Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. will make his first trip to Camp David this weekend, saying last night that he will take advantage of the chance to lobby President Bush on issues of importance to Maryland.

Ehrlich will leave for the Frederick County presidential retreat tomorrow night or Saturday morning, and stay all weekend -- or "until he kicks me out," the governor said.

"I am taking my list of respectful requests," said Ehrlich, who served four terms in the House of Representatives.

Ehrlich said he will lobby the president on Medicaid funding issues, homeland security and federal funds to build the Intercounty Connector, an 18-mile highway through Montgomery County that would link Interstate 95 to Interstate 270.

The governor also will ask Bush to support a bill in Congress to expand insurance for mental health issues, which Ehrlich championed while in Washington.