CNN

He better get a BILL for this nonsense. What a bunch of know nothing, spoiled brats.

Clearly the guy figured he could use public resources any way he wanted. But, as a delegate from MD didn't he think that a proposal on the wall around Fort McHenry or at the foot of the Washington Monument or in one of the world class art museums or at one of the topnotch stadiums or the restored Hippodrome theater would have had more meaning? I mean, really...a police raid with the whirl of a helicopter. Glad I don't live in Baltimore County and have my interests represented in Annapolis by the likes of John Cardin!

I was thinking the same thing. This is an indication of how easily state and/or federal resources are abused. Forget the amount, conside the principle that persons of responsibility should not use the resources of their employer for their personal benefit.

How many times does this happen everyday without the culprit being called to account.

Congratulations– now pay the bill.

The citizens and most Americans are happy for the couple, but we are in a financial crisis. Every little bit counts. If he doesn't pay the bill, the taxpayers will have to. He should start doing the math now, because there will be a lot more bills to calculate, after he's married.

Another liar. Wouldn't have said anything if not caught.

Another shady Republican family in the deep south that needs to be REMOVED from power!

Come on....how often does this kind of abuse go on and no one ever knows unless they get caught. Look at the Carolina Gov. using police SUVs to go on camping trips and charging the public for his sex trips to south america. These people are elite entitlists and this happens everyday and they could care less. it's special little club our elected officials belong to. We the Sheeple are abused like slaves.

OMG... she said yes!

What kind of a lady considers a "police raid" to be romantic??

you never spend money as wisely as you would your own.

Who cares?

should be arrested and pay expenses and big fine.and far as her say yes ,who gives a .....

Almost reminds me of the time President Bush delayed the return of thousands of sailors to set up a multi-million dollar (your tax money) photo-op on the USS Lincoln, declaring 'Mission Accomplished.'

What the heck is so romantic and special about the police raiding your boat????? The things men think are romantic!!! LOL Geez!

Just proves: you can pay your way around the law in America! I wonder how many people were robbed/raped/murdered in Baltimore in the time it took to organize and pull off this stunt. All the policemen involved need to be replaced, perhaps with ones that do their JOB we're paying them for!

Don't the police have anything better to do in Baltimore? Aren't there actual crimes being committed?

WE THE PEOPLE – hold the power.

To me, this is the EXACT sort of thing these folks "dont consider" – all the time!

Let's not just MAKE AN EXAMPLE OF HIM – let's start firing EVERY person who misuses funds...the "im paying it back" thing is akin to stealing, getting caught and saying "well, here's the money for the product"...theives go to jail, the least that should happen here is this fool loses his JOB!

Sounds like a good trip...

This story doesn't make sense to me. What were the police supposed to do, find the ring during the search or something? I don't get it. What if these policepeople were needed for a legitimate emergency during this time? Was it a police helicopter that was hovering around? And what does he mean by "put a stop to it"...he's the one who started it. The police should have known better!

Will he go to that much preparation if there is a divorce later?

Lighten up people! It was not a good idea but when you let the current situation rob you of all the joy in life, it only makes life so much harder. The good news is that she said yes! Congrats!

If my fiance proposed via a police raid, I'd have some serious thoughts about saying 'yes'!

It makes me wonder what his other choices for "romantic" might have been. "MMM...maybe I'll have some of my buddies beat up a homeless man in front of her and THEN I'll get down on one knee....No, wait, maybe I can stage a fiery car crash and as the bodies burn, I will drop to one knee..."

Here's a hint for his fiance: For your anniversary, ask for gift cards. Don't let this man try to think of anything else on his own.

Do they think the public smiles on stunts like this? If we rounded up all the wasted funds for stunts like this we could feed half the country. He should reimburse any charges. While they are doing a fly over some criminal is going about his business. THINK PEOPLE!!!!

