"I am not returning Mosk's calls (with Schurick's knowledge, agreement, and approval) and hoping that anything he may print will be less than seriously damaging. Though everyone's told me not to worry about this matter, as I made clear to Kreseski, Schurick, etc., I will not hesitate to throw myself on the grenade if that is what I think is needed - or is desired from above."

Matthew Mosk, Washington Post reporter, was investigating rumors being spread about Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley. Steven L. Kreseski is Ehrlich's chief of staff, and Paul E. Schurick is the governor's communications director.

To Jervis Finney, governor's counsel, and Mary Beth Carozza, deputy chief of staff, Jan. 19, 2004:

"I am looking to move onto a position where I have more authority on personnel and/or policy matters and where my efforts lead to more tangible results. Steve [Kreseski] and I, and then later, [deputy appointments secretary] Diane [Baker] and I, discussed this matter this morning. I will keep you posted."

To Diane Baker, deputy appointments secretary, Sept. 23, 2004:

"Does the state have any employees at ccbc. [Community College of Baltimore County]. This guy Norman McCullough is sending emails out of a political/Bush-is-bad nature over his ccbc email, and I was curious if he was a state employee."

To Alfred Redmer, Maryland insurance commissioner, Aug 13, 2004:

"I recommend that Denniston get nothing from this office again. Ever. He should be removed from all press email lists, and his calls should go unreturned."

Tom Denniston, a reporter for the Montgomery Gazette, had written an unflattering article about Maryland Insurance Commissioner Alfred Redmer.

To Amy Stupi, colleague at Maryland Insurance Administration, Sept. 23, 2004:

"When I chance getting into "too much" trouble (especially politically), I am VERY careful. Other than that, I let it roll."

To Byron J. Harris, chief of staff of at the Department of Human Resources. Dec. 18, 2003:

"Please be advised that when you are notified of any requested meetings, it is a courtesy (not for permission or as a requirement) extended to you by the Administration. Though it really doesn't need to be said, I have full authority, indeed I am at times directed/mandated, to contact individuals directly regarding meetings and other requests on behalf of the Governor."

To Greg James, policy aide on governor's staff, May 18, 2004:

"I talk regularly with Appointments about what to do/time frame in which to take action. First, however, we have to find viable replacements. Personnel IS policy, to quote Ronald Reagan."

Steffen to Richard Cross, Ehrlich speechwriter, Feb. 8, 2005: