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Busy Day At Polls Likely in Md., D.C.
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Democratic ballots in Maryland will also include closely watched county executive races in Montgomery, Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties; some intense state Senate primaries; a fierce fight in congressional races, such as in the 4th District, which spans Montgomery and Prince George's counties; and an unpredictable scramble in the 3rd, which includes parts of Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Howard counties.
Until this summer, it appeared Democrats would also have a choice of gubernatorial candidates, an additional incentive to vote. But Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley is the only Democrat on the ballot since Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan dropped out in June.
Meanwhile, statewide primaries among Maryland Republicans have generated only limited attention.
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. is running unopposed for his party's nomination. In the U.S. Senate race, Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele faces nine Republican opponents -- but none with much potential to derail his march to the nomination. And there is only one GOP candidate for attorney general.
Four candidates are seeking the GOP nomination for comptroller, but that race has lacked the drama of the Democrats' three-way contest.
"The driving force will be local races," Miller said of GOP turnout.
Democrats had hoped that an early voting plan that was to open the polls a week early would boost turnout. But the plan approved by the legislature -- and vigorously opposed by Ehrlich -- was scotched by the state Court of Appeals, which ruled that it violated the state constitution.
"Governor Ehrlich has created a bad climate for people coming out to vote," said the Maryland Democrats' Walker. "But Mother Nature seems to be negating that a little bit."
The forecast for the Washington area calls for partly cloudy skies with a high in the low 70s today -- perfect weather for voting.
Staff writers Matthew Mosk and Lori Montgomery contributed to this report.
