Maryland Republicans all Stand on the Shoulders of Gov. Bob Ehrlich
We as Marylanders owe a great deal to Gov. Bob Ehrlich was elected Governor in 2003. That marked the beginning of the end of the Democrats’ Domination of the Governor’s Mansion. Gov. Ehrlich was a Conservative Governor and he governed like a Conservative. He took the American’s for Tax Reform “No New Tax Pledge” When he left the Governor’s mansion we had a surplus, and the ground was broken for the Gov. Bob Ehrlich Expressway (AKA the ICC).
In 2018 some of Gov. Ehrlich’s friends did a tribute video.
The governor first entered politics in 1986 when he ran for Delegate in Baltimore County. Governor Ehrlich won that race by fewer than 100 votes, which proves the point that every vote counts. Bob served in his delegate slot until 1994 when he ran for Congress in MD-2, replacing the Late Rep. Helen Bentley. In Congress, Governor Ehrlich served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Subcommittees he served on included Health, Telecommunications, and the Internet, and Environment and Hazardous Materials, in addition to being Co-Chair of the Congressional Biotechnology Caucus.
Run for Governor
When Congressman Ehrlich decided to run for governor in 2002, his platform was focused on delivering a balanced budget, increased funding for education, and protecting the Bay. This message resonated with Free State voters. Meanwhile, Gov. Ehrlich’s opponent, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, had the full backing of the Maryland Democrat machine as well as the Kennedy machine. Bob Ehrlich’s campaign was successful, but it was a tough battle. At the end of the day, Governor Ehrlich’s message resonated with a wide spectrum of voters. On Election Day 2002 we thought it would be a long night, but it wasn’t. And Governor Ehrlich defeated the Kennedy-Townsend juggernaut by 52% to 47%.
Some Classic Gov. Ehrlich TV Comercials
Go Early Stay Late
From the 2010 Campaign
Ehrlich for Maryland: “I Will” TV AD
His triumph was a direct result of his brilliant strategy, namely spending the bulk of his time in Montgomery, PG and Baltimore Counties. His common-sense message of fiscal responsibility and good governance had wide appeal. During his gubernatorial term, he lifted the moratorium on executions in Maryland and funded the construction of the ICC, a roads project that predated Governor Spiro Agnew’s administration.
Governor Ehrlich’s overall legacy for Maryland was showing Republicans that we can still win statewide in Maryland. His victory in 2002 and Governor Hogan’s victory eight years later showed Maryland Republicans that candidates with the right message can win.