O'Malley's political map takes shape; a question mark in Prince George's County
It may be early in the 2010 gubernatorial race (if one can call it a race at this point), but Gov. Martin O’Malley is getting his proverbial ducks in a row with a lengthy list of endorsements from elected officials. His campaign just posted the list of about 325 names to his campaign’s Web site. You can see it here.
Not surprisingly, O’Malley has collared the bulk of the Democratic establishment in a heavily Democratic state. He scored a clean sweep of the congressional delegation, sans the lone Republican — Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett. The governor even won over Comptroller Peter Franchot despite the fact that the two have sometimes been at odds in recent years.
And if anyone thought local officials might bolt from O’Malley’s camp after he drastically reduced state aid to Baltimore City and the 23 counties, the list demonstrates that fallout doesn't appear to be happening. Local officials from around the state are on the list, as are Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett.
But one area seems under-represented — Prince George’s County.
Missing are Sen. Ulysses Currie, four other state senators whose districts include the county and County Executive Jack Johnson. Currie, in an interview, said there’s no particular reason they aren’t on the list yet and that “everybody’s going to be on board with the governor for the next election.” He said he and his colleagues have been working hard in the community recently, and that he’s been touting O’Malley’s pledge to shield funding for kindergarten through12th grade from recent budget cuts.
Could it also be that some Democrats are waiting to see if former Prince George’s County Executive Wayne Curry enters the race? His name has been floated as a possible challenger to O’Malley, perhaps on a ticket with former Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan, who dropped out of the Democratic primary against O’Malley in 2006.
One problem with that scenario: There’s no dearth of politicians for O’Malley from Montgomery County — Duncan’s base.
Comments
We can only hope that Duncan/Curry do run as a ticket
against OMalley/Brown. Maryland cannot afford another 4 years of Governor OMalley's reckless tax and spend policies. As an Independent I am powerless in this the Fleeced State until November 2010.
Posted by: jay | September 4, 2009 10:15 AM
The Prince George's folks understand their importance in the electoral scheme. They're keeping their powder dry, likely to get some promises out of 'ol Marty Mart. I am sure they want to see if Mr. Curry is serious as they will most certainly support a viable African-American candidate over Boy Wonder. Wouldn't you?
Posted by: BigMike | September 8, 2009 10:44 PM