Why is this such a big deal so what he went over the top, I am sure that there was more to the story then the public is being told. As long as Jon pays back the city for what he did it is not that big of a deal. Get over it people

While some of you are still on the "blame Bush" kick, No way can anyone blame the Senator! Just send the romantic a bill with a warning and let's all go back to living our lives!

I think it was pretty clever!! Congrats to you and your bride to be!!

It is Sen. Cardin's nephew, who just happens to be a Delegate in the Maryland State House. It's a classic case of a politician who believes he's above the law. I love how a lot of you find this to be no big deal; however, if it was a Republican who did this you'd want his head on a platter. I think the Baltimore Police Department had more important matters to attend to that day/night.

It's Political because he (Jon S. Cardin) is a duly elected Maryland Delegate.
It has nothing to do with his Uncle.

Good for the nephew. If you have got connections, use them.

Really, a grown Man in an Elected position didn't realize that this was a bit "over the top" ? This is simply another example of abuse of position, power and the attitude of our Elected Officials.

Really? He really didn't realize that this was wrong?? Really???

The guy's an idiot.

Just another example of our Politician's thinking they own the country. Abuse, abuse, abuse of our system and tax dollars. Your apology is completely worthless, just like ALL politicians are.

Isn't this just like a dem, spending someone elses money.

Are you kidding me??????????

And the police went along with this?

As a Democrat I have to remind myself that there are as many priviledge Dems as there are entitled Rethuglicans.

Presient Obama has his work cut out for him. It's hard to make change when you're surrounded by the "business as usual" mentality!

If you look up the word 'stupid' in the dictionary, is his picture there?

The article reference that Jon Cardin is a delegate – to or for what? That being said, I don't understand that this is a political problem so much as a PD problem. Since when does any administrative branch of a local government act in such an irresponsible and completely arbitrary way. Are we to assume that the Baltimore PD is open for personal requests such as this to any and all citizens they are responsible for in the greater Baltimore community? Have they got a web-site where requests can be processed? Do requests include the ranks of officers we would like to have participate in such spectacular displays of wasteful use of taxpayer dollars and cents? I hope Mr. Cardin got a least a sergeant or two for this particular event. Whom do we hold accountable for these sorts of decisions is the question that is to be asked.

do not marry this guy! he's a teenage idiot and will not grow up for several years.

Why isn't the Police Chief up on charges of waste, fraud and abuse? Do these "public servants" routinely waste public resources to perform personal services to pollitical family members?

IS THIS WHY I PAY TAXES???

And this has what to do with Senator Cardin?

Sure he's paying it back – but only AFTER the stunt was made public. If it had never hit the media (or been made a big deal of), I guarantee you he would never have paid it back!

Although he is not strictly a politician, the article states he is Maryland delegate, which is probably why is uncle Ben is apologizing for him.

good grief, what a pompus idiot.
His wife impressed??
we're not.

If anyone in charge has any brains they will send him a bill for the entire cost of the foolishness and also give him a fine of at least a thousand dollars to discourge this kind of thing in the future.

The cops didn't have to join in the little game, now did they?

It is funny and he is re-imbursing the city. Get a life.

I can't believe people are so outraged about this. If you saw this on TV, you'd be laughing. Obviously the fiance could take a joke.. why can't the rest of us?

If he's that much of a stupid idiot they'll be divorced in 5 years or less and he'll be paying more than what the proposal cost in attorney and court fees.

I think the guy has an odd sense of romanticism. But if she said yes, that's all that really matters (to him and to her).
With that said, I've been on boats plenty of times. In fact, my last time out, my fishing party of 5 was approached by the game warden. They not only circled next to us, scaring away the fish we were catching, they boarded the boat.
SO, if it's normal routine for 1) a helicopter to take an aerial viewpoint, and 2)the city's park and wildlife division to board boats for routine safety checks, it's not nearly as bad as it sounds.
Unless of course, he told everyone what he was doing and they agreed to it.

You actually saw something newsworthy to a national and international audience in reporting this story?

And what does the fact that this guy is a nephew of an appointee Senator have to do with anything?

