Montgomery’s head prosecutor announced his bid to be the top lawyer for the state Monday amid a crowd of friends, family and political supporters in Rockville.
“The Attorney General’s Office is the ‘people’s lawyer.’ I promise to fight for the people,” said Doug Gansler said. “I will be independent. I will do what is right, not what is easy or political or partisan.”
Gansler, 43, is the second candidate to declare following last week’s announcement by Frederick County State’s Attorney Scott Rolle, a Republican.
He will likely have a primary runoff with Montgomery County Council Member Thomas Perez, D-District 5, to fight Rolle in the first contested attorney general’s race in 20 years. Joseph Curran is not seeking re-election.
Perez is expected to announce his bid next week.
Former U.S. Sen. Joe Tydings, state House Majority Whip Kumar Barve and Del. Herman Taylor stood behind Gansler for Monday’s announcement.
“We need strong public safety officials who can continue to build the quality of life for Marylanders,” Taylor said.
He cited Gansler’s backing of tougher anti-drunken-driving laws as one reason he supports him, though he said he’s worked with Gansler on many initiatives.
Also present was Deputy State’s Attorney John McCarthy, who plans to announce his run for Gansler’s seat May 30.
Gansler’s platform
» Statewide racketeering statute targeted at youth gangs
» Boost communication among law enforcement agencies to fight terrorism
» Rein in sentence review
» Fighting identity theft and advocating consumer and protection
