Murphy says he'll endorse Ehrlich
Capital News Service reporter Stacy Jones reports from Crofton:
Republican gubernatorial challenger Brian Murphy says he'll give former Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. his endorsement -- but only if he's willing to accept it.
"He's made it pretty clear that he doesn't want much to do with me," Murphy said after conceding the GOP primary to the former governor. "Of course I thought I was the better candidate, but somebody's got to beat [Democrat Martin] O'Malley."
The Sarah Palin-endorsed tea party favorite conceded the primary late Tuesday after nearly three hours of waiting anxiously for the votes to be tallied. He made the announcement from his Crofton campaign headquarters before a room of supporters. Children in campaign t-shirts waved American flags while their parents and other adults let out heavy sighs as Murphy told them that conceding was the honorable thing to do.
"On the one hand I'm embarassed and I hate losing," Murphy told the crowd after a third of the votes had been counted. "It's been unbelieveable going up against a machine like this. I wanted to win for you guys."
Volunteer Melanie Gness said she had worked on Ehrlich's first gubernatorial campaign eight years ago but swore off campaigning again because of her disappointment with his resulting term in office.
"I even went so far as to change my party affiliation," the Annapolis woman said.
But after meeting Murphy, Gness said, she felt good about getting behind a politician again.
Murphy arrived at the office shortly after the polls closed at 8 p.m. to a round of applause from campaign staff and volunteers. After a round of handshakes and hugs, Murphy went into a back room to watch the returns with his wife Joy.
He emerged 90 minutes later, dismayed that news organizations had called the race for Ehrlich after only 1 percent of the precincts had reported their results.
He snacked on a piece of chocolate and peanut butter cake from his own Smith Island Sweet Shoppe cakes. The campaign staff also brought a coconut and chocolate version of the bakery's signature 10-layer cake for the occassion.
Murphy, a businessman, started the bakery after a family trip to Smith Island. The firm now ships cakes to all 50 states.
Murphy said that there'll be one sweet reward for leaving the campaign trail.
"I'm so sick of politicians right now," Murphy said. "Tomorrow I'm going to wake up and get my life back."
Comments
What an honor it has been to work with Brian Murphy and his incredible team this past year. He will always have our deepest respect. We sincerely thank the Murphy and Ryman families for sharing their journey with us.
Posted by: Marianne Pelura | September 15, 2010 5:46 AM
Brian Murphy is one of the finest men I know and it was an honor to be associated with him.
His loss in no way lessens my resolve to support candidates that hold principle over politics.
Great job, Brian and keep the faith!
Posted by: Jim Pelura | September 15, 2010 7:33 AM
Thank you for giving us an honest alternative to the typical Big Party, Big Money candidates. Best of luck in any future campaigns Mr. Murphy.
Posted by: Tyrone Brown | September 15, 2010 7:45 AM
Hopefully voters will toss non-principled career politcian Ehrlich into the scrap heap come November.
Posted by: john | September 15, 2010 8:41 AM
This news warms my soul. Thank you Brian Murphy. My heart wanted to vote for you but my head would not allow it. I remember voting for Ross Perot and that backfired. Some are ready for real change but most are ready for any kind of change. I'm patient. Baby steps. The Times They Are A-Changin'. Do Not Give Up. You did good.
Posted by: Carole | September 15, 2010 9:53 AM
Brian Murphy owns the Smith Island Baking Company on Smith Island. The Smith Island Sweet Shop is an unaffiliated bakery in Crisfield, MD.
Posted by: Wendy | September 15, 2010 1:31 PM
Brian, Brian, Brian, please give Maryland voters a choice!!! Both O'Malley and Ehrlich support the killing of babies. Both O'malley and Ehrlich support big government and I could go on and on. You can pull the Democrat, Republican and Independant swing vote and topple them both. Please reconsider staying in the race.
Posted by: J.R. | September 15, 2010 2:05 PM
Much like Carole said, in a better situation, you would have had my vote. I think you are a great, young guy with a bright future. John Sarbanes district is only D+6, just saying...
Posted by: From Harford | September 15, 2010 2:31 PM