Seems you're having another "slow news day" CNN.

It's hard to believe something like this would even make the news, let alone CNN pages. Congratulations to the young couple, wishing you all the happiness and health you deserve. As for the story contributors and writers, take a look at what is going on in this country of ours and set limits of what you write about, that should keep you busy for a veryyyyyyy long time!!!

Anyone want to hazard a guess as to what the media would be doing to this prank had it been a Republican instead of a Democrat? Please, do not try and tell me it would be the same. Unlike the individual involved in this escapade, I'm not stupid.

I'm still not getting how this was supposed to be the perfect evening.

Let me guess the Democrats are ok with this right??? pay back all the expenses to your stupidly act!!!

This has nothing to do with the Senator....why try to make a connection.

Funny thing is, when the police come and serve him with the divorce papers... he'll find THAT romantic too!

Why are people asking why this is political? Use your head, not just anybody can pull strings like this, without saying it, he is involved with wasting tax payers money.

Hey guys, he's paying for it because he GOT CAUGHT! Not because he is wanting to do the right thing. Get it right lefties! The guywasted tax payer money like BOTH parties due, this dem got caught and due to our liberal news in the country, they didn't mention his party or blow this out into a big mess like they would of if it were a rep. Vote all these bums out and lets start from scratch.

The Baltimore Police Department is also conducting an internal investigation into who authorized this event. Cardin's nephew should also reimburse the city for this subsequent investigation. Cardin's nephew is a corrupt politician who feels as though all government resources are at his deposable since he is an elected official. He should be removed from office. How can a person like this who is so selfish make decisions that are in the best interest of those who elected him.

It's not just about the money. How many police were taken off the streets for this silly crap?

Unfortunately, inept, spoiled relatives come from both sides of the political aisle. A lot of these folks have or develop a sense of entitlement.

I'm glad he's not my state delegate. What an idiot!

What makes me laugh most is in what world did he think that a police search made a romantic backdrop for a proposal? That was the first lapse in judgment right there.

In Maryland, this is an example of the run-amok nature of politics as usual. We are a state where the Democrats run the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branch, and this sort of crap happens ALL THE TIME. Marylanders just don't get it though...a Republican surplus was turned over to the Democrats, who have now spent it like a sailor in a Best Buy with 48 hours to live. It's appalling. I am an independent, and I almost can't stand to live in this state any more...

Reading the story from the outside, it's no big deal...in context with the other corruption and crap that happens in Baltimore and Annapolis, it's nauseating. Delaware, here I come.

Sorry – but I don't believe this for a second. How could this scenario be romantic?

I think the boat actually WAS being searched for something and this is a cover-up. Sounds cynical – I know – but our politician's behavior has made us cynical.

And this is supposed to be newsworty? And, where does the Senator/uncle it into it? And, the woman said "yes" she'd marry such a moran who would pull such a stunt? CNN, get back to reporting relevant news.

You guys are just jeolous. He has the money and resources to do what he wants and you dont.

Leave the guy alone, he said he'll pay for it.

If I steal from my job I get fired, but not when you are a politician.

I'm glad she said yes, just pay the money back knucklehead!

Typical America today. People are so self-centered and oblivous to everyone else. The guy didn't think it through very well, which is standard behavior these days.
Oh and then people have to complain about it too.
We're a Nation of Whiners and a Nation of the Oblivous.

Such a DUMBO! No wonder our country is going nuts.

I don't get it...what is romantic about a police raid? She'd better think twice...it might be a view into her future with him!

You mentioned Bed Cardin, why? He's the uncle. Hey, I have an eight-month-old nephew. Am I responsible every time he poops in his diaper?

The nephew is not just related to a U.S. Senator, he is also a MD state delegate representing Baltimore County. Not as big a deal as some are making it, IMO, though there is an aura of arrogance about a legislator commandeering local law enforcement resources, plus there's the added insult to the City of having a County delegate mis-use City resources when they are desperately needed in the city's crime fight. And I don't know if CNN mentioned that the Marine Unit took part; it is partially funded with federal dollars for Homeland Security and is supposed to secure an urban port, not do "pretend raids" on the clock! Recently when their funding was reduced they complained that the port would be vulnerable, then they go and pull this stunt. Sheer stupidity.

