Last week it was Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell expressing “outrage” that a negative outcome to ongoing negotiations on the federal debt ceiling could jeopardize his state’s prized AAA bond rating with credit rating agency Moody’s. On Thursday it was Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III.
“Although this possible downgrade was expected after the financially strong State of Maryland was placed on similar notice, it nevertheless is disappointing to hear after how hard this County has worked financially to earn and protect its ‘AAA’ bond rating from all three ratings agencies. But, I want to be clear, I am not disappointed at Moody’s, I understand why they are sending out this warning,” Mr. Baker, a Democrat, said in a statement noting that the region’s economy is tied closely to the stability of the federal government.
“My disappointment resides with the House Republicans, who for weeks have balked on a fair and compromising deal with President Obama and Senate Democrats. What seem to be petty political games on Capitol Hill are going to impact our communities in Prince George’s County. The time has come for a compromise to be reached and allow us local leaders around the country to continue the recovery that President Obama has started without tying our hands with fiscal uncertainty.”
