Jim Smith

DENVER – Gov. Martin O’Malley (D-Baltimore) told Maryland delegates Tuesday morning that “Jim is doing well and he brings you his best regards.”

O’Malley was referring to Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, who was supposed to host Tuesday’s breakfast for the Maryland delegation at the Renaissance Denver hotel. Smith was unable to travel to Denver because of the triple-bypass open heart surgery he underwent two weeks ago. The surgery was successful, but Smith is still in recovery.

“Baltimore County, my friends, is going to be very very pivotal in the general election,” O’Malley told the crowd. “We need to get out the vote: Our vote.”

It's Maryland's Winners and Losers for August 15, 2008. CLICK HERE.

Former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury): Photo Credit: PolitickerNH.comMANCHESTER -- Flanked by veterans from every war since World War II, former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury) announced her "Veterans for Shaheen" group.

The group will be co-chaired by state Rep. Eleanor Kjellman (D-Henniker) and retired Air Force General Jim Smith.

There's some squabbling going on over the unlicensed use of a cartoon from the Towson Times in a Jim Smith fundraiser invitation. Patuxent Publishing Co., parent organization of the paper, complained over "the use of our editorial content by others for political gain."

Smith's office pointed to fundraiser Rachel Rice, who pointed to event sponsor Caves Valley Partners.

As rumors continue to swirl that Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith will challenge Comptroller Peter Franchot for his seat in the 2010 Democratic primary, a spokesperson for the county executive said Smith's focus was on his present occupation.

"The county executive has long been devoted to not being a lame duck," spokesperson Don Mohler told PolitickerMD.com. "He lets others do the political talking."

Smith, 66, is bound by term limits and can't seek re-election in 2010. A closer examination of his current initiatives may signal an impending campaign battle with Franchot.

Del. Pat McDonough (R-Middle River) confirmed that he has "great" interest in seeking the position of county executive for Baltimore County in 2010.

"I think it is the second most powerful position in the state," McDonough said of Baltimore County executive, "behind only the governor."

Saying he would have the authority "to get things done" on issues ranging from education to "deteriorating neighborhoods," McDonough said his "high name recognition" and ability to "get Democratic voters" would increase his chances at winning.  

Among the many issues that divide Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) and Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith (D), the debate over whether the state should permit slot machine gambling is certainly on that list.

Smith, who may challenge Franchot in the 2010 Democratic primary, is a proponent of the referendum, while the comptroller is a fierce opponent.

Voters will decide in November if the state should legalize the release of up to 15,000 slots machines at racetracks and other locations across Maryland.

A spokesperson for Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith (D) told PolitickerMD.com today that the county executive will "look to remain in public service" when his term expires at the end of 2010, perhaps an indication that he will seek to run against Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) in the 2010 primary.

"He has spent his entire career in public service," spokesperson Don Mohler said of Smith.

The county executive, who was elected to the Baltimore County Council in 1978 and served as Associate Judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County from 1985-2001, is currently in his second term as county executive and may not seek a third term.

Mohler would not describe Smith's level of interest in the comptroller's position, saying, "He's focused right now like a laser beam on his initiatives in Baltimore County."

Warren Hansen, a spokesperson for Comptroller Peter Franchot (D), told PolitickerMD.com today the comptroller's recent visit to Towson schools was part of his "statewide fact-finding tour leading up to next week's school construction funding vote for the upcoming fiscal year," a statement meant to distance the comptroller from the political debate over his trip.

"As one of three votes on the Board of Public Works, Comptroller Franchot is committed to partnering with school officials to alleviate overcrowding and ensuring that local voices are heard in regards to school construction priorities," Hansen said.  "Since taking office, he has visited more than two dozen schools across the state - including recent visits to schools in Baltimore, Howard and Harford counties - to receive a first-hand assessment of the needs facing Maryland's schools." 

In late April, Franchot visited several overcrowded elementary schools in Baltimore County, home of County Executive Jim Smith (D), his potential primary challenger in 2010.