In no specific terms, Gov. Robert Ehrlich intimated his plans to run again for office in his last public appearance as Maryland?s governor Sunday.
At an event to thank his supporters, Ehrlich asked more than 1,000 Republicans from across the state to “hang in there” over the next four years and participate in state politics that, starting Wednesday, will be returned to the hands of a Democratic governor.
“Competitors compete always,” he said. “I?m going to ask you to compete with me in order to save this state.”
Ehrlich has not publicly stated what office he plans to run for. First lady Kendel Ehrlich told attendants she surprised herself in 2002 when she persuaded her husband to run for governor in the first place.
And, she said Sunday, “I know that if I have anything to do with it, public service is not over for Bob Ehrlich.”
The event, originally planned for Saturday, was rescheduled so Ehrlich could attend the Baltimore Ravens game against the Indianapolis Colts. Waving posters that read “We Love Our Gov,” and wearing stickers and buttons from his 2002 and 2006 campaigns, Ehrlich supporters joked his loss was more devastating than the Ravens? against the city?s former team.
Many speculated Ehrlich?s next political move, from running again for Congress to the presidency ? as one man shouted during Ehrlich?s remarks.
“I think he will be very involved in the presidential campaigns and not on a low level,” said Chuck Gast, second vice-chairman of the Maryland Republican Party. “The samewith Michael Steele. Both have established national personas and have proven how successful they can be.”
The event was funded by Citizens for Ehrlich, the governor?s campaign office, which will remain open after Gov.-elect Martin O?Malley is inaugurated Wednesday, Ehrlich volunteers said. Organizers played a video trumpeting Ehrlich?s accomplishments during his term that also contained subtle jabs at what Ehrlich considered his political enemies ? O?Malley and The Baltimore Sun.
Making a cameo appearance, Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos said Ehrlich helped spur economic renaissance in the city?s west side.
“But if we had the support of our local government,” Angelos added, “we could have done more.”
