Duncan Protests Use of His Comments in Ehrlich TV Ad

Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan (D) will make two appearances today -- one of them not of his choosing -- in the governor's race that he exited in June.

Some of Duncan's toughest words as a primary candidate about his party's eventual nominee, Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley , are reprised in a television ad that debuts today in the Washington market. The ad, aired by Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. 's campaign, is timed to coincide with Duncan's appearance at a rally this afternoon in his home county for O'Malley and other Democrats.

Featured are several newspaper quotes by Duncan sizing up O'Malley's commitment to education.

Among them: "O'Malley placed education last, as opposed to putting it first." "Education is not a priority for him." And O'Malley "has ignored the schools, and we're seeing the results of that today."

The Ehrlich campaign is moving ahead with the ad despite a letter from Duncan on Friday.

"As you know, I support Martin O'Malley, your opponent," Duncan wrote. "To use my image, video or words to persuade citizens to vote for you would be improper -- and beneath your office. I trust you will take the steps necessary to prevent this from happening."

Word of the ad drew protest last night from the O'Malley campaign. "Doug Duncan is a true public servant and a good Democrat, and the mayor is honored to have his support," said O'Malley spokesman Rick Abbruzzese .

But Ehrlich spokeswoman Shareese DeLeaver said public comments Duncan made are fair game.

"It's the case of the Doug Duncans: one that gives an accurate account of the void of leadership under the O'Malley administration and the other who is a loyal Democrat who feels an obligation to support the ticket," DeLeaver said.

GOP Chairman Rallies Volunteers

Ken Mehlman , chairman of the Republican National Committee, was in Prince George's County on Wednesday night to pump up a group of about 25 volunteers, most of them African American, by telling them that "Washington needs to be shaken up" and that Michael S. Steele is the right person to make that happen.

Describing Steele as an "agent of change," Mehlman told the group working at a phone bank in Largo that the lieutenant governor is "exactly what we need in the U.S. Senate."

Less than two weeks before Election Day, Mehlman, a Maryland native, then went to Annapolis to try to encourage supporters to get out the vote for Steele and Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr .