You need the merits to succeed but you can’t succeed on the merits alone.

Two examples from the last two days.

The bill that I learned about yesterday would have prohibited the use of eminent domain by state or local government to condemn an underwater mortgage, where the debt exceeds the current value of a residence.

Senate Bill 850 was supported by the realtors.

Their lobbyist called me when he learned that I had played a part in having the House version of this legislation withdrawn.

Instead of the bill dying, it will now be amended.

A sunset provision will be added.

The bill would no longer be in effect after three years. I was not part of the discussions that led to this amendment, but the logic for it is that Baltimore City or any other county is not likely to pursue condemnation of mortgages until the constitutionality of doing so is resolved by ongoing litigation in another state.

The people who want to use eminent domain to make these homes affordable again don’t have a lobbyist in Annapolis.

Not having a presence/lobbyist when the other side does is the equivalent of Michael Corleone walking out of the bathroom with only a stick in his hand.

The Farm Bureau testified today on my bill that would require the police to get a judge’s approval before using a drone to collect information.

Criminal surveillance is not the Bureau’s concern.

It’s activist groups using drones to gather evidence about treatment of animals or compliance with environmental regulations.

Without someone reminding us to deal with this matter, it’s likely to fall by the wayside.