It was just days ago that I first mentioned how Real ID would quickly become a political football.  And the Massachusetts gubernatorial race was among the first to drag Real ID into the political arena.  But it has happened again.  This time Maryland.

In an October 3 Washington Post article, Gov. Robert Erhlich Jr., who is running for reelection, takes some heat for his recent calls to tighten identity requirements for individuals applying for a Maryland state-issued driver's license. 

So, what's the rub?

Well, Maryland is one of a handful of states in the U.S. that will grant a driver's license to someone who is in this country illegally.  And the guv believes this practice should be looked into.  This call for a tightening of licensing requirements, just weeks from the election, upsets some democratic lawmakers in Maryland, and gubernatorial candidate Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley.  Shocked?

According to Washington Post Staff Writer John Wagner, the Democratic lawmakers in Maryland, including Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley believe Erlich is "preying on fears about immigration to motivate his conservative base."

Actually governors, through the National Governors Association, have been working on the driver's license issue for about the last two years and just issued their Real ID report in late September. 

What do you think.  Personally, I think Maryland Delegate Jean B. Cryor (R-Montgomery) said it best.

"In this environment, in the month before an election, if you ordered a bowl of oatmeal at a diner, you'd be accused of being political," Cryor said.

Pass the oatmeal, Del. Cryor.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
Vice President, Public Relations & Information Services
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org