Businessman Charles Lollar To Run For Governor

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Charles Lollar, a Charles County businessman who described himself as tea party candidate when he ran for Congress in 2010, is planning to seek the Republican nomination for governor in Maryland.

Lollar announced his intentions in an email to supporters Thursday night. The Newburg resident has scheduled an official announcement to kick off his campaign Sept. 3 at St. Mary's College.

"After months of prayer and consideration, we have determined to take the next step in our public service to Maryland," Lollar said in an email to supporters.

Lollar, a Marine Corps reservist, also has set Sept. 5 for a fundraising effort.

"We currently have an `Achieve the Dream' money bomb website, so on September 5th we will be ready and grateful to receive your campaign donations," Lollar said in the email. "In short, we need all of you as we begin this journey to change the state of Maryland and thus make our nation a better place for our children and grandchildren."

In 2010, Lollar won the GOP nomination to challenge Rep. Steny Hoyer. But the No. 2 House Democrat won the race with 64 percent of the vote to Lollar's 35 percent.

Two other candidates have already entered the race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. They are Harford County Executive David Craig and Anne Arundel County Del. Ron George.

Blaine Young, president of the Board of County Commissioners in Frederick, said Friday he has scheduled an Aug. 24 announcement about his intentions.

Meanwhile, two other Republicans have said they may run for governor: Michael Steele, the former Republican National Committee chairman and former lieutenant governor, and Larry Hogan.

Maryland's primary is scheduled for June 24. Maryland primaries generally have been held in September, and the change in scheduling has helped prompt candidates to enter the race earlier than usual.

On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown is running to try to succeed Gov. Martin O'Malley, who is term limited. Del. Heather Mizeur of Montgomery County also is running, while Attorney General Doug Gansler is expected to announce his gubernatorial bid next month.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)