A fiercely fought and potentially damaging Democratic primary campaign for governor came to an abrupt and unexpected end Thursday as Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan gave up his battle against Mayor Martin O?Malley to fight depression.
To the chattering class who filled the talk radio airwaves Thursday, today marks the beginning of the general election campaign. O?Malley can now focus his efforts and his war chest exclusively onRepublican Gov. Robert Ehrlich, pointed out Democratic Party Chairman Terry Lierman.
Duncan?s sudden departure eliminated the possibility of a bloody primary Democratic leaders had feared would leave whoever won limping into the general election.
Duncan phoned O?Malley and said he would endorse him for governor.
During the short-lived campaign, Duncan had given O?Malley and Ehrlich a taste of what was to come with campaign ads and policy stands that undermined the mayor?s claims to success at fighting crime and improving schools, and the governor?s claims to leadership on electric rates and other issues.
Duncan “ran a truly outstanding campaign,” said Senate President Thomas Mike Miller Jr., a Calvert County Democrat who remained officially neutral in the race, but admitted his wife had put a Duncan yard sign in front of the house.
The statements of praise and support for Duncan and his family from a range of politicos sounded somewhat like eulogies over a fallen comrade. But others were not forecasting an end to Duncan?s career.
“He would make a great transportation secretary” in a new Democratic administration, Miller said.
“He has years of public service ahead of him,” said Republican County Council Member Howard Denis.
Miller says he sees an opening for Duncan?s running mate, Stuart Simms, a former state?s attorney and public safety secretary.
“I?m hoping that Stu Simms takes the opportunity to file for attorney general,” Miller said. “I and others would love to endorse him.”
Simms could not be reached for comment, but he had looked into running for attorney general last fall. Two Montgomery County Democrats are currently in that race, State?s Attorney Doug Gansler and County Council Member Tom Perez.
“Stu is a terrific individual,” Lierman said. “He would make a great candidate.”