That the woman said yes is what I find to be the most indredulous aspect of the story! I think I would be demaning a re-do, with something more romantic!

The ruling elite just doesn't get it. Time to kick out the arrogant, self-serving "lords" and get real "representatives" instead.

My favorite part of this story is how CNN just happened to leave out the fact that Sen. Cardin is a Democrat. I'm sure the nephew is also, as he has the typical democrat "it's all about me" attitude.

Good luck to his wife-to-be. I wonder what stunt he'll pull when she's giving birth to their first child.

How sweet .The mans in love and a bit irrational.Dont forget to turn your radio off when Rush goes to his many breaks,and keep those calls and emails going to him,he loves the feedback..

CNN, hahaha, funny story; now can we please move to Health Care?

When will these Politicians ever learn. I'm sure the city wouldn't let me borrow their helicopter back when I proposed to my wife. And the worst thing is these people only get a mild slap on the wrist for wasting our tax dollars. These people should be prosecuted!

lol Oh come on.....this would have been a great opportunity for a training exercise, and SAVING money for the dept.....and a fun engagement for the gal and guy....
Why does EVERTHING have to be projected as so awful?
Congrats to the couple.....

Congratulations Mr. Cardin! A job well done..I'll chip in if you need it. So many of these people are just petty little minds...

Fine judgement mr Democrat

Another waste of tax dollars. Even kindergartners can budget better

see everyone? even the democrats have idiots, jerks, rip-off artists, fraud prone individuals, robbers of tax payer monies. good that he is paying back the city but would he if he hadn't been caught at it. the city managers, those who approved the farce, should be fired immediately. democrats, republicans both have idiots.

He was foolish to think it would not leak out and cause concern. He embarrassed his uncle and himself, BUT it is not a big deal at all. Who among you has not thought or carried out a stupid idea. We all have but we don't have the scrunity that this man and his uncle have on a daily basis.

We have a saying out here in the California mountains "take bigger steps, you'll get over it faster."

The party affiliation of his uncle is not the issue because there are families whose houses are divided. The fact is that the young man is head over heals in love with this lady and wanted to make a statement to the world. Unfortunately his inner child took over and caused a problem which he fixed. This is not smart. He could have taken her to a field and asked a skywriter to oblige, or taken her to a show/concert and ask the announcer to do something special for him. Law enforcement personnel already have their hands full and work with a tight budget to be bothered with the likes of such frivolity.

Jon Cardin is a delegate in MD. so he IS a political figure. Despite being a Dem, i get annoyed when any political figure (and he is one, albeit small) uses power like that to do stuff normal people cant.

In this case Police should be the one who feel the heat. How Stupid can you be to use your public trust this way..
Dumb!

The amount of stupidity displayed by so many people these days simply astounds me. The audacity of orchestrating something like this defies even simple logic!

If only he were a Republican...

They better stay married more than 2 months!

People please stop trying to turn this into a political statement, for crying out loud!

I think he was going more for surprise than romance. I'm sure he accomplished that.

Another thing...I definitely would like to know why the author had to connect this incident with Sen. Cardin? His nephew's decision to do this kind of proposal had no connection to the senator's professional business unless we really know that Sen. Cardin pre-approved it. There's a disconnect so we're all wondering why the proposal is 'political'.

What a moron! Too bad she didn't tell him "NO! You're too stupid for me to marry!"

What an idiot.

He's not just the nephew of a Senator.

He's a Maryland delegate himself, probably elected on his uncle's name recognition.

He's willing to pay back the costs so get over it. Was it a bad idea, yes but he is doing the right thing now. Move along people, there's real news somewhere.

