The Plot Really Thickens

Two days before the vote on a new MD GOP chairman, the landscape appears to be changing radically.

The plan to elect Louis Pope as a "transitional" chairman has been running into a greater resistance from members of the state central committee who want to "get it right from the start."

Today, there is an announcement that Mr. Pope is stepping aside and endorsing Dr. Jim Pelura, a late entrant in the race, for the job. Dr. Pelura is a long time activist from Anne Arundel County and served critical roles in both Ehrlich campaigns as well as the 2004 Bush campaign. He and his wife, Marianne Pelura, have both served as members of the Republican State Central Committee for Anne Arundel County.

Jim is obviously a great choice and certainly will work hard for the party. He has a particular commitment to grassroots development and, although a significant donor himself, is less enamored of the money end of the game. As a member of the Arundel central committee he always preferred low cost events to generate as many participants as possible over high dollar events that would raise more money.

Here is what Mr. Pope had to say:

Central Committee Chairs and Members:

"I am honored and humbled by the positive reaction I have received from you concerning my candidacy for the next Chairman. Serving as Chair would have been an honor and I know we could have moved the Party forward in a new direction to retake the Governor’s mansion, pick up more seats in the General Assembly, and ultimately restore a two party government in Maryland. I have also been honored to serve as your National Committeeman since 2004, and I look forward to continuing in this capacity. I cannot however serve as both a National Committeeman and Chair of the Party; therefore, I am withdrawing my name as a candidate for Chairman. The state is fortunate to have many qualified leaders to direct the Party for the next four years. As such, I am fully endorsing Jim Pelura as the next Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party. Jim has been an active leader in the Party for many years and I am fully confident that he is the best person to serve as the next Chair. I humbly ask you to cast your vote for Jim Pelura this Saturday.

Sincerely,
Louis Pope"