Dual Roles of O'Malley's Running Mate Raise Questions

Later, Brown appeared in his home county before the Greater Laurel-Beltsville Democratic Club, where he was introduced as "Delegate Brown and candidate Brown."

Brown's address mixed personal biography, promotion of O'Malley's record in Baltimore and bashing of Ehrlich's record as governor -- along with some humor.

Brown pointed to failed efforts to legalize slot-machine gambling as an example of Ehrlich's inability to get legislation through the General Assembly and his unwillingness to compromise.

"I don't know where you stand on slots, and I'm not here to talk pro or con," Brown said. "I was so afraid of the issue, I had to go to Iraq."

Although the line brought laughter, it also exposed an issue on which Brown and O'Malley have differed -- and that Duncan has sought to exploit.

O'Malley supports a limited number of slots at racetracks. Brown has worked in Annapolis against the gambling expansion. The running mates have squared their differences by saying neither wants to impose slots on any community that does not want them.

"Since Martin O'Malley won't debate Doug, maybe he and Delegate Brown can debate each other," Duncan spokeswoman Jody Couser said.

Duncan aides have also sought to drive a wedge between O'Malley and Brown on another hot-button issue: legislation calling for a statewide crime audit.

The bill, strongly backed by Duncan, was drafted in response to questions about the validity of crime-reduction numbers in Baltimore. O'Malley calls the reduction his biggest accomplishment and has said he does not believe an audit is necessary.

Last week, Brown joined one of O'Malley's deputy mayors in calling the timing of the bill "politically suspect." But Brown left open the possibility of supporting the measure, which will first be heard by the Judiciary Committee, on which he sits.

Some of Brown's colleagues say they are surprised that he has not faced more conflicts.

"So far, it's worked out pretty well, but it's additional pressure on Anthony that I'm surprised he wants to deal with," said Del. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. (D-Montgomery), a Duncan supporter who has questioned whether Brown should continue to serve as whip. "My concern is this places a lingering doubt about his motivations."

Brown's decision to run with O'Malley means that this will be his first and only session in Annapolis as majority whip. He was appointed to the post by Busch (D-Anne Arundel) in 2004 but was deployed to Iraq a few months later and missed last year's session. Brown is vacating his House seat after this year to run for lieutenant governor.

He said he feels fine about his limited tenure, noting that many of the tasks he was given while active in the Army were limited to a year. The goal was always to leave an office in better shape than he found it, and that is what he is trying to do here, Brown said.

"He's doing a good job," said Del. Brian R. Moe (D-Prince George's), the chief deputy majority whip and a Duncan supporter. "I don't think there's any question what his job is while he's here."