Pappas drops gubernatorial bid and backs Hogan
Mike Pappas, the first Republican brave enough to wade into the 2010 gubernatorial contest in Maryland, is dropping out and throwing his support behind Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. Nearly a year after Pappas declared he was “in it to win it,” he’s now saying he’s in it for Hogan.
“I’m withdrawing from the race, and I believe that Larry is the candidate who can win next November,” Pappas said in a press release from Hogan’s campaign. “Larry nearly defeated Maryland’s most powerful Democrat. He has a proven record of wining over Democrats and Independents as well as Republicans.”
Hogan does count among his political credentials a campaign that almost unseated Steny H. Hoyer in the 1990s, a significant feat in a heavily Democratic state. The real estate company executive went on to serve in former Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich’s cabinet. Pappas said Hogan has the ability to build the grassroots organization and fund-raising operation needed to be successful as Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley is already gearing up his campaign.
But there’s one major caveat — Hogan has said he’s only in it if Ehrlich’s not.
While he appears to be ramping up his campaign apparatus, Hogan has maintained that he would withdraw if Ehrlich decides to run. Meanwhile, a decision from Ehrlich could be months away.
As for Pappas, a construction attorney from Perry Hall. Hogan said you haven’t seen the last of him. “He’s got a great future in politics,” Hogan said in his press release. He added that he’s excited to have the “Pappas team” join his campaign.
Comments
Ehrlich cannot beat O'Malley for three reasons: the flush tax, the billion dollar tax increase and the increases on so many fees. Hogan will have the best chance if he is right of center.
Posted by: Rick | November 6, 2009 5:42 AM