Fundraising Race Is On For Md. Gubernatorial Candidates
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Maryland's next governor race takes shape. Right now, potential candidates are releasing how much money they've raised for their campaigns.
Adam May has the developing details.
Among Democrats most likely to run for governor, the money race is almost a three-way tie.
Governor Martin O'Malley is already halfway through his second term in office. Now other Democrats are building their war chests, hoping to take his place.
According to new 2012 finance reports just filed with the State Board of Elections, Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown raised just over $1.25 million for his campaign. That's just a smidge more than Attorney General Doug Gansler, who already had millions in the bank after running unopposed. Howard County Executive Ken Ulman barely trails the pack for 2012 but comes in second in overall cash.
Last month, Comptroller Peter Franchot decided not to join the crowded field.
"There are lots of talented people out there. People say, `Are you gonna endorse?' I'm gonna say, `I like Switzerland, that peaceful, neutral country,'" Franchot said.
One challenge for all three candidates: they come from the D.C. suburbs.
"Anyone who wants to win should be eager to recruit Stephanie Rawlings-Blake for lieutenant governor," said Matthew Crenson, political analyst.
The mayor of Baltimore says she's not interested, leaving pundits to wonder what surprises to expect between now and 2014.
Polls show most voters are not committed to any of these candidates yet.
More than $30 million was spent on the 2010 governor's race.
