Pappas for governor
Michael Pappas, a Perry Hall resident, might be the first Republican to declare his interest in running for Maryland governor in 2010.
On Dec. 9, Pappas, who has never run for public office, formed an exploratory committee to look at a possible run for governor in two years.
“We have a tremendous group of Republican legislators in this state and a great group of local Republican leaders,” said Pappas, explaining why he decided to run for the highest office in the state. “One more Republican in the legislature, one more Republican on the County Council, isn’t going to make the difference I want to make.”
Pappas, a 38-year-old Perry Hall resident and Towson-based attorney, describes himself as a staunch supporter of state Sen. Andy Harris and former Gov. Robert Ehrlich. Both men have been mentioned as possibly having interest in running against Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley in two years.
Pappas would not rule out a run against either.
“If they file before I do, that could have an impact on my decision,” Pappas said. “If they file after I do, then it’s going to be an exciting primary.”
Papas said he will spend the next few months getting out and visiting Republican clubs and central committees around the state in order to raise his name recognition.
“I don’t have the luxury of being able to wait until the day before the filing deadline,” Pappas said.
The fledgling exploratory committee comprises Chris Cavey, chairman of the county Republican Central Committee, former Republican Del. Don Murphy (who helped coordinate John McCain’s presidential campaign in Maryland) and John Fiastro, president of the 42nd District Republican Club and a previous candidate for House of Delegates.
Pappas has not formed a campaign finance committee but said that could happen if he officially files sometime next spring or summer. Pappas estimates he would need to raise between $10 million and $20 million to run an effective statewide campaign.