Last night's nomination of Democrat Parris N. Glendening and Republican Ellen R. Sauerbrey sets the stage for what could be Maryland's most competitive campaign for governor in nearly three decades.
The face-off will pit the Prince George's County executive -- who was headed for a primary victory of breathtaking proportions -- against a veteran Baltimore County legislator who seized the GOP nomination in a stunning come-from-behind victory.
Voters will be offered a clear choice between ideological opposites. Mr. Glendening believes government can play an important role in the lives of its citizens. Mrs. Sauerbrey favors less spending, lower taxes and smaller government.
Mrs. Sauerbrey, 57, mounted a charge in the final days that swept aside the pre-election favorite, Rep. Helen Delich Bentley, a 70-year-old former newspaperwoman who gave up the safe congressional seat she has held for the past decade to run for governor.
On the surface, the strongly conservative Mrs. Sauerbrey resembles earlier party stalwarts who have won GOP primaries over better-known rivals but displayed little appeal in the general election.
By contrast, Mrs. Bentley, the choice of most party leaders, more closely fits the moderate profile of the few Republicans who have been successful in statewide races in heavily Democratic Maryland in recent decades.
The immediate historical comparison dates back to 1974, when conservative GOP national committeewoman Louise Gore bested then-Rep. Larry Hogan Sr., the hand-picked candidate of party elders, only to go down to defeat at the hands of the incumbent Democratic governor, Marvin Mandel.
Earlier that year, however, Mr. Hogan voted in the House Judiciary Committee to impeach the Watergate-besieged president, Richard M. Nixon, earning plaudits nationally, but anger and disdain from Maryland Republicans.
There are differences between 1974 and now. Mrs. Sauerbrey did not run against a political outcast, but against a popular, better-known Republican with greater financial resources. As a result, her victory yesterday makes comparisons shaky and predictions of a quick political demise premature.
Mrs. Sauerbrey, moreover, has modeled herself after the successful Republican gubernatorial candidates of the 1990s, especially New Jersey's Christine Todd Whitman, who lowered taxes to stimulate the economy, as Mrs. Sauerbrey has said that she would do.
The Democratic advantage
Mr. Glendening begins the general election campaign with an enormous built-in advantage -- Maryland's 2-to-1 Democratic edge in voter registration, a margin that has narrowed over the past decade but remains an imposing obstacle for any GOP candidate seeking statewide office.
The Democratic nominee's sweeping victory propels him into the general election race with great political momentum, another major advantage in the brief, 56-day sprint to the wire that ends on Election Day, Nov. 8.
However, Mr. Glendening faces the daunting task of bringing together a party that has gone through a hard-fought and often mean-spirited primary campaign punctuated by negative radio and television ads that have ranged in content from ridicule to rhetorical knee-capping.
In addition, he must defuse fears in the still-potent Baltimore area that his election would mean a radical shift of power away from this region to the rapidly growing suburban Washington counties, which have not elected a governor since Oden Bowie of Prince George's more than a century ago.
While other candidates in this campaign often seemed to be espousing the positions fed to them by political consultants, there was never any question about Mrs. Sauerbrey's views: For years she has complained that state government is too big and Maryland taxes too high.
Throughout the campaign, as Mrs. Bentley ducked numerous candidate forums, Mrs. Sauerbrey hammered away on budget issues, vowing to reduce the size of government and use some of the proceeds for a 24 percent tax cut over the next four years.
In a gimmick designed to dissuade skeptics, she pledged to give up her $120,000 governor's salary her first year in office if she were unable to make the budget cuts needed to pay for the first 6 percent installment of the proposed tax cut.
Mrs. Bentley banked on support from Republicans who believed that she would be the toughest opponent against the Democrats in the general election, but the Sauerbrey camp said all along that conservative Republicans who are the most likely to vote in primaries would come out on her behalf.
One voter, Lois Halle, an employee of the Baltimore County library system, said she would not have bothered to go to the polls except for Ellen Sauerbrey.
"I wasn't going to vote," Ms. Halle said. "I think she's a dynamite woman. I think she represents the only choice of getting the old boy network out."
Mrs. Sauerbrey also had support from the Christian right factions of the party, an element that still holds a grudge against Mrs. Bentley for pushing it out of the party leadership in the late 1980s.
