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ANNAPOLIS — Wanted: experienced fundraiser with strong political ties for unpaid position; knowledge of get-out-the-vote campaigns and voter registration drives preferred; ability to unite essential; Democrats need not apply.

The surprise resignation this week of Maryland Republican Party Chairman James Pelura has triggered speculation about whom the beleaguered party will elect to chart a course for next year's elections.

Already, GOP insiders are bracing for what they expect to be a power struggle for control of the party.

More than a half-dozen names already have emerged as potential candidates. Some Republicans said the race will be wide open and will be decided in the hospitality suites at the Comfort Inn in Bowie on the night before the annual GOP convention Nov. 14.

"The party's not in great shape, but it's a first step in a long process of turning things around," said Lawrence J. Hogan Jr., who served in the cabinet of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and this week announced an exploratory bid for governor in 2010.

Former House Minority Leader Ellen R. Sauerbrey, whose name has been floated as someone who could unify the party, said Thursday that "the timing would be really difficult" for her to seek the chairmanship, because she is committed to serving as co-chairman of the board of directors of Maryland Business for Responsive Government.

And former Maryland Insurance Commissioner Alfred W. Redmer Jr. also pulled out of the running, saying in an e-mail to supporters that he is seeking to serve "in a less partisan role than chairman of the Republican Party." Redmer, a former Minority Leader in the House of Delegates, is thought to be considering a run for the 1st Congressional District next year.

Another notable name raised in recent days as a possible candidate is Mary Kane, former secretary of state and wife of ex-party chairman John M. Kane.

Other possibilities for the chairmanship include Chris Cavey, the party's current first vice chairman, Mykel Harris, chairman of the Prince George's County Republican Central Committee, and Dirk Haire, who ran for Anne Arundel county executive in 2006 and is a behind-the-scenes party activist.

At least one GOP insider suggested that the party should elect a chairman who can bring a fresh perspective and be an independent voice. That would mean someone who was not engaged in the recent infighting that led to Pelura's resignation.

"We keep talking about the Republican Party needing to look ahead, and you can't keep going back to people from the past," said the source, who requested anonymity for fear of tainting the process.

Given the squabbling that has marked Pelura's tenure, the new chairman must be able to bring together different wings of the party, raise money and recruit strong candidates, said Sen. David R. Brinkley (R-Dist. 4) of New Market.

"The Republican Party prides itself on being a big tent, and now we have to show that we are," he said.

Elected to the chairman's role in 2006 after Ehrlich (R) lost his bid for a second term, Pelura was charged with rebuilding a battered party. Since then, the Republicans have been plagued by financial difficulties, anemic fundraising and lagging registration numbers.

Regardless of criticism that his leadership style had fractured the party, Pelura refused to relinquish the post even after GOP legislators criticized his focus on policy matters, and the party's executive board voted "no confidence" in him in a 20-10 vote in July.

In a letter sent to supporters Wednesday night explaining his decision to step down, Pelura defended his decisions and claimed that he has been "laying the groundwork for a rebirth of the Republican Party in Maryland."

Critics said Pelura failed to raise money and left the party in dire financial straits heading into next year's elections. The party can't let ideological differences hinder the need to recruit strong, well-financed candidates who can help close the gap between Democrats and Republicans in Annapolis, Brinkley said.

"What matters is the number of people you have down there voting, and too often people get hung up on ideology that prevents you from getting there," he said.

The ability to unify appears to be what GOP leaders and activists want most in their next chairman.

"Our state has many problems, and a viable two-party system is essential to the concept of self-governance," said House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-Dist. 29C) of Lusby. "Therefore, we don't have a minute to waste in reunifying our party and presenting our vision for Maryland. Our party has a lot to offer, and we will be ready for the elections if we start our work in earnest now."

With Democrats under fire in Washington and Annapolis for their handling of the recession, Senate Minority Whip Nancy Jacobs (R-Dist. 34) of Abingdon said the only thing standing in the way of a Republican resurgence is the party itself.

"There's not a whole lot we need to do as Republicans to gear up," she said. "The Democrats are doing all the work for us. If the election were held today, we'd have a lot of turnover."