I think this proposal sounds like fun. Maybe she loves cop shows! While it may seem over the top or unromantic to the bloggers here- all people are different. Excuse me that it wasn't the same old quite and romantic proposal. Some people like really funny and creative things. If someone staged a drug deal for me- I would think it was kind of weird but hilarious at the same time. Good for you! Just pay for it out of your own pocket next time.

What a joke.

Also not only is this guy an idiot who I doubt will fully reimburse the citizens for this, but how in the heck did he get this arranged?

I mean who else was involved? The police chief should be fired along with any other top officers who gave clearance for such an OBVIOUS WASTE.

All those involved should be demoted and charged with some sort of offense.........I suggest "THEFT".

Two schools of thought: 1), this shows how narcissic our society has become – when what one wants trumps what is best for all (since she said yes, she is in even worse state than he). 2), this is exactly why our county is in such dire staits. Recovering – baloney. We are mired in debt that will only increase due to our present situations and our continuous infighting over what to do and when.

Some people should actually read the article before commenting.

He clearly stated in the article that he would be paying the city back for expenses so all those saying "when is he going to pay" or "send him a bill" are a little behind at this point as he has already agreed to pay it back.

To everyone who wants to jump at every chance at incidents involving a politician....chill out.

I've heard of firemen using their trucks and coworkers to stage a rescue 'proposal'. How about using the jumbo-trons at games? The guy is a nephew so who gives a hoot? If a normal, random guy with no political ties had contacted his police dept to help something up like this then it probably would've been overlooked.

Perhaps some of you wished you were able to pull off something like that with your proposals. Fess up!

The "city resources" would have been wasted either way. The only difference is that the hopeless and hapless of Baltimore weren't being further victimized by their obese big brother in the process.

So the only chance he had of getting a "yes" was to freak her out first and not have her thinking clearly? Gotcha. Because a police raid isn't romantic.

good one.

The point is not that he is a senator's nephew but that he, himself, is an elected official in Maryland. The nephew is a state delegate.

Figures he would be a Democrat....they just do not get it that someone has to pay for those cops and helicopters and boats to play in his little love scheme. Same applies for all those wanting government option healthcare, YOU will pay for it one way or the other in taxes or increased costs in consumed goods. Too bad for the working class!

I did not read where he is paying all that money back! Somebody probably needed the police for say, A CRIME!! Very selfish of him, but I am sure, we the tax payers will pay for it and the wedding, the kids, the grand kids.....

Amazing...a LIBERAL operative actually apologising.

A staged police raid is considered a perfect proposal ? What kind of kinky role playing are they into? Dude, whatever you have planned for the bachelor party, re-think it now.

What??? A Democrat wasting govt resources?? Can't Be.

on the bright side he will be married soon, and he will learn the TRUE consequences of bad ideas.

Aplogize secondly to your uncle, who is a fine Senator and representative of our fine state of Maryland.

Hey, give the guy a break. He wanted something his bride to be will forever remember. What is the big deal if the law enforcement helped him a little bit? Everything should not always be about money.

Have some fun and laugh while doing it...

"routine five-minute safety check."... I doubt this usually includes a police helicopter. Whoever authorized this should be fired.

This is a blatant misuse of public funds and resources.

People, wake up and look at the bigger picture here. For one, he was using taxpayer money for this stint. No way he did not know that it was illegal. Two, if he could have gotten away with it he would have, and that is why it is news. If he didn't have the political connection he could have never pulled this off in the first place. Any other Joe Doe misappropriating public funds, I work for the US government and hold their credit card, would go to jail. We should NEVER let anyone get away or shove the issue under the rug, that takes our money for private use.

Wow, that guy is a tool. Heterosexual marriage proposals like this are so gauche. If this was the proposal, can you imagine what this boy scout and his bridezilla's wedding budget is going to be? Gauche, tacky, immoral. I actually hope their marriage fails, as a testament to these tacky and out dated courtship rituals.

this needs to be followed by an indictment.

