Gubernatorial Facebook faceoff begins now
A few hours after confirming to reporters that he wants his old job back, former Gov. Robert. L. Ehrlich relayed the news to his 14,000-plus Facebook fans. The race will pit the only Republican in a generation elected to lead Maryland against Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley, who defeated him by more than six percentage points in 2006. Ehrlich's status update at 5:41 p.m. yesterday: "Are you ready to take back Maryland? I will formally kick off my campaign for Governor next week. It's time for new ideas and proven leadership in Annapolis. Our economy and our families can afford no less. Click 'News' on my Facebook page for details about next week's kick off." The response: More than 2,000 people have given the status a thumb's up, and more than 500 have commented. Hoping to translate virtual fans into real ones, Ehrlich has also posted information about his two campaign kick-off events April 7. At 10 a.m. that day, he'll be at the Rockville Town Center, and at 6 p.m., he'll hit the American Legion in Halethorpe. O'Malley also unveiled his challenger to his nearly 4,400 Facebook fans. About an hour ago, his status was updated to read: "Well, its official: Bob Ehrlich just announced he'll be my opponent in the race for governor this year. Tell us your thoughts and invite your friends. Visit: http://www.martinomalley.com for ways you can help Anthony and me keep our state moving forward." So far, six people "like" the status (though it's a bit awkward for O'Malley fans to give it a thumb's-up), and about two dozen people have commented. State law prohibits O'Malley from campaigning* raising or soliciting money until the legislative session ends April 12, but look for him to use Facebook to promote his trail stops*. * An astute reader pointed out that O'Malley can still spend money on his campaign during session -- just not raise any.
Comments
"State law prohibits O'Malley from campaigning until the legislative session ends April 12"
False.
State law prohibits O'Malley from *fundraising* (not campaigning) until the legislative session ends April 12.
Posted by: You are Wrong | March 31, 2010 3:25 PM
I am undecided as of yet who would be best to lead Maryland until 2014. Although I have been a lifelong registered Democrat, there have been some things which have taken place recently that have made me pause to reflect on whether or not I would - or should for that matter - blindly 'rubber stamp' the leading Democratic candidate into the Governor's Mansion. I sincerely think that there should be a strong candidate to at least consider within the ranks of the Democratic state party, so I could have, at a minimum, a sense of comfort that we will maintain a strong leadership presence to 2014 and beyond. This, honestly, could be a quite bitter - and telling - Primary and General election.
Posted by: Chester (Ft Washington) | March 31, 2010 4:18 PM
Ehrlich can focus his energy on facebook. Democrats will keep governing. What a sideshow.
Posted by: Scottie | March 31, 2010 5:23 PM
I think Mr. Ehrlich will give O'malley a good run for his money. He seems down to earth, and has benefitted from sitting on the sidelines and seeing how our state continues to lose residents. Taxes have increased and we aren't hearing about job opportunities pouring into Md., the counties are going to get big new bills in one year, and the Democrat-vs-Republican issue shouldn't be the decision-maker for our people, it's who can lead us best for the next 4 years while keeping our deficits down.
Posted by: Brooklynboy | March 31, 2010 8:07 PM
Ehrlich will win. There's no doubt about it. O'Malley is not only unlikeable, but he's not been a serious Governor. The only reason Ehrlich lost was 1) it was a very bad year for R's and 2) Ehrlich's position on the environment was horrendous. Chicken farms are having trouble on the Eastern Shore because others were allowed to pollute for so long.
Posted by: silencedogood2 | April 2, 2010 7:11 AM
Big Business Veto Bob back in the race, is he really serious about governing MD.this time .His last run was a joke . Veto the Wal Mart Bill, then pick a women with no political base as a running mate , did he really want to win. Billy Bob has the apperance of being an undercover lobbyist an a not so savy politician. Good Luck Bob you'll need lots of it. Don't quit your day job.
Posted by: Anonymous | April 4, 2010 2:25 PM