Serving the People of Maryland?

from the Baltimore Sun

A source in Maryland Republican Party circles provided the Maryland Politics blog with the following memo being distributed by party leaders.

It seems curious that an organization that struggles to get media attention in a Democratic-dominated state would try to limit coverage in any way, but, hey, those bloggers are in some cases renegade Republicans who have the temerity to think the party could be run a bit better.

Anyway, here's the memo. We'll leave it to readers to speculate on the psychology behind the all-caps in each reference to the MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY.

MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY’s Definition of Credentialed Media

In order to attend MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY’s meeting and events, or obtain free copies of publications as a journalist, you must be a credentialed member of the media.

MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY retains the right to grant media passes to print journalist (newspapers, magazine), broadcast journalism (radio or television), wire and news services for redistribution to other news organizations, or online new services (electronic dissemination rather than conventional print and broadcast distribution).

MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY will recognize journalists who have obtained credentials from a capitol press corps, official press organization or the U.S. Congress.

MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY will not allow journalists to register as “media” for the purpose of writing a personal online blog, or for persons whose news outlet is funded by a corporation; trade association; think-tank; public relations or marketing company/firm; individual; political candidate/party; or activist/lobbying organization. These individuals may still attend MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY’s meetings, but must register as an association, lobbying group or individual and pay the corresponding registration fees.

MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY only accepts registrations during press room operating hours. Interns and fellows may not register as media, or accompany journalists, unless they can provide the required media credentials as stated above. Even if payment is made to attend MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY's meetings, the following terms and conditions still apply. You may contact the MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY with further questions or concerns.

Terms and Conditions for Use of Media Credentials at MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY Meetings

MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY media credentials must be visible at all times at the meeting or networking events. No materials may be distributed by members of the media directly to legislators, legislative staff or attendees of an MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY meeting. Materials, which include leaflets, handouts, pamphlets, magazines, newspapers, t-shirts, marketing materials and petitions, are to be left in the designated MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY Press Room for our meeting attendees. Members of the media may not solicit, advocate, rally or collect signatures on behalf of a political cause, issue or individual at an MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY event in which they have registered as members of the media. All requests to record or videotape at any MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY meeting or function for the purpose of rebroadcasting must be made and approved through MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY Communications Division.

MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY will only allow authorized representatives of the entities noted above to be approved and the approval is not transferable. Approval is needed for each MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY meeting, event or publication. All MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY publications, including PDFs, are the copyrighted property of MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY and may not be reproduced, uploaded or distributed in any way in their entirety.

MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY has the right to remove individuals from a meeting or function who do not abide by the above terms and conditions.