“An important part of one’s success as a [gubernatorial] nominee is getting the mentions and being perceived as a credible candidate,”
Laura Hussey told Southern Maryland News, responding to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s endorsement of Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown for governor.
Hussey, an assistant professor of political science at UMBC, notes that Brown is a front-runner in the election and endorsements like Rawlings-Blake’s can deter potential rivals, but Brown will face challengers.
Attorney General Doug Gansler has already raised millions for a gubernatorial bid, and U.S. Rep. “Dutch” Ruppersberger and Del. Heather Mizeur are widely considered to be possible contenders. Hussey says Ruppersberger is already established in Maryland and would be popular, but he lacks the mystique of lesser-known candidates. She anticipates that Mizeur has a strong future in Maryland politics, but may not yet have the exposure for a gubernatorial run. Gansler, she suggests, would need to boost his name recognition outside of Montgomery County.
Tags: CAHSS, PoliticalScience
