Dozens of Baltimore County Leaders Endorse O'Malley/Brown

Against Energy Rate Hikes and Record of Leadership and Accomplishment in Baltimore City

Dundalk, MD (April 2, 2006) – Today, over 30 Baltimore County leaders endorsed Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown for Governor and Lt. Governor. Baltimore County is widely considered one of the most critical battlegrounds in this year’s election.

“I am excited and humbled to have the early support of so many respected leaders in Baltimore County,� said Martin O’Malley. “These endorsements demonstrate the need for a strong state partner – not a neutral partner – to work with local governments to solve problems and improve the quality of life for Maryland’s families.�

Speaking in Dundalk from the Ironworkers Union Hall, current and former Baltimore County state and local elected officials and leaders cited O’Malley’s leadership, record of progress in Baltimore, and willingness to stand up for Maryland families against special interests – most recently his leadership on the Dubai ports deal and the imminent energy hikes.

“As demonstrated by their leadership in the fight against Ehrlich’s Public Service Commission’s rate hikes, Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown will bring leadership that works for us and our families back to state government,� said Delegate Bobby Zirkin. “While Bob Ehrlich stands in the way of progress, Martin and Anthony have shown time and again, that they can bring people together to fight against special interests on behalf of Maryland’s families.�

The early endorsements are seen as a sign of the strength of the O’Malley-Brown ticket in Baltimore County, which is expected to be a major battleground in this year’s election. In the three most recent elections for governor, Baltimore County has proven to be one of the best bell weathers of electoral success. In 1994, Democrats did not fare well, and almost went on to lose the general election. In 1998, Democrats rebounded almost breaking even in the county, and won the general election by 10 points statewide. And in 2002, Republicans won the county decisively (61% to 38%), which put Bob Ehrlich in position to win the statewide election 52% to 48%.

“Four years ago Bob Ehrlich was elected governor and Maryland families have been paying for it ever since,� added Baltimore County Councilman Johnny Olszewski, Sr. “But we know that come November, Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown will beat Bob Ehrlich and start fighting for Maryland families, not against them.�

Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown have already received the endorsements of a number of elected officials in Prince George’s County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Montgomery County, and from Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Among those endorsing Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown today in Baltimore County were:

• Senator Norman Stone (6th District)
• Senator Kathy Klausmeier (8th District)
• Senator Edward Kasemeyer (12th District)
• Senator James Brochin (42nd District)
• Delegate Joseph “Sonny� Minnick (6th District)
• Delegate Michael Weir (6th District)
• Delegate Eric Bromwell (8th District)
• Delegate Shirley Nathan-Pulliam (10th District)
• Delegate Dan Morhaim (11th District)
• Delegate Bobby Zirkin (11th District)
• Delegate Jon Cardin (11th District)
• Delegate Steve DeBoy (12th District)
• Delegate James Malone (12th District)
• Councilman Johnny Olszweski
• Councilman Vince Gardina
• Councilman Ken Oliver
• Councilman Kevin Kamenetz
• Councilman Sam Moxley
• Councilman Joseph Bartenfelder
• Sheriff R. Jay Fisher
• Grace Connolly Register of Wills
• Suzanne Mensh Clerk of the Court
• Theresa A. Lawler Orphan’s Court Judge
• Daniel Brewster (Former U.S. Senator)
• Theodore Venetoulis (Former County Executive)
• Michael Collins (Former State Senator)
• Diana DeCarlo (Former State Delegate)
• Barbara Bachur (Former State Delegate)
• Nancy M. Hubers (Former State Delegate)
• Connie DeJulius (Former State Delegate)
• Mark C. Medairy (Former State Delegate)
• Alex Wright (Former Judge)
• Gerry Brewster (Former Candidate)