Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley’s latest round of budget cuts shows he is serious about bolstering his election chances, not about protecting taxpayers’ future.

Maryland needs to close an estimated $700 million shortfall in this fiscal year. But of the $280 million in preliminary cuts O’Malley suggested and the Board of Public Works last week approved, the vast majority of items were one offs. It’s as if he went through his political closet and decided to toss the equivalent of a few sweat-stained band t-shirts, ripped jeans and outdated ties – all of which must be replaced.