Um, there's no fool like an old fool? And what a hoot this would have been if she'd said "NO!" Also, who cares what party he belongs to? It's no dumber than Palin's kids riding free all over the USA or our local Georgia governor wanting to fly the helicopter during a visit somewhere. People talk themselves into things and then feel, well, STUPID.

stupid is as stupid does.... what waste of money... get a life dude...

What about a police search makes the night perfect? What an idi@t.

Not necessarily a democrat or republican issue but I would like to know....who at the Baltimore Police Department approved this and why?

I'd have said NO for scaring me to death. What was he thinking? Armed police, a helicopter hovering overhead? This guy not only shouldn't get married, he's not bright enough to encourage to reproduce!

IF you Repub fools would read the ENTIRE article, it states the funds will be paid back...stop cryin...

If I misused company resources at work I'd be fired, why should politicians (Rep or Dem) live under different rules? He should resign or be removed. We're in a recession and he's waisting taxpayers' money. The only reason he said he'd pay the money back is because he got caught! How can we trust politicians to run anything if they abuse their power so blatently?

Cardin knew that the police would not say NO to him. That's why he asked. He knew that they would not charge him either. He took advantage of his uncle's connections and power. That must be embarrassing for the senator. Jon Cardin acted like a brat when he made his request to the police and the police acted stupidly by executing it. What ever happened to human decency and good common sense?

It's always a bad decision for politicians to use government resources for their own purely private purposes. Tally up the costs of the helicopter and the police boat, and the officer time and send him a bill.

Sounds like Delegate Jon Cardin has been watching the show Punk'd a little too much. He punk'd his girlfriend and the taxpayers both.

This just simply shows an incident of poor judgment. I don't see a Federal case. it does smack of a bit of elitism. Let it go because he is paying the city back. No big deal. I'd like to see the very serious fraud taking place make the news–like the fact that George W. bush and Dick Cheney et al have not been arrested yet. Now this would be a timely story.

The next headline will be Ben Cardin's nephew was arrested for spousal abuse.

gee..another Republican smear tactic so they can get votes in 2010? I swear, this is ALL republican politicans care about, is winning elections and destroying people's livelihood! Trying to destroy obama's healthcare plan, or offering some crappy co-op option that they KNOW won't work, just so they can watch it crumble then say in 2010/2012 "see what the democrats put together for you, it doesn't work" and BRAINWASH the mentally challenged non self thinking independents out there that will swing to the right side cuz they're easily fooled! I'm so sick of the republican party!

Are you kidding me? SHE is an idiot.

How stupid are you, Cardin? This is a police force, not your personal entertainers. I'm sorry, but if you need to do this, at least pick some officers who are off duty...

The only reason he said he'd reimburse the city was because he was caught.......

Did he use fund from the City of Baltimore? The same city that is asking for public contributions so they can continue their mounted police unit?
If so, he should pay it all back and make sure those horses stay on the job.

typical for a democrat police are always after them, what a bunch of dirt bags.

CNN omitted the Democratic party affiliation of both Cardin's mentioned in the story. I'm sure CNN would have done the same had they been Republicans though (yeah, I busted out laughing halfway through typing that).

Shouldn't the police have known this was a misuse of funds? Dumb idea all around. At least he realized that and is paying back.

Oh for crying out loud who cares, the cops were doing their jobs. At the instigation of the Groom to be. Safety Inspection of his boat nothing wrong with that. and BTW I give the guy cudos for originality.

It sounds as though the brass at the police departrment who approved this need to be reprimanded. They should have never entertained the idea.

If his uncle hadn't been Mayor he would never have had access to city resources. Now that she has said yes, he needs to write a check and an apology to the city for taking up taxpayer resources and money.

Yes, every anniversary she can look forward to a NARC team turning her house upside down looking for contraband. Dogs everywhere, pillows being ripped apart, wardrobe callously tossed from the closet onto the floor, the scuff marks of 20 pairs of boots accross her floors, the scent of sweat and cordite in the air. And of course, the spectacle of police vehicles at your home and men with rifles and flak jackets going in and out.

