A former Maryland first lady is among the potential candidates to replace former Anne Arundel County Chief Executive John R. Leopold.
The Capital of Annapolis reports Kendel Ehrlich, the wife of former Gov. Robert Ehrlich, will join a forum for prospective county executive candidates Thursday, along with Republican Del. Steve Schuh (R-Gibson Island) and former U.S. Senate candidate Dan Bongino. The West County Republican Club is hosting the forum at the West County Area Library in Odenton.
Erlich, an attorney and the wife of former Maryland Governor Bob Erlich, served as Maryland's First Lady from 2003 to 2007. She has worked as a public defender in Anne Arundel County, as well as a prosecutor in Harford County and also serves on the board of directors at Annapolis Bancorp.
Organizers told The Capital that Anne Arundel County Council Chairman Jerry Walker (R-Gambrils) might attend the forum if his schedule permits. Another potential candidate, Del. Cathy Vitale (R-Severna Park) submitted a statement to the club ahead of the forum. The paper also reports that County Council Vice Chairman John Grasso (R-Glen Burnie) is also thinking about applying now but wants to see if he has enough support from the rest of the council.
Applications for the county executive seat must be submitted to the County Council by noon Friday. Under the county charter, the council has 30 days to fill the seat with another Republican.
Leopold resigned last week after he was found guilty of two counts of misconduct.
