On Tuesday, Peter Franchot announced he will seek re-election as state comptroller rather than run for governor in 2014. Donald F. Norris, professor and chairman of UMBC’s Department of Public Policy, joined WBAL TV to discuss the impact of this news on Maryland’s political landscape. According to Norris, Franchot’s decision “certainly makes a difference in the race.” Norris predicts potential candidates in the 2014 race include Lt. Governor Anthony Brown (D), Attorney General Doug Ganzler (D), and Harford County Executive David Craig (R).
Norris also appeared on Maryland Public Television’s “State Circle,” where he offered an outlook on current Governor Martin O’Malley’s potential presidential campaign in 2016. “Looking at it from today’s perspective one would have to say that a small state governor in a deep blue state probably doesn’t have a great chance of getting the nomination. On the other hand, people said the same that about Jimmy Carter and they said that about Bill Clinton,” Norris remarked.