Mrs. Sauerbrey, like Mr. Glendening, is the the survivor of a fractious primary battle. In her case, though, she was the aggressor and may have even more difficulty uniting her polarized party.
As if to underscore the bad blood between the two camps, several Sauerbrey supporters marched around her Election Night headquarters last night singing, "Ding, dong, the witch is dead," a reference to Mrs. Bentley.
More importantly, Mrs. Sauerbrey will have to extend her appeal to Democrats in the Washington suburbs, notably populous Montgomery County, where the race may well be decided on Election Day.
The state GOP, hoping to salve the wounds of months of intraparty strife, plans a unity brunch today in Annapolis for all statewide candidates, winners and losers.
"It's a sign of a party that's maturing to have these kinds of competitive [primary] races, but now let's put our money where our mouth is and unify," said Joyce L. Terhes, the state party chair.
Spiro T. Agnew was the last Republican elected governor of Maryland, besting George P. Mahoney in 1966 as Democrats defected in force from their maverick standard-bearer because of a platform viewed by many as tinged with racism.
Since then, the GOP has failed to muster a candidate capable of mounting a credible challenge to the Democratic hammerlock on the State House, even during the heady days of the Reagan and Bush presidencies, when Republicans elsewhere were reversing historic voting patterns.
Mrs. Sauerbrey must contend with Mr. Glendening's fund-raising prowess -- as of late August he had raised some $3.2 million. But because she has chosen to participate in this year's one-time-only public campaign financing program, she will have about $1 million available as of this morning.
Baltimore key for Glendening
In yesterday's primary, Mr. Glendening, 52, built an overwhelming lead in his suburban Washington political base, out-dueled two major Baltimore-area candidates in this region and picked up enough votes elsewhere to cruise to victory.
His victory was also keyed in Baltimore City, where he ran well ahead of his rivals, thanks in part to the organization of Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke, who endorsed Mr. Glendening in April.
With 99 percent of 1,702 precincts counted, Mr. Glendening led the four-person Democratic field with 54 percent of the vote -- 36 percentage points more than his closest rival, a resounding margin that affirmed the high standing he has enjoyed in the polls for months.
He was followed by Baltimore state Sen. American Joe Miedusiewski, with 18 percent; Lt. Gov. Melvin A. Steinberg of Pikesville, with 15 percent; and state Sen. Mary H. Boergers of Montgomery County, with 9 percent.
"This is a very, very exciting moment for the state of Maryland," said Mr. Glendening as he claimed victory about 10:45 p.m. before cheering supporters at the University of Maryland College Park. He pledged to offer the state an "inclusive" administration that would reach out to Republicans and independents, as well as Democrats.
On the Republican side, Mrs. Sauerbrey led with 52 percent, compared to 38 percent for Mrs. Bentley and 10 percent for William S. Shepard, the GOP's gubernatorial nominee in 1990.
Mrs. Sauerbrey thanked of cheering supporters at her headquarters at the Parkville Armory about 11:20 p.m., shouting, "We did it!"
Calling her win over Mrs. Bentley "probably the greatest dark-horse victory that the state of Maryland has ever experienced," Mrs. Sauerbrey credited her grass-roots campaign across the state for the win.
By early this morning, Mrs. Bentley had not yet conceded defeat.
For the also-rans, yesterday's results marked an end to campaigns begun with high, if sometimes unrealistic hopes while drawing the curtain, at least for the moment, on the political careers of three longtime elected officials, in addition to Mrs. Bentley.
Lt. Gov. Melvin A. Steinberg, 60, the former Democratic front-runner, saw his lead in the polls and his ability to raise money dwindle, then disappear amid a series of campaign mishaps and staff upheavals that seemed to raise questions in the minds of voters about his ability to govern the state.
Also abruptly shorn of office were two veteran members of the General Assembly -- Mr. Miedusiewski, after almost 20 years; and Ms. Boergers, after 13 years.
The primary also ended the quixotic quest of Mr. Shepard, who shouldered his party's banner in 1990 when better-known Republicans refused to challenge Mr. Schaefer.
Mr. Glendening extended an olive branch to his defeated rivals. But it was not immediately clear that all of his opponents would be open to his appeal. A seemingly embittered Mr. Steinberg had declined to say during the campaign whether he would support the party nominee.
