A few hours after confirming to reporters that he wants his old job back, former Gov. Robert. L. Ehrlich Jr. relayed the news to his 14,000-plus Facebook fans.

The race will pit the only Republican in a generation elected to lead Maryland against Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley, who defeated him by more than six percentage points in 2006.

Ehrlich's status update at 5:41 p.m. Tuesday: "Are you ready to take back Maryland? I will formally kick off my campaign for Governor next week. It's time for new ideas and proven leadership in Annapolis. Our economy and our families can afford no less. Click ‘News' on my Facebook page for details about next week's kick off."

The response: More than 2,000 people have given the status a thumb's up, and more than 500 have commented.

Hoping to translate virtual fans into real ones, Ehrlich has also posted information about his two campaign kickoff events April 7. At 10 a.m. that day, he'll be at the Rockville Town Center, and at 6 p.m., he'll hit the American Legion in Halethorpe.

O'Malley also unveiled his challenger to his nearly 4,400 Facebook fans. On Wednesday, his status was updated to read: "Well, its official: Bob Ehrlich just announced he'll be my opponent in the race for governor this year. Tell us your thoughts and invite your friends."

A couple of hours later, only a few people said they liked the status (though it's a bit awkward for O'Malley fans to give it a thumbs-up), and about two dozen people commented.

State law prohibits O'Malley from raising money for his re-election effort until the legislative session ends April 12, but he is expected to use his Facebook account to promote his trail stops.