Duncan announces. Comes out firing at Ehrlich and O'Malley.

[nickshepDEM]

ROCKVILLE // Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan declared his candidacy for governor today with sharp knocks against the leadership of the mayor of Baltimore and the current governor, and offered a promise that if elected, he would make education his first priority.

"Maryland, it's time to think bigger for our state and for our people," Duncan, a Democrat, said during a campaign kickoff speech in front of the modest, four-bedroom home where his parents raised him and 12 siblings.

The speech signaled a campaign theme -- "Think Bigger" -- that is both a reference to Duncan's imposing 6-foot, 4-inch presence and his vision for the state.

Duncan, 49, criticized both Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley, his primary opponent, and Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. in his remarks before about 300 enthusiastic supporters in a county where he is serving in his third term as the top elected official.

"I look at our governor and I see a single-minded focus on slot machines and a public policy that is better described as public relations," Duncan said.

In a reference to O'Malley, who has higher statewide name recognition than Duncan and has been ahead in early polling, Duncan said: "Rhetoric is not a plan. Optimism alone is not a strategy. And you have to do a lot more than just 'Believe' that things are going to turn out OK."

O'Malley has made the "Believe" campaign his hallmark and part of a call for optimism in Baltimore, which continues to have high crime rates and poorly performing schools despite rising property values and some commercial rebirth.

Duncan was criticized last month for pointing out some of Baltimore's problems on the eve of the mayor's campaign announcement. Today, he defended his decision to talk about the city's needs and said the dialogue would continue.

"We won't move forward in our state while our largest city continues to lag behind," Duncan said. "Those who suggest that discussing the problem is a disservice to Baltimore are the ones selling short the city."

Duncan outlined what he said was a three-point plan for education, and said he would release more details soon. The three components, he said, were affordable college tuition for all students; the creation of public-private partnerships to boost parental involvement; and a commitment to place education funding ahead of other programs.

"With me as governor, education gets funded first. Period," he said.

As county executive, Duncan has been credited with helping maintain good schools and a healthy economy in the state's most populous jurisdiction. But Montgomery County is widely perceived as being wealthier and more liberal than the rest of the state -- hurdles that Duncan must overcome if he is to be successful.

The primary election is scheduled for September 2006, and the general election is next November.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-duncan1020,1,5418964.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

[Stinky The Clown]

1. I hate this shit ... a primary squabble is the last thing we need.

For some reason I see Duncan as a grandstander. That goes back to the sniper and his recent decision to have him tried once again in Montgomery County. How many death penalties do we need?

[nickshepDEM]

2. He has to go negative.

He's down by a huge margin in the primary. He wont make up any ground by simply stating his positions whether they are the same as O'Malleys or not. He needs to exploit O'Malleys weaknesses. Hey, I say its better that all of the shit comes out now. That way all of the 'trash' is old news when the general election rolls around.

[aintitfunny]

3. He Needs to not trash his fellow democrat

and provide ammunition to the other side. He needs to speak to his own strengths and his own positions. If he has nothing to brag about, why run? All indications are we should be in good position to beat Erlich, and if we do not Duncan's negative attacks on a fellow democrat will the a major contributing factor, this applies even if he is the eventual nominee. Democrats he has pissed off will stay home and not vote. If he is not the nominee he is helping the other side. Simple stuff - should be easy to understand.

[DaveinMD]

4. that's not his decision

that's the decision of the State's Attorney. By the way, its a good thing to do. They need a second conviction in case of a successful appeal.