Nice way to freak out your pets, your kids, your neighbors. Like a garden party, yes? What woman wouldn't want this kind of emotional trauma every year? Will kids be carted off to juve hall for their birthdays? "Happy birthday son. Step away from the bars!"

It's always "ok" when democrats waste tax payers dollars...

It's considered "political" because the nephew is a delegate for Baltimore County.

The taxpayer's of Maryland must be real happy right now!

This is Baltimore, which has one of the highest murder rates in the nation. There are drug dealers on nearly every corner. "The Wire" may have been fiction, but it was as close to real as any TV show I've ever seen.

Point being, at any given moment there are crimes being committed. These cops were focused on making the experience "perfect"...and short-changed the residents of this city in the process.

And as a woman, if I was on a boat that had "contraband" and was turned around to be handcuffed with a helicopter hovering, I'd probably pee my pants. It would be a relief to discover that I wasn't going to jail, but I would probably slap him for scaring me like that. Definitely not romantic.

This kind of thing happens all over the country, as our quasi-royalty pretends to care about our struggles. Clueless and spending our hard-earned money. He's only contrite and willing to reimburse because someone called him out on it.

"This country is officially a joke."

i burst out laughing because of this.

What ever happened to a quiet, romantic proposal? Everyone wants to be over the top these days...making this guy look like an idiot.

Yawn...who cares. I can't believe that some people are making a big deal out of this.

I agree this is over the top and stupid, but how is the senator to blame for something his nephew did????

Can all of you who are blaming the senator here tell me you can control and take responsibility for your family members??????

Just how is this political??? Because his uncle is a political figure?? Stupidity comes in many forms and we are seeing by many of the posts twisting every act into something political. And we wonder why this country is such a mess.

The only time we seem to work together is when there is a major tragedy. Heaven help us to survive the hostility that has permeated our country with true understanding of issues and compassion for those in hopeless situations. And that it doesn't come about when there is another major event to hit our country.

A police raid is not romantic.... this was a greedy powerplay.
And they even had a police helicopter hovering??
Foolish. The Police force should be embarrassed.

As a Republican, I will say that his idea was pretty stupid, but he's paying everything back, so relly no big deal.

Send him the bill and make sure that it is noted in the city newspaper under the public information section.

MORON. So are these morons going to pay the city back?

"During the evening I was focused on making my fiancee's night perfect"????????????? Seriously.

What a jerk.

First of all, there is absolutely nothing romantic about what he planned. It was stupid, and would have scared me if I was his fiancee.

Secondly......you were focused on making her night perfect? Do I really need to know that??? Could he not have thought of a better way to phrase his apology??????

He is a jerk with a feeling of entitlement, and should pay for this nonsense.

This is not about conservative or liberal. It is about jerk and non-jerk

What do you expect? His daddy's party has taught him, by example, that it's fine to use other peoples' hard earned $$ for your own personal whims and pleasure.

Yeah. I'd be swooning over my boyfriend if he proposed in that manner.....
What an idiot.

Some people just don't think. What made him think he could use taxpayer funded resources for his own personal pleasure?

No matter how you slice this it stinks. Doesn't matter if you're Repub or Dem. It would stink either way.

This drips corruption...

And why would you want police searching your boat when you propose? Is that supposed to be some caveman-like show of strength? At least use a city barge reserved for the fourth of july to shoot up fireworks or something. Instead, oh no police are searching my boat for something illegal... Will you marry me?

In hind sight it was a probably a bad idea but in the end he agreed to reimburse the police for their time.

She said YES???

When I first read this all I could say was "huh?"

I can't see what this has to do with anything.

Isn't there an opinion poll on Palin you could report on?

So what, I think it is nice and romantic. However, CNN needs to find some real news.

Classic case of watered down power, a couple degree's removed. Interesting mind set, in that it didn't even cross the mind before the proposal that these are public resources. The entitlement is sad, but perhaps a facet of youth. On a related note, what does staging a search have to do with a proposal?! This is not clear.

