03:41:08+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/putting_mortgage_settlement_funds_to_work_on_the_eastern_shore With an expanding case-load to deal with, Mid-Shore Pro Bono recently received $343,000 from the Attorneys General Mortgage Servicing Settlement to help distressed homeowners in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's and Talbot counties. 2013-04-28T15:08:23+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/shining_a_light_on_internet_privacy_safety Attorney General Gansler is teaming up with Facebook to bring Internet safety to the forefront by unveiling a public awareness campaign to educate all digital consumers, especially teens and their parents, about online safety and privacy on Facebook and across the Web. 2013-04-21T03:36:49+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/praise_for_common_sense_gun_control_legislation Attorney General Gansler applauded the General Assembly for passing common-sense legislation aimed at reducing gun violence and protecting public safety, while preserving Second Amendment rights for law-abiding citizens. 2013-04-06T03:35:22+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/commemmorating_mlk 45 years ago today, civil rights trailblazer Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in front of a Memphis hotel. 2013-04-04T12:01:32+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/another_year_for_charm_city_youth_lax The fifth year of Charm City Youth Lacrosse is underway with a record number of participants and a program for girls being offered for the first time. 2013-04-01T03:01:38+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/ending_discrimination_in_landmark_legal_cases Attorney General Gansler is confident of a favorable outcome in two constitutional challenges that pursue equal rights for same-sex couples now before the Supreme Court. 2013-03-30T01:39:34+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/domestic_violences_other_victims The media is taking notice of Attorney General Gansler's top legislative priority this year: a bill that would give judges the discretion to add an enhanced sentencing penalty of up to five years for anyone found guilty of committing domestic violence in the presence of a child between the ages of 2 and 16. 2013-03-26T04:14:57+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/federal_court_upholds_md._carry_law Attorney General Gansler scored a major federal court victory this week as the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals declared Maryland's handgun carry permit statute constitutional, including the provision requiring a "good and substantial reason" to obtain a handgun carry permit outside the home. 2013-03-23T14:34:56+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/preserving_internet_privacy Attorney General Gansler scored another win for online consumers as Google agreed to settle allegations that it violated users' privacy by collecting data from unsecured personal and business wireless networks nationwide while taking photographs for its "Street View" mapping service. 2013-03-14T05:08:19+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/wall_street_journal_op_ed_uniting_states_against_iran Despite partisan divides, Americans consistently unite to defend against threats to national security. Chief among those threats is Iran, which has ignored repeated international calls for peace and instead pursued its nuclear-weapons capability and sponsored terrorist plots against the United States and its allies. 2013-03-09T05:28:32+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/fight_for_equality_persists Maryland voters upheld the state's marriage equality law at the ballot box last year, but Attorney General Gansler continues to advocate in favor of equal rights for same-sex couples. 2013-03-02T04:47:52+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/dna_a_supreme_case In a case that will have huge implications in Maryland and across the country, the Supreme Court heard arguments on the Maryland law that allows police to take a DNA swab upon arrest of a suspect in a violent crime. 2013-02-27T05:32:43+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/exceeding_expectations_in_mortgage_settlement_relief Barely a year after Attorney General Gansler announced Marylanders would receive an estimated $957 million in relief from the National Mortgage Settlement with the five major mortgage servicers, the latest report from the court-appointed Monitor overseeing the settlement indicates that Marylanders have already received more than $1.1 billion in assistance with another $118 million in aid in the pipeline 2013-02-24T03:51:57+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/getting_the_word_out_on_human_trafficking_horrors Attorney General Gansler joined representatives of Clear Channel Outdoor and the Polaris Project, an international anti-human trafficking organization, at the base of a digital billboard alongside the Jones Falls Expressway in north Baltimore to launch the campaign to promote the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888), a 24-hour resource for the public to anonymously report tips of suspected human trafficking or for survivors to request help. 2013-02-23T04:39:24+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/coming_together_on_guns Attorney General Gansler strongly believes there is common ground that can help reduce gun violence without infringing on Constitutional rights. One such initiative that all Marylanders can get behind is the first-ever statewide Gun Turn-In Day, scheduled for May 11 and held in cooperation with local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies across the state. 