If you felt a gust of 2002 nostalgia this week, that wasn’t just an Orioles fan replaying the “Why Not?” highlight reel. It was the renewed chatter around former Governor Bob Ehrlich and whether he might step back into the political arena. When asked if he would run for governor again, Ehrlich didn’t commit — but he didn’t close the door either. His measured response? “Nothing is off the table; all options remain on the table.”
That’s vintage Ehrlich: careful, principled, and always putting Maryland first. He’s a man who loves this state more than political gamesmanship, someone who has consistently put Maryland families above partisan brawls. And frankly, with the current fiscal climate, a steady hand looks pretty appealing.
Under Gov. Wes Moore, Maryland has gone from surplus to deficit at breakneck speed. New fees and higher taxes have crept in, squeezing small businesses and families alike. The state that once prided itself on balanced budgets and competitive growth is now flirting with financial instability. For many, it’s starting to feel like Annapolis has forgotten the basics: live within your means, encourage opportunity, and keep the government from becoming an anchor around taxpayers’ necks.
That’s where the idea of an Ehrlich comeback strikes a chord. He’s a proven executive who knows how to balance a budget without strangling innovation. But even the best quarterback needs a strong backfield, and if Ehrlich decides to make another run, picking the right running mate will matter as much as any policy plank.
The Contenders
- Kevin Plank – The Under Armour founder brings entrepreneurial energy and a track record of building something from scratch. He’d appeal to voters hungry for private-sector smarts in government. He also knows how to raise money and market ideas — not a bad skill set for a statewide campaign.
- Cal Ripken Jr. – “The Iron Man” remains one of Maryland’s most beloved figures. His brand is integrity and relentless work ethic, qualities that transcend party lines. If the campaign wanted to inject instant enthusiasm, Cal would be the ultimate wildcard. The question is whether he’d want to swap Cooperstown credibility for the grind of political life.
- Sen. Mary Beth Carozza – A seasoned legislator with strong support on the Eastern Shore, Carozza has a deep understanding of policy and a proven record of public service. She’s a bridge between grassroots conservatives and pragmatic moderates, and her presence would lend seriousness and geographic balance to the ticket.
- Jim Ports – Longtime transportation expert and policy hand, Ports is a safe, substantive choice. He’d bring a reputation for competence and calm, helping frame the campaign as focused on governing, not just rhetoric.
- Al Redmer – Former insurance commissioner and respected GOP voice, Redmer knows how to navigate Annapolis while keeping an eye on taxpayers’ wallets. He’s a steady partner with a practical bent, someone who could reassure business leaders and moderates.
Finding the Perfect Match
If Ehrlich wants fireworks, Ripken is the headline grabber. Plank offers business clout and an innovation narrative. For pure policy depth and regional outreach, Carozza stands out as the most natural fit. Redmer and Ports would add quiet competence, signaling a no-drama approach to leadership.
Carozza may edge out the field because she checks the most boxes: a proven legislator, a Shore native who expands the ticket’s map, and a candidate who understands the stakes for families, farmers, and small-town businesses alike. Teaming her experience with Ehrlich’s executive gravitas would give Maryland voters a serious alternative to the tax-and-spend drift of recent years.
Whether or not Bob Ehrlich decides to jump in, his continued presence in Maryland politics is a reminder of what steady, people-focused leadership looks like. And in a state craving balance between fiscal sanity and forward-looking policies, that voice is more needed than ever.
Ian Schwartz is a columnist for Direct Line Contact at Ian.Schwartz@mcgopclub.com
Direct Line News is a Maryland-based free-access publication committed to the Republican reform tradition.
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