Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Endorses Brown For Governor

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake endorses the Brown-Ulman ticket in the 2014 governor's race.

Political reporter Pat Warren has more on the impact of that endorsement.

Baltimore plays a key role in the outcome of statewide elections.

Mayor Rawlings-Blake chose the Avenue Bakery on historic Pennsylvania Avenue to endorse Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and his running mate Howard County Executive Ken Ulman in the 2014 governor's race, emphasizing the significance of revitalizing older neighborhoods and communities.

"We are here in a community that you can see private investment, you can see state investment, you can see city investment," she said. "And I think it speaks volumes about how we are going to get not just Pennsylvania Avenue back, Baltimore back and our state."

Candidates in statewide races vie for the support of Baltimore voters, who play a significant role in the outcome of elections. The endorsement of the mayor can go a long way.

"Because I know how important Baltimore is for the state of Maryland, I don't take this lightly," she said.

Attorney General Doug Gansler plans to announce his candidacy in September. He is traveling around the state discussing policy proposals.

Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown commented on the advantage he gains from the mayor's endorsement.

"It's an endorsement, but it re-affirms a commitment to working in partnership," he said.

That partnership includes Gov. Martin O'Malley and Baltimore Congressman Elijah Cummings, who have also endorsed Brown.

Seven members of Baltimore's city council have also endorsed the lieutenant governor.

Republicans David Craig and Ron George are running in the Republican primary. Craig is the Harford County Executive and George is a member of the House of Delegates.