Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bob Ehrlich’s promise to kill the Metro’s proposed Purple Line light rail system has reopened old wounds in Montgomery County.

Ehrlich, who is trying to win his old job back from Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, has repeatedly said he’ll back a bus rapid transit system instead of light rail line along the route, which would link the New Carrollton and Bethesda Metro stations. Planning officials and O’Malley have called for light rail and are awaiting federal studies for approval.