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Dems speculate on Perez, Schmoke

Friday, Nov. 11, 2005

Some Democrats are saying that Montgomery County Council President Thomas E. Perez (D) could be a contender to join Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley’s ticket.

Others say former Baltimore mayor Kurt L. Schmoke (D) may be Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan’s choice for a running mate.

Perez, who is also exploring a run for attorney general, has yet to endorse anyone in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, but is known to have a friendly relationship with the Baltimore mayor.

An O’Malley-Perez ticket would give the mayor an inroad into Duncan’s home base of Montgomery County and entrée to the state’s growing Latino community.

Schmoke, who is African American, would similarly broaden the appeal of a Duncan candidacy in Baltimore and among black voters.

But Perez dampened the speculation on Thursday.

‘‘My focus continues to be on serving my constituents here in Montgomery County and preparing for an attorney general run should Joe Curran decide to retire,” he said.