Democrat Parris N. Glendening needed all his resiliency and superb organizational skills to move ahead by a razor-thin margin in the race for governor against Republican Ellen R. Sauerbrey. Absentee ballots could still be a factor.
Thus, Mr. Glendening is poised to become the first Washington-area governor in 127 years. He did so with a three-pronged strategy that united liberals and minority voters in Baltimore City, Prince George's County and Montgomery County in massive numbers that barely overcame Mrs. Sauerbrey's winning vote totals elsewhere.
This sharp divide has to concern Mr. Glendening if he is confirmed as governor. Mrs. Sauerbrey's formidable challenge should serve as a warning that most Marylanders are fed up with the traditional Democratic approach to spend liberally in Annapolis. It is time for the next governor to get serious about downsizing government and reducing taxation where possible. The days of the tax-and-spend governor are over in the frugal '90s.
The State House could use a dose of tough managerial talent. Re-shaping the overgrown bureaucracy ought to be high on the list of priorities. Not only is state government too costly but it is not nearly efficient enough in delivering services to Marylanders.
Mr. Glendening made a point in his campaign of championing the cause of Baltimore City. That should be a cornerstone of his administration. If the city can be helped to end its decline, the entire state will benefit. But if the city's slide persists, the cost to Annapolis will be immense.
It will also be the next governor's job to bring feuding parts of Maryland together. As a Washington-area politician, Mr. Glendening is in an excellent position to serve as a bridge between that area and the city political structure. These two areas have more in common than they think. At the same time, other regions of Maryland feel alienated and disenchanted. Ending that estrangement has to be a top concern for Mr. Glendening, too.
The new governor will face a far more conservative legislature with a much larger Republican contingent. Cooperation is imperative. This state cannot afford -- nor will voters tolerate -- gridlock in Annapolis. Mr. Glendening should extend an olive branch, and Democratic and Republican leaders in the General Assembly should reciprocate.
Throughout his political career, Mr. Glendening has been underestimated. And yet he has overcome adversity every time. We hope he makes every effort to put the negativity of this political campaign behind him. The important thing is to get Maryland moving again in the right direction, bringing jobs and prosperity back to the Free State.