2013-02-14T03:13:28+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/on_gun_control_finding_commonsense_solutions Bringing together police, prosecutors, legal scholars and civic leaders, Attorney General Gansler hosted a forum on gun violence this week that generated valuable dialogue in the quest for commonsense solutions to reducing gun violence and keeping illegal guns away from criminals and others who would kill or injure. 2013-02-09T04:32:25+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/focusing_on_internet_privacy Attorney General Gansler has announced the formation of a new Internet Privacy Unit within his office that puts a special emphasis on this ever-evolving consumer protection issue. 2013-01-31T03:39:16+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/chatter_at_the_columbia_mall Attorney General Gansler dropped by the Mall in Columbia last week for a podcast recording with two of Howard County's most well-known political pundits -- Dennis Lane and Paul Skalny. 2013-01-26T04:08:21+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/protect_the_turtle Acting on behalf of the University of Maryland, Attorney General Gansler has filed suit against the Atlantic Coast Conference alleging the assessment of an "exit fee" is an illegal restraint of trade in violation of antitrust laws. 2013-01-24T03:21:48+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/a_dialogue_on_gun_violence Drawing on his 20-plus years of experience as a prosecutor at the local, state and federal levels, Attorney General Gansler is hosting a forum on gun violence in Maryland on Monday, February 4 at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. The event is designed to discuss challenges and develop practical solutions from the law enforcement and legal communities, as well as civic leaders. 2013-01-19T03:56:45+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/baltimore_sun_op_ed_keep_the_focus_on_handguns_in_maryland Attorney General Gansler opens a statewide conversation on reducing gun violence in Maryland. Share your ideas by emailing yourvoice@oag.state.md.us Watch for proposed solutions in the weeks to come. 2013-01-14T17:00:23+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/helping_distressed_homeowners_get_the_assistance_they_need For nearly a year, Attorney General Gansler has been working hard to educate Marylanders about the nearly $26 billion National Mortgage Settlement that will provide nearly $1 billion in relief to borrowers in Maryland 2013-01-12T12:28:34+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/ringing_in_the_new_year_protecting_children_from_identity_thieves_and_celeb As we turn the page on 2012, I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year and the sincere hope that 2013 brings you and your loved ones much prosperity. 2013-01-03T04:39:28+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/progress_on_menhaden_fishing_controls_but_is_it_enough As usual, the devil is in the details. Attorney General Gansler believes the decision by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to cut Menhaden fishing by 20% in the waters at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay is a good start. Yet, it may not ultimately serve the goal of restoring health and balance to the Bay. 2012-12-15T05:36:34+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/fracking_acid_mine_runoff_highlighted_in_western_maryland_audit The fourth and final audit of 2012 was the Potomac River North Branch in Allegany County where Attorney General Gansler toured a potential national gas hydro-fracturing or "fracking" site on state lands, examined efforts to mitigate acid runoff from abandoned coal mines and talked with local citizens, environmental activists and elected leaders about the state of the river and some steps that can be taken to help restore it. 2012-12-12T05:13:39+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/momentum_for_marriage_equality_grows_as_supreme_court_to_take_up_two_cases The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take two marriage equality cases under consideration in the 2013 session. 2012-12-08T04:47:38+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/on_the_brink_of_marriage_equality This week, Attorney General Gansler issued an opinion that allows same-sex couples to ring in the new year by exchanging wedding vows if they receive postdated marriage licenses in advance of the law's Jan. 1 effective date. 2012-12-01T03:59:12+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/fighting_violent_crime_supreme_court_agrees_to_hear_marylands_dna_database As a prosecutor for more than 20 years, Attorney General Gansler knows firsthand the importance of DNA evidence and the value of Maryland’s DNA database. When the state’s highest court struck it down, Attorney General Gansler petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court and now, is looking forward to defending the value of the DNA Database to making our homes and families safer from violent criminals. 