 Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan dropped out of the race for governor [of Maryland] today, saying he has been diagnosed with clinical depression. "It's time for me to focus on my health," Duncan said at an afternoon news conference at the Executive Office Building in Rockville.| Drat. I was looking forward to focusing on a nice bruising Donk primary battle between Duncan and Baltimore mayor Martin O'Malley. The fireworks would have been spectacular. |
Duncan announced his decision with his wife, Barbara; son, John; and running mate, Stu Simms, at his side. Upon entering the conference room, he received a standing ovation from the county employees and teary-eyed campaign workers in the audience.| Prolly a few misty GOP operatives as well. |
Duncan, who has been Montgomery's county executive for 12 years, faced stiff competition for the Democratic nomination from Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley. Duncan's was the underdog campaign: He had raised less money than his opponents and trailed them in the polls. But that had only driven Duncan to more aggressively pursue his main opponent, often attacking O'Malley's record on crime and education. His withdrawal means that O'Malley and the Democratic party can now focus their energy and money on toppling Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.Ratz. My mom and I were speculating that he got a call from Donk HQ: "Get out, and get out now. O'Malley's our man; we won't forget you once he's in office." A banged-up and weakened O'Malley would be a less formidable opponent to Gov. Ehrlich, who has been largely ineffective as governor. Mind you, this is pure speculation. I don't particularly like Doug Duncan all that much, but my brother used to rent him videos back in the day. That's got to count for something, right?
Oh well. We'll just have to settle for the Kweisi Mfume/ Ben Cardin /Lt. Gov. Michael Steele cage match for Paul Sarbanes' Senate seat. |
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