The video, lovingly promoted by Maryland Republicans, has gotten nearly 4,000 hits on YouTube. It's a 2006 ad for the successful gubernatorial campaign of Martin O'Malley.

"How did this happen?" says the somber voice-over guy, as images of electricity hardware fill the screen. "An increase in utility rates, costing consumers and seniors while energy companies make record profits? The special interests already have their governor. We need one of our own - Martin O'Malley, taking on BG and E to stop the rate hikes. ..."

You can't say O'Malley didn't try. Today Baltimore Gas and Electric electricity prices are even higher than they were in 2006, as his critics like to point out.

But since he took office the governor has gone after BGE's parent again and again to obtain one-time rebates for household customers, stop future surcharges and protect BGE from financial trauma.

In a day when politicians forget about campaign pledges the day after the election and expect voters do the same, give O'Malley credit for trying to keep a bargain.

Also conclude that he realized this was an issue that wouldn't disappear. Certainly his Republican election rival next year - whoever that turns out to be - won't be shy about mentioning BGE.