GOP's Rolle Grabs Governor's Coattails

Attorney General Bid Made Official

Frederick County State's Attorney Scott L. Rolle says he'll try to toughen laws on sex offenders. (By Preston Keres -- The Washington Post)

Frederick County State's Attorney Scott L. Rolle launched his campaign for state attorney general yesterday, promising to continue the Republican Party's drive for more influence in predominantly Democratic Maryland.

With Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele at his side, Rolle said his candidacy speaks to the importance of Western Maryland to the party's ambitions this fall, when the GOP hopes to reelect the governor and put Steele in an open U.S. Senate seat.

"I can tell you this prosecutor from Frederick is looking to grab onto those coattails and hold on tight," Rolle said.

His announcement came a day after five-term incumbent J. Joseph Curran Jr. (D) told supporters that he would not seek another term. At least two Democrats -- Montgomery County State's Attorney Douglas F. Gansler and Montgomery County Council member Tom Perez (Silver Spring) -- are expected to announce their bids this month.

Also yesterday, Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens made it official that she would run for state comptroller, a position held by William Donald Schaefer (D). Another Democrat and two Republican candidates have also filed for that seat, in what is shaping up as Maryland's most dynamic election in decades.

Speaking to about 100 people at Francis Scott Key American Legion Post 11 in Frederick, Rolle promised to push for laws that would abolish parole for criminals convicted of sexual offenses against children, murder and rape. He said he would seek to model the efforts on those of Virginia and the federal courts. He also called for tough restrictions on sex offenders and comprehensive anti-gang legislation. Rolle prosecuted a high-profile case in which a repeat sex offender, in his first week out of prison, molested and killed a 9-year-old boy in 2000.

Ehrlich warmly praised the prosecutor as a friend and his choice to replace Curran even while poking some fun. "We all know the real power in the family, the brains and the looks is -- Mary," the governor said, introducing Rolle's wife.

Rolle last ran for office in 2004, in an ill-advised and humbling attempt to unseat Republican Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett in the 6th District.

Ehrlich and other party officials had counseled Rolle not to take on the popular congressman and to instead bide his time for an opportunity such as an opening for the attorney general's office. Rolle lost by more than 2 to 1.

"I don't hold grudges," Bartlett said yesterday in an interview at the American Legion hall before Rolle arrived. "We have a great opportunity to elect three candidates to statewide office, and I want to be as helpful as possible."

During the 2004 primary, Rolle ran as more conservative than Bartlett. Although both considered gun rights and fighting against abortion important, Rolle accused Bartlett of not backing President Bush enthusiastically enough in going to war in Iraq or pursuing anti-terrorist initiatives such as the Patriot Act.

Yesterday, Republicans at Rolle's campaign launch said they believed that Rolle's stance as an archconservative two years ago would not hinder him statewide.