Today, the only announced candidate for Maryland governor on the Republican side has issued a press release stating he is pulling out his six-month exploratory committee and making way for an Ehrlich announcement.
Larry Hogan Jr., long-time friend of Robert Ehrlich Jr., promised from the beginning that he would not run against Mr. Ehrlich for governor. He is keeping his promise as of today, and giving the public-in-waiting a forecast of what’s to come. An Ehrlich announcement can’t be far away.
In his press release, Mr. Hogan says, “Maryland Republicans certainly cannot afford a bruising and expensive primary. If we are to be successful here in Maryland, we simply must all get behind one candidate. While I am convinced I could win this race, I also know that there is another candidate with more name recognition, and the ability to raise more money, who will allow us to put our best team on the field.”
In light of recent Republican wins around the country, a new excitement and involvement among conservative grassroots, tightening poll numbers, and growing anticipation of an Ehrlich-O’Malley rematch, no better time than now for Ehrlich to officially throw his hat in the ring.
The latest public opinion poll by Gonzales from mid January showed O’Malley leading Ehrlich by nine points, which is two points less than the previous numbers from the same pollster. Another pollster showed only a seven point O’Malley lead as of last November. All before Ehrlich had even made gestures towards the race. With an 11-point undecided vote to factor in as well as a strong anti-incumbent sentiment, the possibilities of a knock down, drag out becomes a likely scenario.
Larry Hogan is setting the stage for a rallying cry from Maryland conservatives. “Today I am officially concluding my exploratory committee and calling on my friend Bob Ehrlich to enter this race for governor. Not only do I believe that Bob Ehrlich should run, but I am convinced he will run and that we should all push in the same direction to elect him as Maryland’s next governor.”
Comments
Please save us Bob! Step in and Step up. We're counting on you.
I do hope that Ehrlich runs for governor and announces this soon. Republicans in the state of Maryland have no voice as of right now and we need to elect Bob Ehrlich again to give us some representation. I also hope that we can elect a conservative Senator as well, so we can have more of a bipartisan state government. Jim Rutledge is running against Barbara M. and seems like the best candidate to win the primary. Visit Jim Rutledges' website for his platforms! I know that there are a lot of people that didn't vote and aren't even registered and we need to get them registered now and excited to vote for a better Maryland. There are over one million people that aren’t registered in Maryland that are eligible to vote! Let’s get out and find them and register them a.s.a.p. Also, we need to start to look at the blue dog democrats and moderates to vote against Mikulski and O'Malley to move Maryland forward! Good luck to Bob and Jim! God Bless America and the great state of Maryland!
I am glad that you are on top of this, Ann.
Now we need Bob Ehrlich to revert to his conservative roots if he wants to win.
I too hope that Ehrlich runs, but it seems that Sean O'Donnell, the Baltimore republican examiner has him being defeated before he even has a chance of declaring, I urge you to tell him what you think of his opinion
www.examiner.com/x-3108-Baltimore-Republican-Examiner~y2010m1d20-Bob-Ehrlich-is-not-Scott-Brown
I fully expect an Ehrlich announcment in March. That is the timeframe his campaign has stated and when he announced in 2002.
If there was ever a year for Maryland Republicans to win the Governor's Mansion it is this year. O'Malley's approval ratings have been below 50% since March, 2007. He has presided over the largest tax increase in Maryland history and is leaving the state
the largest budget deficit in history. Even the Sun has blasted him on his handling of the budget. The state's jobless rate is the highest since 1983. The economy is hurting! Remember Ehrlich left the state with a surplus. The national political scene is favorable to Republicans. Now I only hope that Governor Ehrlich selects Larry Hogan as his running mate.
This will balace the ticket with someone who has 20 years of publican service (The Gov) with someone who has over 25 years of business exp. in the private sector and knows how to meet a payroll and keep to a budget. With the economy we need Larry Hogan
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