Eric Wargotz has decided that he does not want to lead the state's Republican party, explaining to supporters yesterday that the position would prevent him from running for another elected office.
The news narrows the field of GOP candidates who've talked about succeeding current chairwoman Audrey Scott. She is not seeking another term.
Our friends at The Washington Post are also reporting that Andrew Langer has dropped out.
The state's Republicans plan to meant on Sat. Dec. 11 to make their decision, a selection that will play a significant role shaping the state's Republican party in the post-Ehrlich era.
Other candidates include Mary Kane, who was on the ticket this year with Republican former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Other choices include William Campbell, the former Amtrak and U.S Coast Guard financial executive who lost a bid this fall for Maryland comptroller and Mike Esteve, chairman of the Maryland College Republicans.
Wargotz wouldn't tell us what he's considering next. But he said his next campaign will benefit from lessons he's learned from from his failed attempt to take on popular Democratic Sen. Barbara Mikulski this year. (He declined to talk specifics.)
In his email to supporters, he said that he hopes going forward party will hue to its "conservative values."