ELECTION RESULTS
hear primary results, call Sundial, The Sun's telephone information service, at (410) 783-1800. In Anne Arundel County, call 268-7736; in Harford County, 836-5028; in Carroll County, 848-0338. Using a Touch-Tone phone, punch in the four-digit code 6500 after you hear the greeting.
To receive the results by fax, dial (410) 332-6123. Enter information number 5500.
GOVERNOR
Republican
Allegany
TP = 46
PR = 46
Bentley = 3,006
Sauerbrey = 2,663
Shepard = 1,133
Anne Arundel
TP = 155
PR = 155
Bentley = 12,174
Sauerbrey = 14,753
Shepard = 1,671
Baltimore Co.
TP = 180
PR = 180
Bentley = 18,571
Sauerbrey = 19,793
Shepard = 1,213
Baltimore
TP = 408
PR = 408
Bentley = 3,895
Sauerbrey = 3,358
Shepard = 404
Calvert
TP = 10
PR = 10
Bentley = 1,092
Sauerbrey = 2,269
Shepard = 386
Caroline
TP = 9
PR = 9
Bentley = 617
Sauerbrey = 869
Shepard = 140
Carroll
TP = 41
PR = 41
Bentley = 3,199
Sauerbrey = 8,440
Shepard = 1,341
Cecil
TP = 14
PR = 14
Bentley = 1,309
Sauerbrey = 1,964
Shepard = 260
Charles
TP = 28
PR = 28
Bentley = 1,628
Sauerbrey = 3,328
Shepard = 647
Dorchester
TP = 36
PR = 36
Bentley = 649
Sauerbrey = 990
Shepard = 202
Frederick
TP = 38
PR = 38
Bentley = 2,660
Sauerbrey = 6,833
Shepard = 1,471
Garrett
TP = 19
PR = 19
Bentley = 881
Sauerbrey = 2,028
Shepard = 865
Harford
TP = 54
PR = 54
Bentley = 6,914
Sauerbrey = 6,889
Shepard = 441
Howard
TP = 82
PR = 82
Bentley = 4,052
Sauerbrey = 8,741
Shepard = 686
Kent
TP = 10
PR = 10
Bentley = 654
Sauerbrey = 730
Shepard = 127
Montgomery
TP = 218
PR = 218
Bentley = 12,820
Sauerbrey = 16,567
Shepard = 7,565
Prince George's
TP = 193
PR = 193
Bentley = 5,667
Sauerbrey = 7,129
Shepard = 1,340
Queen Anne's
TP = 10
PR = 10
Bentley = 941
Sauerbrey = 1,356
Shepard = 206
St. Mary's
TP = 19
PR = 19
Bentley = 1,104
Sauerbrey = 1,585
Shepard = 411
Somerset
TP = 21
PR = 21
Bentley = 330
Sauerbrey = 566
Shepard = 160
Talbot
TP = 16
PR = 16
Bentley = 1,088
Sauerbrey 1,506
Shepard = 211
Washington
TP = 47
PR = 47
Bentley = 2,147
Sauerbrey = 4,552
Shepard = 902
Wicomico
TP = 39
PR = 39
Bentley = 1,007
Sauerbrey = 2,354
Shepard = 647
Worcester
TP = 9
PR = 9
Bentley = 750
Sauerbrey = 1,306
Shepard = 242
Totals
TP = 1,702
PR = 1,702
Bentley = 87,155
Sauerbrey 120,569
Shepard = 22,671
TP = total precincts; PR = precincts reporting
GOVERNOR
Democrat
Allegany
TP = 46
PR = 46
Allensworth = 787
Boergers = 602
Finch = 125
Freeman = 75
Glendening = 3,520
Miedusiewski = 789
Steinberg = 841
Anne Arundel
TP = 155
PR = 155
Allensworth = 947
Boergers = 3,396
Finch = 561
Freeman = 204
Glendening = 18,579
Miedusiewski = 11,275
Steinberg = 8,809
Baltimore Co.
