Veteran Carroll Del. Richard N. Dixon has become the first candidate to challenge incumbent State Treasurer Lucille B. Maurer, while three others are reported to be eyeing the $100,0000-a-year job.
The state treasurer is one of three members of Maryland's powerful Board of Public Works, which rules on capital budget requests for everything from prisons to schools. The governor and comptroller are the board's other two members. The state treasurer is elected by the 188 members of the General Assembly.
Mr. Dixon, a stockbroker and a 12-year legislator, said he would have to take a pay cut to accept the $100,000-a-year treasurer's job. He said he wants the post because it is a very influential position and he would bring "conservative expertise to the board. The most recent election shows that is the way this state is moving."
He said being conservative doesn't mean turning down schools or other worthy projects. "It just means spending the money wisely."
Mr. Dixon, the lone Democrat to win election to any county or state office in Carroll County in November, serves on the House Appropriations, Rules and Executive Nominations committees and the Joint Budget and Audit Committee.
He will have to find enough support to overturn a well-liked two-term incumbent. Ms. Maurer announced two weeks ago that she will run for another four-year term.
Mr. Dixon's candidacy poses a problem for the General Assembly's black legislative caucus, because a likely third candidate, former Del. John W. Douglass, also is black. He is a Democrat.
Caucus member Elijah E. Cummings, a Baltimore City Democrat, said his guess would be that the caucus won't make a formal endorse ment. Black caucus chairman Joanne C. Benson, a Prince George's County Democrat, could not be reached for comment Friday.
Ms. Maurer, 72, has the endorsement of House Speaker Casper R. Taylor Jr., an Allegany County Democrat. She said Friday that her vote count shows her "doing very well" and she is confident of re-election.
Mr. Douglass did not seek re-election this year. Former Democratic State Sen. Laurence Levitan, who was defeated in November, and departing State Sen. Howard A. Denis, a Montgomery County Republican who ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor, are also possible candidates. None of the three men could be reached for comment Friday.