Mary Kane seeks to lead Maryland GOP
The Republican running mate in this year's governor's race is campaigning for another office. Mary Kane confirmed to The Washington Post that she is seeking to lead the Maryland Republican Party, which selects a new head next month.
Kane spent this summer and fall as the lieutenant governor hopeful in former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich's comeback bid. The pair lost earlier this month to the Democratic incumbent ticket, Gov. Martin O'Malley and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown.
Kane's husband, John Kane, led the state party during Ehrlich's tenure as governor. They live in Montgomery County.
Chris Cavey and Larry Hogan, other Ehrlich allies frequently mentioned as candidates for the state chairmanship, both told The Sun today that they're not running.
Other names being bandied about include Brian Murphy, who challenged Ehrlich in the primary, and Charles Lollar, who waged an unsuccessful but high-profile campaign to unseat Rep. Steny Hoyer.
Audrey Scott, who has served as chairwoman of the party for the past year, has said she won't seek another term. She helped Republicans transition after the rocky tenure of Jim Pelura, who had a strained relationship with Ehrlich and some GOP lawmakers.
Comments
I am concerned that the MD GOP Central Committee has not yet digested the lessons to be learned from Nov. 2. First of all, the voters do not believe that our party is sincere about protecting jobs, they do not believe that taxes are the #1 issue, and to the extent they want reform, they do not see the small number of GOP establishment leader as sure to go the distance.
I think both Lollar and Murphy woudl be great choices-- they understand the grassroots, and how to reach the key independent voters without dumbing the party down to Good Ole Putzers and blue-haired matrons.
Bob's a great guy, but he couldn't mobilze the base, raise money, or show why his approach is more than Democrat Lite.
Posted by: Mike Hethmon | November 15, 2010 5:39 PM
Good Luck Mary!
Just as one party domination doesn't work on the federal level (Bush, Obama), it doesn't work on the state level either. I hope you can bring back the GOP in Maryland so tax and spend with no consequences will stop.
Posted by: Jack | November 16, 2010 1:46 PM
It's a good sign for Maryland that we have vital competitors with the desire to lead the future of the state GOP. Audrey Scott has done a fantastic job in bringing the party together again. I think Mary Kane can continue to build bridges. The important thing at both the state and national level is that Republicans embrace all within their ranks and operate as ONE VOICE to restore individual and national honor and accountability.
Posted by: Laura Bogley | November 16, 2010 4:12 PM
Maybe one of the Kane children is available.
Why not continue the dynasty and losing record. Keep sending those checks and campaign contributions. Maybe they can have a party at Night Shift to raise money for the poor overtaxed dancers.
Posted by: Mike | November 16, 2010 7:01 PM
Mary is a great lady, with that said I don't think she would be the best person for the Job of MD State GOP Chairman.
In the Baltimore Sun she stated that it would be 40 years before we elected another Republican. We can't have someone that negative as our Chairman.
There is an Alternative. Sen. Alex Mooney, he has a proven conservative track record. He has worked with many grass roots conservative organizations, he is able to recruit people, and can raise money. That is what we need for our next chairman. Alex has knows how to fight in the trenches.
Alex Mooney is the future of the MD GOP!
I urge Republican Central committee members to support Alex Mooney for MD GOP Chairman.
Posted by: Caleb Montgomery | November 17, 2010 10:32 AM