2012-11-24T03:20:19+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/giving_back_for_a_worthy_cause For the last few years, I've been privileged to serve as the honorary chairman of the Maryland Food Bank's Annual Lawyers' Campaign Against Hunger. I recently had the opportunity to launch that campaign once again this year in its 25th year. 2012-10-26T05:37:07+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/10_years_later_looking_back_on_the_d.c._snipers 10 years ago, the D.C. area and beyond was paralyzed by fear because of a series of sniper shootings that randomly targeted individuals pumping gas, loading their cars and even walking to school. 2012-10-08T03:35:49+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/helping_combat_domestic_violence Through his involvement in many charitable endeavors, Attorney General Gansler knows there are many great organizations making a profound impact in our communities. He was recently asked to attend and speak at an event where the Verizon Foundation handed out $50,000 to organizations that strive to combat domestic violence. 2012-10-06T03:55:55+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/holding_businesses_accountable_hand_sanitizer_manufacturer_cant_prove_claim One day last year, Attorney General Gansler picked up a bottle of hand sanitizer on his secretary's desk and wondered if it really killed 99.99 percent of germs that it claimed on the label. 2012-09-22T17:04:18+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/settlement_means_money_for_e_book_consumers Good news for Marylanders who buy e-books. Attorney General Gansler entered into an antitrust settlement with three of the nation's biggest publishers that collaborated to artificially inflate prices. 2012-09-02T04:19:09+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/a_conversation_with_the_baltimore_jewish_times Attorney General Gansler recently chatted with Ron Snyder of the Baltimore Jewish Times about his work as the state's top law enforcer and the role that faith plays in shaping his character as a person and a politician. 2012-09-01T03:20:13+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/mortgage_settlement_has_already_yielded_results_for_borrowers Great news for Maryland homeowners! The National Mortgage Settlement that Attorney General Gansler and 48 other counterparts signed onto back in February is already paying dividends for distressed borrowers in need of relief -- and this is only the beginning. 2012-08-30T14:31:24+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/ag_gansler_orders_steep_penalty_against_driveway_paver Attorney General Gansler often talks about the important role his office plays in cracking down on shady businesses and helping Marylanders get a fair shake. The latest examples of this shows that the Attorney General is sticking up for consumers who have been ripped off. 2012-08-17T05:20:36+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/sitting_down_with_marylandreporter.com Attorney General Gansler recently had a chance to sit down with Len Lazarick of MarylandReporter.com to discuss his internet privacy initative as NAAG president and to talk about a few other issues. 2012-07-19T04:55:38+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/good_news_for_marylands_uninsured Today the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. This is terrific news for Maryland's uninsured, who can now be confident that the protections extended to them under the Act will be in place to help them get the care they need. 2012-06-28T16:26:39+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/president_of_naag On Thursday night I was unanimously elected by my peers to be the 105th President of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) during NAAG’s annual summer meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. I'm excited to tell you my goals for my term. 2012-06-23T12:48:30+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/baltimore_sun_op_ed_affordable_care_act_a_national_solution_to_national_pro Gansler makes the legal case for the Affordable Care Act, from the perspective of those states fighting for lasting health care solutions. 2012-06-19T12:28:00+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/ag_gansler_provides_funding_for_housing_programs_with_settlement_money Attorney General Gansler has outlined plans to allocate most of the nearly $60 million that Maryland received directly from the national mortgage settlement for more housing counselors, providing legal assistance for homeowners and rebuilding dilapidated neighborhoods. 2012-05-31T13:23:03+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_gansler_continues_focus_on_foreclosures As new numbers show Baltimore foreclosures up 20 percent since last year at this time, Attorney General Doug Gansler continues his statewide effort to educate homeowners about the $26 billion national mortgage settlement and the nearly $1 billion in aid coming to Maryland borrowers. 2012-05-24T03:34:25+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/charm_city_lacrosse_program_featured_in_state_bar_publication Charm City Youth Lacrosse, which Attorney General Gansler founded in 2009 to introduce the sport to underserved city youth, was featured in the Maryland State Bar Association publication. The article explores the Attorney General's interest in starting the program, as well as the attorneys who give their free time to participate. 2012-05-24T02:53:17+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/ag_ganslers_hotel_lights_bill_seen_as_positive_green_energy_initiative A new state law championed by Attorney General Doug Gansler that requires newly-built hotels to install sensory devices in each room that automatically shut off lights if the room is unoccupied for 30 minutes is the latest in Maryland's effort to conserve energy costs. 2012-05-22T12:42:00+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/high_court_ruling_another_victory_for_ag_gansler_marriage_equality_advocate A Maryland Court of Appeals ruling that allows same-sex couples to divorce is "a noteworthy validation for Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler, who was roundly condemned by conservative lawmakers for issuing an opinion two years ago that came to the very same conclusion as the high court," the Baltimore Sun editorial board wrote after the high court issued the unanimous decision. 2012-05-19T14:22:44+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_gansler_visits_youghiogeny_river_in_first_audit_of_2012 Attorney General Gansler made the long trek to Garrett County for his first Environmental Audit of 2012 -- the fifth consecutive year the audits have been conducted -- convening a group of local elected officials, civic leaders and environmental advocates for a daylong crash course on the region's successes and challenges. 2012-05-18T03:00:47+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_gansler_gets_more_than_100k_for_consumers_in_skechers_sett Attorney General Doug Gansler scored a win on behalf of consumers through a settlement agreement with Skechers USA over deceptive health claims that will bring in more than $111,000 in cash and refunds to Maryland consumers. 2012-05-17T04:53:59+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/ag_gansler_calls_on_congress_to_boost_funding_for_crime_victims Citing an obvious and critical need to provide more resources for crime victims, Attorney General Doug Gansler appealed to Congress to increase the cap on the Crime Victims Fund to at least $1 billion. 2012-05-09T01:48:46+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/ag_gansler_secures_1.8_million_in_prescription_drug_settlement Attorney General Gansler joined a 46-state/territorial settlement against Illinois-based Abbott Laboratories that is the largest multi-state consumer protection-based pharmaceutical settlement ever reached. 2012-05-07T05:13:09+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_gansler_explains_decision_to_challenge_court_of_appeals_ru Attorney General Gansler appeared on Newstalk with Bruce DePuyt and the Kojo Nnamdi Show to explain his decision to challenge a Court of Appeals ruling that overturned a state law he championed three years ago that expanded the use of DNA by law enforcement agencies to allow collection samples from suspects of serious crimes upon arrest. 2012-05-07T05:03:43+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/wash._post_columnist_contrasts_gansler_with_va._counterpart Washington Post Columnist Robert Barnes takes a closer look at the differing positions of Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler and Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli on several critical social issues that have come before the Supreme Court this term. 2012-05-06T22:32:59+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/baltimore_sun_editorial_one_loophole_down_24_to_go Click here to read what the Baltimore Sun had to say about the need for greater adoption of the campaign finance reforms proposed by the Attorney General's Advisory Committee on Campaign Finance. 2012-05-02T23:45:44+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/ag_gansler_medchi_team_up_to_ease_health_insurance_complaint_process In a joint effort that would allow doctors to file health insurance complaints on behalf of their patients, Attorney General Gansler joined forces with MedChi to spread the word about how the Attorney General's Health Education and Advocacy Unit can benefit patients when legitimate health insurance claims have been denied. 2012-04-29T04:28:06+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_ganslers_audits_show_progress_made_on_chesapeake_bay_water Continuing his focus on environmental enforcement and the challenges facing Maryland waterways, Attorney General Gansler released his 2011 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Environmental Audit. The fourth in a series of annual reports details the 2011 audits of the Back, Anacostia and Choptank Rivers and the Baltimore Harbor. 2012-04-23T04:09:08+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/politico_puts_spotlight_on_attorney_general_ganslers_role_in_health_care_ac Attorney General Doug Gansler has been featured by one of Washington's most influential political newspapers for his role in defending the constitutionality of the federal Affordable Care Act. 2012-04-02T04:23:48+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/ag_gansler_settlement_funds_will_be_used_for_homeowner_relief Following a March 23rd meeting with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and Maryland housing advocates, Attorney General Doug Gansler said money that Maryland will receive from the National Attorneys' General Mortgage Servicing Settlement will be used for homeowner relief programs. 2012-03-28T02:41:24+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/march_20_attorney_general_gansler_to_host_community_forum_on_internet_priva As part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness about Internet privacy concerns, Attorney General Doug Gansler on Tuesday evening hosted a community forum on internet privacy at Winston Churchill High School. 