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2006-06-23 Home Front: Politix

MD governors' race gets less interesting

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,

Never heard of him

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.

Posted by Seafarious 2006-06-23 00:00|| || Front Page|| [8 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Ha Haaaa!
The Salt Peter in his Perrier finally started to work! You have to hit those commie bastards where it hurts them worst!

Posted by bigjim-ky 2006-06-23 11:03|| 2006-06-23 11:03|| Front Page Top

#2 This strikes me as a not very intelligent way to get out of running. Despite all the explanations that depression is due simply to brain chemical imbalances, people don't like to vote for someone who is, or has been, "nuts". Mr. Duncan may have ruined his career, despite promises of a quid pro quo.

Posted by trailing wife 2006-06-23 16:11|| 2006-06-23 16:11|| Front Page Top

#3 Why be a such girly-man and "admit" to a personal weakness, if you don't have to? Michael Steele is such a "Man's man", that he probably doesn't care one way or the other about the "competition's" hang-ups. Too busy keeping his eye on the prize to get sentimental and stuff. He's cool. Later Doug!

Posted by as 2006-06-23 21:26|| 2006-06-23 21:26|| Front Page Top

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