Andy Barth, a Baltimore area television reporter for more than 30 years who unsuccessfully ran for Congress, has signed on to be press secretary for Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.

"I have tremendous respect for Bob Ehrlich," Barth said in a statement released by Ehrlich's campaign.

In the same statement, Ehrlich said he is "delighted to add someone of Andy Barth's accomplishment and experience to our team."

Barth has been a reporter for WMAR, Baltimore's ABC affiliate, and for WTTG, the Fox affiliate in Washington. In 2006, he ran for the House of Representatives seat vacated by Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin.

A registered Democrat, Barth lives in Columbia.

Barth said in a brief telephone interview Monday that he joined the Ehrlich campaign because "the chance to be involved in government is exciting." He said he has never worked on a campaign, aside from his own.

Ehrlich is set to announce Wednesday, at events in Rockville and Halethorpe, that he will challenge Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley this fall. O'Malley defeated Ehrlich after one term in 2006.