Former Baltimore State’s Attorney Stuart Simms is expected to be named the running mate of Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan in his race for governor.
The announcement is set for next week, Duncan told a press conference, without disclosing the name.
“Stuart Simms is the top choice,” said a source close to the campaign. Duncan campaign spokeswoman Jody Couser did confirm that Duncan talked with Simms last week about becoming the candidate for lieutenant governor, as reported Sunday in the Washington Post.
The announcement will happen next week, Duncan told a press conference, without disclosing the name. Simms did not return phone calls Thursday.
“It’s a good choice,” said state Sen. Paula Hollinger, D-Baltimore County, a candidate for Congress who had heard the reports of Simms’ selection. “He’s very well-respected,” she said, and “brings a lot of credibility” to the campaign.
Simms was elected to two four-year terms as state’s attorney of Baltimore City, the top prosecutor. He served in Gov. Parris Glendening’s Cabinet as secretary of the Department of Juvenile Services for two years and for six years as secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, which oversees the state police and prisons. Simms is currently in private practice with the Baltimore law firm of Brown Goldstein & Levy.
The choice of Simms follows months of searching by Duncan, who initially promised to name a running mate at the start of the year. Simms’ selection meets a number of Duncan’s criteria: an African-American from Baltimore and someone with strong political and public service credentials. Simms is also a graduate of Harvard Law School, as is Mayor Martin O’Malley’s choice for lieutenant governor, Del. Anthony Brown of Prince George’s County, the House majority whip.
