Gov. Robert Ehrlich?s re-election campaign continues to run a television ad quoting Democratic Comptroller William Donald Schaefer, despite Schaefer?s request Thursday that the commercial be pulled.
The ad touting Ehrlich?s leadership begins by saying: “Some say he faced the most difficult task of any governor in his lifetime. Gov. Ehrlich rose to the challenge.” In the onscreen image, the words “most difficult task of any governor” are attributed to Schaefer, a former two-term governor, with a Baltimore Sun logo superimposed, implying they were quoted in that newspaper.
Asked about the ad Saturday evening, Ehrlich said, “You?ve heard him repeat that comment many times. I understand there is pressure from the Democratic Party” for Schaefer to disown the ad.
“Nobody called and asked him to do this,” said Laslo Boyd, Schaefer campaign spokesman.
“Nobody is disagreeing with the fact that the quote is an accurate quote. It doesn?t say that he has endorsed the governor, but itleaves people with that impression.”
In his July 6 letter to Ehrlich campaign manager Bo Harmon, Schaefer said: “It is reasonable to assume that I approved the use of my name in the ad because I have endorsed the governor?s re-election. In fact, no one sought my permission to use my name in the ad. More important, I have stated that I will not endorse the governor, but rather the Democratic nominee.” Schaefer, who has frequently praised Ehrlich, initially had endorsed Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan in the Democratic primary, but after he left the race, Schaefer said he would endorse the party?s nominee. But he adamantly avoids saying the name of Mayor Martin O?Malley, the likely standard-bearer.
Harmon said Sunday afternoon that no decision had been made on Schaefer?s request.
