Democrat to challenge Schafer in primary...

[nickshepDEM]

Del. Peter Franchot, a Montgomery County Democrat and outspoken critic of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., is scheduled to announce his candidacy tomorrow for state comptroller in 2006.

Franchot, 57, plans to challenge incumbent William Donald Schaefer, 84, in the Democratic primary. The longtime former Baltimore mayor and governor is a reliable vote-getter who has alienated many members of his party's left wing through support of the Republican governor and recent comments critical of non-English speakers and the state's minority business program.

"William Donald Schaefer has given many years of valuable service to the state of Maryland. But the time has come for a person with more active, more progressive ideas to take hold of the reins of the comptroller's office," said Del. Curtis S. Anderson, a Baltimore Democrat and Franchot supporter.

Franchot has served in the General Assembly since 1987, and he chairs a House Appropriations subcommittee that controls transportation spending. By running for comptroller, Franchot will give up his legislative seat.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.franchot11nov11,1,2532046.story?coll=bal-mdpolitics-headlines

[LiberalEsto]

1. How old is Schaefer now?

He must be well into his 80s.
I am really tired of his frequent support for rethugs. His departure is long overdue.

[nickshepDEM]

2. He's in his 80's. Not sure of his exact age though.

[aintitfunny]

3. He's got my vote (eom)

[nickshepDEM]

4. lol. Im going to give him a nice hard look too.

[DaveinMD]

5. I've known Peter for a while

A very good guy with a wonderful family. He will raise serious money and will give Schaefer a serious run.

[nickshepDEM]

6. Will you support him?

[DaveinMD]

7. Of course I will

Schaefer isn't even a Democrat at this point.

[freestyle]

8. Good luck. I like Franchot.

He represented me when I lived in Takoma Park, and I have seen in him in Annapolis when I worked for the state. He is one of the more thoughtful and intelligent legislators.

It is also way past time for Willie Don to be really gone. He got lots of hype for continually subpar results. Time to end the charade and send him into retirement.

[Steele]

9. Good Luck to Del. Franchot

While working in MD, I had the pleasure of meeting him several times.

Always kind of struck me as looking like Batman (Adam West, not any of the new incarnations).

[Polecat]

10. Good Ole Pete

I'll be surprised if Franchot tops 33%.

[nickshepDEM]

11. We can hope cant we?

[newyawker99]

12. Hi Polecat!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Polecat]

13. Thanks newyawker99

BTW, How many posts do I need to start a topic. I was going to post what I know about the prospective Dems for Harford County elective offices. We need help up here in a bad way.

Unless you aren't really interested in County level politics.

[DaveinMD]

14. I don't know

but I could start it for you.

[DaveinMD]

15. Duncan

endorsed Schaeffer.

[nickshepDEM]

16. Just when I was beginning to lean towards Duncan in the primary.

He pushes me right back into neutral.

[skidrow]

17. Good Luck to Mr Franchot

Schafer is a DINO turd and I wouldbe glad to see him go under any circumstances. Political I mean, no endorsement of his death.

[nickshepDEM]

18. Well, look how far Franchot has made it since this thread...

[Frances]

19. I'm happy Franchot won

I don't live in MD any longer, but if I hadn't moved, I would have made a big mistake and voted for Jane Owens because I thought she had a better chance of defeating Shaefer. Franchot is the best person for the job and I am glad he won.

[DaveinMD]

20. Franchot

really surged at the end. I made a choice I'd rather have Schaefer than Owens, but really wanted Peter. Owens is conservative as well and I didn't trust her to be a good Democrat either and she would have been in for a long time. Maryland Dems made the right choice.