County Executive Candidate Picks Up 11 Endorsements

Democratic county executive candidate George F. Johnson IV , sheriff of Anne Arundel County, announced endorsements this week from current and former state senators, state delegates, current and former County Council members and the state's attorney, 11 officials in all.

Johnson, 52, recently entered a crowded race to replace Janet S. Owens (D) in 2006. Owens is barred by term limits from running again.

Other potential Democratic candidates include Barbara D. Samorajczyk , a County Council member, and Dennis Callahan, county parks chief and former Annapolis mayor. The field also includes Republicans Greg Nourse , an assistant superintendent in the county school system; Tom Angelis , a Baltimore high school teacher; state delegates John R. Leopold and David G. Boschert ; and 2002 GOP nominee Phil Bissett .

Johnson picked up endorsements from these Democrats: state senators Philip C. Jimeno and James E. " Ed" DeGrange Sr. and former senator Al Lippin ; delegates Mary Ann Love , Ted Sophocleus and Joan Cadden ; County Council member Pamela G. Beidle and former council members Shirley Murphy , George Bachman and Dan Klosterman ; and State's Attorney Frank R. Weathersbee .