2012-03-20T11:20:32+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_ganslers_weighs_in_on_passage_of_marriage_equality_legisla "I want to express my gratitude and congratulations to members of the Maryland Senate who tonight have joined with the House of Delegates in tearing down the barriers to full citizenship for same-sex couples who have been denied the freedom to marry and the protections and responsibilities that so many people take for granted." 2012-02-24T00:48:42+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/ag_gansler_challenges_googles_privacy_policy Attorney General Gansler is spearheading an effort of three dozen attorneys general throughout the county who are raising concerns about Google's new privacy policy that is set to take effect March 1 and impact all users of Google products with no opportunity to opt out. 2012-02-23T11:00:35+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_gansler_secures_nearly_1b_in_relief_for_maryland_mortgage_ Attorney General Gansler, working with 47 other state attorneys general, secured a $25 billion settlement with the country's five biggest mortgage servicers on Thursday that is estimated to bring close to $1 billion to Marylanders in need of mortgage relief. 2012-02-09T13:10:00+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_gansler_the_mortgage_servicing_settlement_in_his_own_words Attorney General Gansler talked with WTOP Radio on Thursday morning to explain the nationwide mortgage servicing settlement with the country's five biggest mortgage servicers and why it makes a difference for Marylanders. 2012-02-09T13:05:42+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/media_coverage_of_mortgage_servicing_settlement_sun_editorial_board_lauds_g National and local media are looking favorably upon the State Attorneys General Mortgage Servicing Settlement, including The (Baltimore) Sun, whose editorial board applauded Attorney General Gansler's decision to join. They call it a "good deal for Maryland" that "speeds the day when the foreclosure crisis will be behind us, and that's good for all Maryland homeowners, not just those who fell prey to predatory lending practices." 2012-02-09T04:59:34+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/baltimore_fishbowl_gets_personal_with_attorney_general_gansler Ever wonder what book is on Doug's nightstand, the best advice he's ever received and what makes lacrosse such an appealing sport? Baltimore Fishbowl asked Attorney General Gansler these questions and many more. 2012-02-08T12:27:12+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_gansler_discusses_danger_of_binge_in_a_can_beverages Attorney General Gansler is interviewed live on Fox-5 in Washington about the steps he and other attorneys general are taking to try to decrease the danger of Four Loko and other similar drinks that have grown increasingly popular among youngsters. 2011-12-29T14:07:43+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_doug_gansler_protecting_the_bay_cracks_down_on_oyster_poac 2011-09-02T12:46:14+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_doug_gansler_on_newschannel_8_binge_in_a_can_same_sex_marr “Binge-in-a-can,” same-sex marriage, financial fraud, the crackdown on polluters, his political future and more… TO VIEW, 2011-08-17T14:14:08+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_gansler_on_wbal_tv_for_sunday_q_a Safe drinking water, internet privacy, and diversity of the judicial bench. TO VIEW, 2011-08-14T17:44:51+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/listen_up Same-sex marriage in Maryland, a recent $500,000 penalty ordered against a Cambridge, Maryland country club for dumping raw sewage into the Choptank River, and a landowner education campaign on natural gas drilling contracts in western Maryland and much more… TO LISTEN, 2011-08-11T18:43:51+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/protecting_your_online_privacy_limewire_users_be_warned Responding to Attorney General Doug Gansler’s investigation into the inadvertent sharing of private information by consumers utilizing LimeWire, the popular peer-to-peer file-sharing software widely used to share music via the Internet, the company has agreed to provide notice to Maryland consumers regarding the risk to private and sensitive information posed by the use of this service. “When opening your computer to online sharing, you should be as careful as when you're opening your home to strangers,” said Attorney General Gansler. 2011-07-07T16:45:24+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_gansler_cops_and_cal_ripkin_team_up_to_mentor_youth Attorney General Gansler, Maryland law enforcement officials, and the Cal Ripkin, Sr. Foundation have teamed up for a youth-mentoring program called "Badges for Baseball" that connects kids with cops who play sports with them and serve as mentors. 2011-06-06T16:28:36+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_gansler_recovers_millions_from_bank_that_attempted_to_defr Attorney General Doug Gansler today secured a $90.8 million agreement with Union Bank of Switzerland, UBS, for its involvement in a nationwide scheme to rig bids and defraud state agencies, county governments and non-profits in their purchase of municipal bond derivatives. “Taxpayer money was invested in these rigged or tainted municipal contracts. Taxpayers should get the true value of their dollar,” said Attorney General Gansler. 2011-05-04T21:01:20+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_gansler_protects_consumers_from_deceptive_concert_ticket_s Attorney General Doug Gansler's Consumer Protection Division today reached a settlement with Ticketmaster requiring the company to inform consumers who opt to continuie searching for tickets when the company is sold out that they are being diverted to a resale website where ticket brokers and other resellers offer tickets they might not have in hand for sale at inflated prices. 