Kristen Cox, the 36-year-old blind disabilities secretary who grew up in Utah, is expected to be named Gov. Robert Ehrlich?s running mate for lieutenant governor at an announcement this morning in Annapolis, according to sources with knowledge of the campaign.
Cox?s name has been bandied about for weeks, along with a short list of other women being considered for the position. Recent polls show Ehrlich with less support among women than four years ago.
Aides were trying to keep a lid on the name and deflect attention to other potential candidates. “It?s not a done deal,” press secretary Greg Massoni said Wednesday.
But campaign materials with Cox?s name on them were reportedly being prepared, and at least one candidate who had been vetted for the position praised the selection of Cox.
“I think she?s an excellent choice,” said Sen. Sandra Schrader, R-Howard, who had been interviewed for the running mate job by former Sen. Bill Brock. Brock apparently also spoke with Cox and has helped Ehrlich by reviewing nominees for other posts.
“She?s been before our committee numerous times,” said Schrader, referring to the budget subcommittee for health and human services. “She?s delightful; she?s witty; she?s very intelligent; she?s on top of things, and she never misses a beat. She?s prepared and then some.”
“I think she brings a lot to the ticket,” Schrader said. “First of all she?s a woman. I think women bring a different perspective. Being a woman, a mom and wife, holding an important position and juggling it all.”
“She?ll be an excellent messenger for the governor?s platform,” Schrader said.
Trent Kittleman, executive secretary of the Maryland Transportation Authority, had also been mentioned on some lists, but she wasn?t interviewed by Brock, and in fact had been pushing for Cox as a running mate when she heard “other names” being touted last year.
Those names prominently included Wayne Curry, the former Democratic county executive in Prince George?s County, a name that caused grumbling among party officials.
Cox is “extraordinarily competent and articulate,” said Kittleman, widow of Howard County state Sen. Bob Kittleman. Kittleman said she talked to Republican Party Chairman John Kane and first lady Kendel Ehrlich about Cox. “Sandy would be an excellent choice,” she said.
Kristen Cox at a glance
» Age: 36. Born in Bellevue, Wash.
» Education: Bachelor?s degree, Brigham Young University
» Career: Maryland Secretary of Disabilities, 2003-present; Special Assistant to Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education, 2001-03; Assistant Director of Governmental Affairs, National
Federation of the Blind, 1998-2001.
» Family: Lives with husband Randy and two sons in Towson.
