Ehrlich narrows down running mate possibilities

Announcement is expected sometime next week

Friday, June 23, 2006

by Thomas Dennison

Staff Writer

ANNAPOLIS — While Democrats continue to sort out the fallout from Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan’s departure from the governor’s race, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. plans to announce his running mate next week.

Duncan pulled out of the race for governor on Thursday, clearing the Democratic field for Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley.

The Republican governor has to choose a replacement for Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele (R), who is running for the U.S. Senate, by the July 3 filing deadline. Ehrlich aides are targeting Wednesday for an announcement while trying to decide whether to have one major event announcing the governor’s re-election and running mate selection or hold two separate events.

Believed to be on the short list for lieutenant governor are Sen. Sandra B. Schrader (R-Dist. 13) of Columbia, Department of Disabilities Secretary Kristin Cox, Secretary of State Mary Kane, Secretary of Planning Audrey E. Scott, and Secretary of Housing and Community Development Victor L. Hoskins.

Most observers believe Ehrlich will choose a woman, and each of the women mentioned has a strong upside, according to the governor’s aides. The aides did not rule out another candidate emerging who is not on the list.

Schrader is a respected centrist in the Senate and hails from Howard County, a key swing jurisdiction. Cox, who is blind, would represent Ehrlich’s message of empowerment to people with disabilities. Kane would give Ehrlich a road into Montgomery County, while Scott, a former councilwoman, is a long-time GOP foot soldier in populous Prince George’s County.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. said Ehrlich would be wise to choose Schrader because she is likable, has campaign experience and would help to blunt O’Malley’s momentum in Howard County.

As for Cox, who is highly regarded by the governor and his advisers, Miller said her lack of political experience could be a plus and minus for Ehrlich.

‘‘She isn’t known to elected officialdom or to insiders,” said Miller (D-Dist. 27) of Chesapeake Beach. ‘‘Maybe that’s what the governor is looking for.”