Franchot chief of staff heading to Van Hollen's office
Peter Franchot's loss is Chris Van Hollen's gain.
Van Hollen, the Democratic congressman from Montgomery County, announced today that his current chief of staff is moving to a new position as policy director in Van Hollen's assistant to the speaker office, creating a vacancy that will be filled by David Weaver.
Weaver is currently chief of staff to Comptroller Peter Franchot, and had spent 12 years as communications director to former Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan.
Van Hollen cited Weaver's "vast knowledge of Maryland" in making the announcement. Weaver is widely respected in Annapolis and throughout the state as a solid professional and straight-shooter.
His position in the comptroller's office will be filled by a deputy, Len Foxwell. It's likely that Foxwell's job may not be filled, a cost savings that could keep the budget-cutters and Franchot critics such as Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller at bay. Miller went after the comptroller's staffing last year, and Franchot aides are fearful of another effort soon.
Weaver also liked to get involved in campaigns. We wonder: Is this further evidence that Peter Franchot won't be running for governor in 2010? Or, to put a finer point on it, perhaps it's evidence that the smart money is on Van Hollen becoming senator before Franchot becomes governor.
-- David Nitkin and Gadi Dechter
Comments
Good points David! However I tend to believe none of what I hear and half of what I see in politics!
It could be that Van Hollen is setting up for the Mikulski seat in 2010, which will go to Cummings if Barbara steps down!
However don;t believe Peter had given up on his Gov ambitions! He is a fighter and serious campaigner. Would it be smart for him to sit in tow til 2014 until Omalley is gone based on term limits and he can get the Democratic party nod (which he won;t because Mike Miller runs them Dems and they cant stand each other) so it may be better to hit Martin now when he is weak coming off the worst first (2) years of any Gov in MD history in my opinion!
From record tax hikes, to lying campaign promises, including recent Slots proposal that was suppose to give schools $ yet we're planning on cutting them and withhold tax hikes and budget cuts, hence the recent state furloughs and such!
Yeah we wont get the money from slots for some years but in 2010 peoples wont want to hear that shyt when ur coming to their card board houses since they lost during O'Malley's first term. Since Peter wont get the Democratic nod anyway he may as well go for the gustow when the time is right! 2014 he wont have a leg to stand on and if Martin turns it around with later slots money (which Peter opposed) and backs someone else (which he will) like Brown, first black gov., then Peter loses big time. (Black voters and more...)
2010 is his time! Call me Peter! lol...
Posted by: Mr.Giordano | December 23, 2008 11:17 PM