Gov. Robert Ehrlich announced his support Thursday for two Republicans recruited as last-minute candidates vying for top Baltimore County offices.
In Pikesvillle, Ehrlich promoted Republican Clarence Bell for Baltimore County executive, saying his experience as commander of several state police barracks, most recently in Howard County, demonstrates his commitment to public service. Bell will face Republican Norman Cioka, a county maintenance worker, in the September primary.
The endorsement was expected given party affiliations, incumbent County Executive Jim Smith said through campaign spokesman Sterling Clifford, who added Baltimore City Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Martin O?Malley is scheduled to appear with him at an event Saturday.
Smith faces three primary challengers and has $1.5 million in his re-election fund, Clifford said earlier this month.
“From his inadequate funding for school construction to his mishandling of juvenile justice and group homes, the governor has been unresponsive to the people of Baltimore County, so it?s not surprising he is supporting a candidate who has done nothing for Baltimore County,” Smith said.
Earlier, in Owings Mills, Ehrlichalso endorsed attorney Jeffrey Yablon, who is challenging long time District 11 Del. Bobby Zirkin for the state Senate seat being vacated by Paula Hollinger, who is running for Congress. Political observers said they consider Zirkin the favorite, but about 50 supporters wearing Yablon T-shirts and buttons showed up at Yablon?s law office to welcome Ehrlich and what they called a “fresh face” for the district.
Yablon worked on Ehrlich?s election team in 2002. With roles reversed Thursday, Ehrlich said Yablon is a well-financed candidate who has a legitimate chance of winning a seat in November.
“I?m promoting quality people who are quality candidates and need to go to Annapolis to stop Mike Busch and Mike Miller,” Ehrlich said. “Jeff is an ?A? candidate, which means top recruited, targeted race and can and should win if executed properly.”
Zirkin, a two-term incumbent delegate, said he has “never heard” of Yablon, and will continue focusing on his record of achievements.
Both Ehrlich and Yablon emphasized their goal of strengthening the Republican party in Annapolis and reinforcing the governor?s veto power. Ehrlich Thursday also endorsed Republican Richard Martel, who is challenging District 12 state Sen. Edward Kasemeyer in Baltimore County.
