BALTIMORE -- Democrats were the key in last night's Maryland governor's race -- Democrats for Ehrlich, that is. Republican Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. made history last night by defeating Democrat Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and becoming the first Republican elected Maryland governor in 36 years.
"We can clean up the [Chesapeake] Bay, and strengthen juvenile justice and clean up the budget mess and give [impoverished workers] quality healthcare," Ehrlich said in his victory speech at the Hyatt downtown last night.
Ehrlich, a four-term U.S. congressman, defeated Townsend, the lieutenant governor since 1994, by a relatively comfortable margin of 51 to 48 percent in what had been a hotly contested race. The two were reported to be in a statistical dead heat in the weeks leading up to yesterday's election.
While Ehrlich becomes the first Republican governor in Maryland since Spiro Agnew left to become vice president, his running mate, former Maryland GOP Chairman Michael S. Steele, is the first black elected lieutenant governor in state history.
"There is walking history here, and his name is Michael Steele," Ehrlich said.
Townsend, the eldest daughter of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, would have been the state's first female governor.
Both campaigns focused on the issue of how to cope with the projected $1.7 billion deficit in the state budget.
Ehrlich has said he will push for legalizing slot machines at race tracks in order to generate funds for the state government. Townsend opposed legalizing slot machines and instead favored raising the tax on tobacco.
Both candidates have said they would increase funding for public education.
"Throughout this campaign Kathleen has laid out a vision for Maryland that includes lowering class sizes, eliminating the digital divide, building a transportation network that connects people with jobs and products with markets and ensuring continued safety in our neighborhoods," Townsend Press Secretary Len Foxwell said.
Townsend portrayed Ehrlich as a conservative during the campaign, while he attempted to maintain a more moderate image. Ehrlich's campaign, on the other hand, blamed Townsend for the budget deficit and for alleged corruption under current two-term Democratic Gov. Parris N. Glendening.
In a state in which registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans two to one, Ehrlich needed substantial Democratic support to emerge victorious.
Democratic State Sen. Clarence M. Mitchell IV of Baltimore helped lead a group called Democrats for Ehrlich, saying that Democrats under Glendening and Townsend had failed to follow through on their promises to provide equal access to government funding and contracts for black companies and communities.
"After tonight, more Democrats will feel free to go with their feelings" and vote across party lines," Mitchell said.
Despite a steady drizzle throughout the day, Mitchell said voter turnout was high.
"If 25 percent of African-American voters vote for Bob, we can win," Mitchell said. He added that African-American voters in Maryland typically vote for Democratic candidates over 90 percent of the time.
While Townsend suffered from division within her own party, Democrats voted more unanimously in Maryland's 8th Congressional District, where Democrat Christopher Van Hollen Jr. defeated Republican Rep. Constance A. Morella, a 16-year veteran of the seat.
Townsend conceded around 11 last night.
The crowd at the Ehrlich party greeted Townsend's concession speech with chants of "Na Na Na Na, Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye."
Ehrlich, however, praised Townsend's campaign and urged Democrats and Republicans to work together in the future. He promised to give minorities a greater voice in government as well.
Many Maryland voters said they deliberated over their ballots.
"It was a very difficult decision," Pikesville resident Maggie Silver said. "I made it while I was standing in front of the ballot box."
Other citizens felt strongly about particular issues.
"The Teachers Association of Baltimore County researched what candidate would be better for smaller class sizes" and better teacher pay, said Paige McGann, a public school teacher in suburban Baltimore and a Townsend supporter.
Jacob Danick, a registered Democrat, voted for Ehrlich.
"I was basically voting against Townsend," Danick said. "She has no experience. She has no leadership ability."
Ehrlich ended the night on a positive note, encouraging his supporters to celebrate.
"Our time in the desert is over," he said.
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