Reaction to Duncan's withdrawal

Friday, June 23, 2006

Click here to enlarge this photo Laurie DeWitt⁄The Gazette Duncan and running mate Stuart Simms celebrate their partnership in Baltimore in May. Simms, a former Baltimore prosecutor, is being urged to switch gears and enter the attorney general’s race now that the Duncan-Simms campaign has ended. ‘‘He’s the ideal candidate” who would add depth and diversity to the Democrats’ statewide ticket, said Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr.

‘‘Doug is a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He embodies the personal decency and graciousness Marylanders deserve from their public servants. ... Kendel and I extend our best wishes to Doug and his family.”

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R)

‘‘Doug is an outstanding public servant. He has made an exceptional contribution to our state for more than 20 years as an elected official. ... I look forward to meeting with him soon to discuss this, and to working with him in the months and years ahead.”

Baltimore MayorMartin O’Malley (D)

‘‘I love my husband very much.”

Barbara Duncan as she and her son removed two black and yellow Duncan signs from their front yard in Rockville on Thursday afternoon

‘‘I’m disappointed he’s out, but either way, I’ll support the [Democratic] ticket.”

Lloyd Ryan of Gaithersburg,a 41-year-old high school teacher

‘‘I think it’s better for him to drop out now than have to deal with this later. I’d still vote for him for anything. He’s a good guy.”

Mike Frye, 58, a computer system analyst from Olney

Our opinion Mr. Duncan’s bravery Gazette editorial Barry Rascovar Duncan makes the ‘right move’ Blair Lee Maryland politics after Duncan Related coverage * Duncan drops out * Between applause and smiles, a politician bows * Colleagues, constituents, neighbors saddened by Duncan’s withdrawal * Stresses of campaigning can bring on depression for some * A legacy built on a ‘can-do’ attitude * Transcript of Duncan's statement Photo gallery: Doug Duncan in pictures Graphic: Timeline of a political career

‘‘I’m really disappointed. I really thought he would have made a really great governor. I really was looking forward to a Duncan-Simms administration.”

Omar Boulware, president of the Prince George’s County Young Democrats

‘‘It flabbergasted me. I thought he was in it to the end and had no idea he was considering withdrawing.”

William E. Hanna Jr., former Rockville city councilman, mayor and county councilman

‘‘He’s been an extremely effective county executive for three terms. I know he wants to serve the people of Maryland and I am sorry he will not have the opportunity to do so.”

Montgomery County Councilwoman Marilyn J. Praisner (D-Dist. 4) of Calverton

‘‘I am proud to call Doug my friend. We have been true partners on so many fronts — including the improvement of transportation in Montgomery County and the redevelopment of Silver Spring. While he has pulled out of the governor’s race, we have not heard the last from Doug Duncan.”

U.S. Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D) of Baltimore

‘‘Doug would have made a great governor.”

Del. Murray D. Levy (D-Dist. 28) of La Plata

‘‘Sometimes when we get into politics, we put our personal lives and our families second to the political office. I know it was a very tough decision for Doug, but personally it’s the right decision for him.”

Sen. Thomas McLain Middleton (D-Dist. 28) of Waldorf

‘‘This has, in the past, spelled the end for political careers, because of the stigma attached to mental health issues. ... [Doug] may still have a lot to offer. I wouldn’t write the guy off.”

Del. John L. Bohanan Jr.(D-Dist. 29B) of California