O?Malley backs Cryor as new chairman

Gov. Martin O?Malley has asked state Democratic Party officials to name Michael Cryor, a Baltimore City communications consultant, as their new chairman when they convene June 16. Cryor was co-chairman of then-Baltimore City Mayor O?Malley?s Believe Campaign and a paid public relations consultant who helped reorganize the City Hall communications office in 2003. Current party Chairman Terry Lierman is leaving at the end of the month to become chief of staff to U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, the southern Maryland congressman.

“I?m quite honored to have been asked,” Cryor said. He declined to discuss any plans he has for the party, which reclaimed the state House last year.