2011-05-02T18:54:45+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_gansler_challenges_natural_gas_fracking_operation_to_prote Just ten days after thousands of gallons of “fracking” fluids were released from a natural gas well owned and operated by Chesapeake Energy into a tributary of the Susquehanna River, which supplies 50% of the fresh water to the Chesapeake Bay, Attorney General Doug Gansler notified Chesapeake Energy Corporation and its affiliates of his intent to sue. 2011-04-29T18:35:43+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/gansler_fights_underage_and_binge_drinking Attorney General Gansler today asked Pabst Brewing Company to stop producing and selling Blast by Colt 45 – a new flavored malt beverage packaged and marketed as a “binge-in-a-can.” The product, its packaging, and its marketing targets youth, says Gansler, and Pabst should cease its production. 2011-04-22T00:24:41+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/attorney_general_gansler_prosecutes_election_law_violator A jury in Prince George’s Circuit Court today found Jerry Mathis guilty of three counts of violating Maryland’s election law. Attorney General Gansler filed the charges against Mr. Mathis alleging Mathis published and distributed illegal campaign flyers to Prince George’s County residents. 2011-04-14T02:06:14+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/stop_the_enabling_of_drunk_drivers Attorney General Gansler has called on Google and Apple to ban smartphone applications that help users avoid drunk-driver checkpoints. These applications, available for download in the Android and iPhone app stores, provide users with the locations of police checkpoints and allow users to report new checkpoints to others. 2011-03-28T19:24:27+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/major_consumer_protection_settlement As the nation continues to grapple with the ever-rising cost of healthcare, Attorney General Gansler is fighting the fraud fueling those costs – securing a record $68.5 million from one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies for alleged deceptive marketing and failure to disclose known side effects of the drug Seroquel. 2011-03-10T10:28:22+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/charity_fraud_after_disaster In the wake of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, so many Marylanders have generously contributed to relief efforts. When sending money, please be careful to choose legitimate charities. In the past, many Americans have been scammed when donating to organizations over the internet, by phone, or through door-to-door solicitations. Here are some tips to consider when making a donation to relief efforts surrounding the recent natural disasters in Japan. 2011-01-15T17:33:07+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/swearing_in Today, Douglas F. Gansler was sworn in for a second term as Attorney General. Building on the various accomplishments of his first term, Attorney General Gansler looks forward to another term of protecting the people of Maryland and upholding the rule of law. 2011-01-06T11:44:52+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/holiday_horse_sense With the holiday shopping season upon us, beware of phony web retailers and unscrupulous people selling counterfeit or pirated goods online. If it's too good to be true it probably is. Click here for tips to avoid becoming a victim of a phony web retailer. Happy Holidays! 2010-11-26T19:49:35+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/say_no_to_alcoholic_energy_drinks Just months after taking office, Attorney General Gansler began a campaign to warn consumers of the dangers of alcoholic energy drinks, to stop manufacturers from marketing these products to youth, and ultimately to get these dangerous products off the shelves. As a direct result of these efforts, the FDA today issued warning letters to manufacturers of alcoholic energy drinks stating that the caffeine in these alcoholic beverages are “unsafe food additives” and failure to correct their violations of federal law may result in enforcement action. It is just a matter of time now before these dangerous products are off the shelves. 2010-11-19T22:00:20+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/campaign_finance_reform Attorney General Gansler today announced the creation of an Advisory Committee on Campaign Finance. The Committee, an informal bipartisan group, will take a thorough look at a variety of issues concerning Maryland's rules of campaign finance to examine whether change is needed. The members of the Committee will seek public input and submit a report of its findings and recommendations to Attorney General Gansler by the end of the year. 2010-11-08T20:43:03+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/thank_you THANK YOU! Yesterday, as a direct result of your time, energy, and incredible support, as well as the hard work of all those in the Attorney General's office, Marylanders voted to give me a second term as your Attorney General. In casting their ballots, Marylanders issued a powerful statement, delivering us the most votes of any popularly elected candidate in Maryland history in a non-Presidential year. Those votes were not for rhetoric or ideology, but for getting the job done, whether it be combating gangs, shutting down foreclosure scams, or cleaning up the Bay. Those votes were about real work to create a better future for our State. With those votes I renew my pledge to work hard every day to justify your confidence in me and my team at the Attorney General's office. We could not have done this without you, your friends, and your family. I want to offer my most sincere thanks for your support, your efforts, and all you have done to keep Maryland moving forward. 