Posted on 11/16/2005 6:24:42 PM PST by Angry Republican
Lee Britt settled into a restaurant table here on a recent Saturday night, looking up to see a barrel-chested, bald man approaching.
"Ed Norris!" he said, standing up to extend his hand. "I enjoy your show."
"Keep listening," said the city's former police commissioner and ex-state police superintendent, flashing a smile and continuing into the Owl Bar, a century-old haunt in central Baltimore.
Britt, 29, a third-year law student and aspiring prosecutor, turned to his tablemates and reviewed pieces of the Norris story. It's a compelling one: Crime-busting police chief rolls in from New York City in 2000. . . . Reminds people of TV mobster Tony Soprano. . . . Cuts crime. . . . Gets caught tapping a police fund to buy things like Victoria's Secret lingerie for women who weren't his wife. . . . Is sent to federal prison in Florida.
And now: He's back in Baltimore, as the city's newest talk radio host.
"If Oliver North and G. Gordon Liddy can do it," Britt asked, "why not Ed Norris?"
The question draws strikingly different answers, and it is one that could sway at least some votes in next year's gubernatorial race. Norris has held key posts for two of the principal players: Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) and a possible Democratic candidate, Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley.
Norris has been kind to Ehrlich thus far but has taken several shots at O'Malley's administration. That's notable, because O'Malley has staked his political future on his abilities as a crime fighter.
Norris's critics, including some close to O'Malley, would like to see the guy just go away. In their view, he embarrassed the city, bailed out when times got tough and is now slickly remaking himself into a celebrity ex-con.
"Live from cellblock 105.7," ....
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
But seriously, the only reason I listen to his show is because it's the only talk radio show where I have my two cents on every topic
Remember ole Eddie?
I graduated in the same class as Eddie Norris in High School. For those 4 years he was literally the golden boy - flowing blond hair, blue eyes, quarterback of the football team.
He offered me a hit of his wacky weed one day when we were in the park across the street from Brooklyn Tech.
He was a lot of fun to hang out with, maybe because of the pretty girls that usually surrounded him wherever he was.
Let's say this, I was not surprised when the story of his corruption first appeared!
Hmm, not a bad career path. All except the federal prison part.
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