Not only should he pay for associated costs, but he should be jailed for misappropriation of public resources.

I've heard of being romantic or cheesy when popping the question. But this was downright stupid.

Why is this news? The "nephew of a Senator" is completely irrelevant to the general population. As someone else said, you can't control all your relatives from embarrassing you. Almost everyone has some moron in their family who does embarrasing things and we don't walk around taking blame for what a cousin, neice, nephew or uncle did. Do better CNN. This is tabloid journalism at its finest.

sounds like a spoiled brat, pay back the city and keep your private life to yourself.

I don't get it. Seriously. I read this 3x. Can't imagine why he chose to propose this way. But, he's paying the city back, so all is well I suppose. To each his/her own.

Is anything dealing with the nephew of a junior senator from Maryland really worth reporting nationally?

Did any of you read it? It was his NEPHEW. Who might just be a republican, you don't know. Besides, since when should anyone have to answer for the poor judgement of a distant relative?

What a moron. I'd be embarrased if my fiancee proposed to me that way, cops, helicoptor...sounds like an episode of COPS. I would've said no and asked the police to escort me out of there. What an idiot!

Abuse of power? What abuse of power?

And who are the officers and supervisors that thought any of this made sense. There is a bigger problem here than simply the waste of resources.

MORE tabloid news!

I am embarassed to be a citizen under this kind of government. I really am. It's just going to get worse too. No one is even trying to stop it.

Cardin said said he had asked the police to do the "routine five-minute safety check." and the Baltimore City Police Department agreed to do it??? lol

I think the Chief of Police should get fired!

Again - what's news about this. So a member of congress is responsible for what a relative did.? Tell me how you can control all your relatives from embarrassing you and I WILL BE ONE HUNDRED PER CENT GRATFUL.....

Jeez, if having a police search is this guy's idea of "a perfect night," I'd hate to see his nightmare scenario ...

Police officers are humans too, like others they have fun on the job and stage a few harmless dramas on special occassions as a wedding proposal and from time to time to entertain each other. Nothing wrong with that. But a politician, specifically one related to a senator should've used better judgement in using PD time & resources. Give them a break.

"During the evening, I was focused on making my fiancee's night perfect,"

I can't think of a more perfect way to propose to my future wife than by having the cops raid my boat on a romantic cruise.

Lighten up people. I'm a Conservative Republican and this young guy came up with a different idea to propose to his loved one. Good for him. When he did it I'm sure he wasn't thinking he was doing anything wrong, and as long as he'll pay for the city expense incurred and the city resources weren't diverted from responding to an emergency, then good for him and I hope him and his young bride-to-be well.

What a jerk!

And so I assume this free spending (of our money) Dem is reimbursing the city for the $100k or so of resources that this used....

Sure he's paying. He got caught. Looks like Cabinet material to me.

C'mon folks.....can't we relax just a bit once in a while? You've never done anything stupid out of love? Yes, he should have to pay for it, but he offered to do that and has apologized. It's not a big deal in the whole scheme of things, is it?

I don't see the point in this. Is a police raid suppose to be romantic??
What ever happened to having a nice quiet dinner and proposing there??

Just pay for it out of your own pocket.

This country is officially a joke.

And let's get some pictures of Air Force One by the Statue of Liberty.....

I agree How romantic, but aint nothing going on but the rent! You gotta have a J.O.B. if ya want to be with me..

Isn't the police's job to "protect and serve"... sounds like a good idea for service.

Sen. Cardin is a Democrat. Somehow CNN neglected to mention it.
I'm sure it was just an oversight.

Give me a break, he's paying for it. What's wrong with you people? Do you complain for fun?

Give him a break...let them get married already. People should be happy for him, sounds like a great idea.

Reimburse all the costs, stupid moron. You should be in jail.

Send him a bill!

They just don't get it.

How romantic.

oh blech.