2010-11-03T14:09:59+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/today_is_election_day._get_out_vote Doug and all our Democratic candidates have campaigned throughout Maryland, knocking on doors, listening to voters, because they know how much this election matters. A lot rides on your vote. Make your voice heard. Find your polling place. Get out and vote. 2010-11-02T12:00:42+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/helping_marylanders_hold_onto_their_homes Attorney General Gansler today announced that he and 48 other state Attorneys General and financial regulatory agencies in 30 states, including the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation, will review improper foreclosure practices, including the “robo-signing” of affidavits and other required documents. “It is imperative that these large companies slow down, fully and openly examine their practices, and admit where the process is failing. Working together as a group and with one voice, we can help ensure that homeowners facing foreclosure are treated fairly and according to the law,” said Attorney General Gansler. 2010-10-13T13:17:39+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/ensuring_credit_card_companies_play_fair Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler, the United States Department of Justice and six other states filed an antitrust lawsuit against three major credit card companies challenging network rules that prevent merchants from offering discounts or other incentives to consumers if they use lower-cost cards for payment of goods and services. “With this settlement consumers will see a wider range of competitive prices for goods and services,” said Attorney General Gansler. 2010-10-04T12:59:56+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/news_video_gansler_protects_voters_rights Attorney General Gansler has secured a restraining order to halt the distribution of illegal campaign materials designed to deceive Prince George's County voters. 2010-09-08T10:39:24+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/protecting_consumers_phony_phone_cards In the wake of allegations that many of the calling cards sold by Telmex USA delivered substantially fewer minutes than promised in Telmex’s advertisements, Attorney General Gansler has entered into a settlement with Telmex. Under the terms of the settlement, Telmex has agreed not to sell any prepaid calling cards to Maryland consumers unless the purchaser can obtain all of the number of minutes that are advertised. “Consumers have a right to receive what they are promised,” said Attorney General Gansler. 2010-08-11T22:33:16+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/op_ed_upholding_equality Read what the Baltimore Sun had to say about Attorney General Gansler's Advisory Opinion regarding the recognition of valid, out of state, same sex marriages. 2010-08-05T18:56:27+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/photo_team_gansler_enjoys_a_maryland_tradition Gansler supporters showed up in force at Tawe's Annual Crab and Clam Bake. 2010-07-30T20:22:43+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/photo_team_gansler_on_the_fourth_of_july Team Gansler was out in force at parades around Maryland on the Fourth. Thank you, team for your incredible support! 2010-07-27T14:25:15+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/video_gansler_discusses_the_dangers_of_drugged_driving Earlier this month, Attorney General Gansler recorded a public service announcement with Gil Kerlikowske, the White House Drug Policy Director, about the dangers of drugged driving. "When you are out there on the streets and the cars are coming by the other way, it's possible that one of out of every 10 of the high school kids driving the other way is under the influence of marijuana," he said. 2010-07-21T13:57:08+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/gansler_seeks_input_from_community_on_how_to_improve_the_environment Last week, Attorney General Gansler held a discussion with various interest groups and community organizations about how to improve the Patuxent River. Senator Foweler recently said, "[Gansler] is interested, he's really connected with the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay and I do not think he will be a silent supporter," Fowler said. "I think he will be very active." 2010-07-21T13:52:31+00:00 http://www.ganslerformaryland.com/blog/entry/maryland_attorney_general_gansler_is_running_for_re_election Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler is running for re-election to a second term as the state’s chief legal officer. 

“Over the past four years, with the assistance of a superb and dedicated team, we have stood up for the people of Maryland, taking on predatory lenders, Medicaid cheats, internet predators, and polluters who poison the Chesapeake Bay. I am filing for re-election to continue our work in protecting our communities, our economy, and our environment,” Gansler said.

 2010-06-17T16:37:14+00:00