It's a good thing Maryland's next governor isn't scheduled to take the oath of office until Jan. 18. We may not know definitely till then which candidate won the election. Yesterday's absentee-ballot count won't conclude until all overseas ballots arrive (Nov. 18 is the deadline). A recount seems inevitable. And a series of court challenges could muddy the picture for weeks.
In fact, it's possible that the entire matter might eventually be thrown into the Democratic-controlled House of Delegates. After all, the state constitution gives that chamber the last word: ". . . all questions in relation to the eligibility of Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and to the Returns of said election, and to the number and legality of voters therein given, shall be determined by the House of Delegates. . ."
For the moment, though, Democrat Parris Glendening and Republican Ellen Sauerbrey are feuding over the absentee ballots. Yesterday's slow count showed a narrowing Glendening lead, but a dispute over the legality of many absentee ballots by both sides throws even more confusion into an already murky situation. The Sauerbrey camp is also considering a legal challenge to certain election returns in pro-Glendening city precincts.
This uncertainty isn't good for Maryland. Neither Mr. Glendening nor Mrs. Sauerbrey can get on with the task of organizing a government. Filling dozens of key positions will be impossible until the suspense is ended. Transition efforts will be stalled until the outgoing administration knows which group to deal with.
Given this paralysis, the role played by retiring Gov. William Donald Schaefer looms large. He is still the state's elected leader, and if there is a prolonged dispute over Sauerbrey and Glendening vote counts the constitution says that Mr. Schaefer remains in office as governor until the matter is finally resolved.
Mr. Schaefer also is the pivotal player in shaping a budget for the next fiscal year. There may not be time for the next governor to redesign totally the Schaefer budget plan; the crucial revenue estimates, for instance, are by law made in December. The new governor will probably have to live with many decisions made by the Schaefer regime over the next two months.
There hasn't been much doubt that Mr. Schaefer is determined to remain energetic and involved till his last day in the Governor's Mansion. William Donald Schaefer never fit the picture of a lame duck. That is a decided plus in this period of indecision over a successor. He can provide the stability that is so crucial in the weeks -- or months -- ahead.