TP = 180
PR = 180
Allensworth = 2,818
Boergers = 5,587
Finch = 1,163
Freeman = 894
Glendening = 34,192
Miedusiewski = 29,877
Steinberg = 26,342
Baltimore
TP = 408
PR = 408
Allensworth = 2,428
Boergers = 2,765
Finch = 590
Freeman = 566
Glendening = 46,974
Miedusiewski = 18,788
Steinberg = 11,760
Calvert
TP = 10
PR = 10
Allensworth = 188
Boergers = 243
Finch = 41
Freeman = 28
Glendening = 2,260
Miedusiewski = 2,308
Steinberg = 435
Caroline
TP = 9
PR = 9
Allensworth = 144
Boergers = 413
Finch = 38
Freeman = 44
Glendening = 959
Miedusiewski = 626
Steinberg = 1,585
Carroll
TP = 41
PR = 41
Allensworth = 262
Boergers = 868
Finch = 125
Freeman = 118
Glendening = 3,713
Miedusiewski = 2,783
Steinberg = 2,273
Cecil
TP = 14
PR = 14
Allensworth = 357
Boergers = 691
Finch = 195
Freeman = 40
Glendening = 2,317
Miedusiewski = 1,748
Steinberg = 1,034
Charles
TP = 28
PR = 28
Allensworth = 274
Boergers = 414
Finch = 123
Freeman = 70
Glendening = 3,616
Miedusiewski = 770
Steinberg = 2,044
Dorchester
TP = 36
PR = 36
Allensworth = 334
Boergers = 292
Finch = 57
Freeman = 45
Glendening = 1,862
Miedusiewski = 832
Steinberg = 582
Frederick
TP = 38
PR = 38
Allensworth = 877
Boergers = 1,392
Finch = 122
Freeman = 109
Glendening = 5,451
Miedusiewski = 1,244
Steinberg = 1,604
Garrett
TP = 19
PR = 19
Allensworth = 301
Boergers = 200
Finch = 70
Freeman = 40
Glendening = 607
Miedusiewski = 199
Steinberg = 151
Harford
TP = 54
PR = 54
Allensworth = 311
Boergers = 2,729
Finch = 193
Freeman = 206
Glendening = 6,820
Miedusiewski = 6,163
Steinberg = 4,616
Howard
TP = 82
PR = 82
Allensworth = 248
Boergers = 2,242
Finch = 217
Freeman = 150
Glendening = 12,571
Miedusiewski = 3,196
Steinberg = 3,286
Kent
TP = 10
PR = 10
Allensworth = 56
Boergers = 252
Finch = 74
Freeman = 27
Glendening = 1,069
Miedusiewski = 798
Steinberg = 642
Montgomery
TP = 218
PR = 218
Allensworth = 932
Boergers = 17,202
Finch = 540
Freeman = 280
Glendening = 56,211
Miedusiewski = 3,522
Steinberg = 4,976
Prince George's
TP = 193
PR = 193
Allensworth = 2,119
Boergers = 2,783
Finch = 325
Freeman = 279
Glendening = 71,003
Miedusiewski = 4,814
Steinberg = 3,581
Queen Anne's
TP = 10
PR = 10
Allensworth = 153
Boergers = 282
Finch = 68
Freeman = 41
Glendening = 1,437
Miedusiewski = 1,060
Steinberg = 773
St. Mary's
TP = 19
PR = 19
Allensworth = 293
Boergers = 388
Finch = 98
Freeman = 38
Glendening = 3,119
Miedusiewski = 2,123
Steinberg = 1,668
Somerset
TP = 21
PR = 21
Allensworth = 162
Boergers = 270
Finch = 65
Freeman = 23
Glendening = 684
Miedusiewski = 563
Steinberg = 207
Talbot
TP = 16
PR = 16
Allensworth = 93
Boergers = 214
Finch = 43
Freeman = 16
Glendening = 1,152
Miedusiewski = 607
Steinberg = 421
Washington
TP = 47
PR = 47
Allensworth = 1,705
Boergers = 850
Finch = 61
Freeman = 34
Glendening = 3,927
Miedusiewski = 1,189
Steinberg = 1,225
Wicomico
TP = 39
PR = 39
Allensworth = 263
Boergers = 1,133
Finch = 201
Freeman = 59
Glendening = 2,914
Miedusiewski = 1,585
Steinberg = 977
Worcester
TP = 9
PR = 9
Allensworth = 168
Boergers = 586
Finch = 133
Freeman = 27
Glendening = 1,668
Miedusiewski = 1,118
Steinberg = 756
Totals
TP = 1,702
PR = 1,702
Allensworth = 16,220
Boergers = 45,794
Finch = 5,228
Freeman = 3,413
Glendening = 286,625
Miedusiewski = 97,977
Steinberg = 80,588
TP = total precincts; PR = precincts reporting