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A Scramble to Replace the Old Guard
(By Linda Davidson -- The Washington Post)
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The 18 Democrats seeking their party's nomination include Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin and former congressman and NAACP leader Kweisi Mfume, both of Baltimore. Their race has been driven less by differences on issues than by their contrasting styles and questions about whether party leaders were too quick to close ranks behind Cardin, who is white, as opposed to Mfume, who is black.
Among the others on the ballot are Josh Rales, a Montgomery County businessman who is using millions of dollars of his own money to promote his candidacy in television ads; Allan Lichtman, an American University history professor and Montgomery resident; and Dennis Rasmussen, a former Baltimore county executive.
Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, one of several prominent black Republicans across the nation seeking office this year, is expected to prevail among the 10 candidates from his party seeking the nomination, setting up a spirited contest in the November election. A Green Party contender also will compete in the general election.
Curran's exit has opened up a lively race for the attorney general's job.
Two Democrats, Montgomery County State's Attorney Douglas F. Gansler and Baltimore lawyer Stuart O. Simms, are vying for their party's nomination. A third, Montgomery County Council member Tom Perez, was on the ballot until last week, when the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that he was ineligible for the job because he had not spent 10 years as a Maryland lawyer.
Republican Scott L. Rolle, the Frederick County state's attorney, is unopposed for his party's nod.
Simms had been running for lieutenant governor on Duncan's ticket but switched races after Duncan dropped out.
Whoever prevails will be several years junior to Curran, 75. His long career in Maryland politics includes stints in the General Assembly and service as lieutenant governor.
