ROCKVILLE, Md.—In a noontime rally across from the Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville, Attorney General Doug Gansler formally announced his candidacy for Maryland Governor on Sept. 24.
The rally is the first of 17 campaign announcement stops in the state that the gubernatorial candidate plans to make.
“Like you, I care deeply about Maryland. I grew up here in Maryland. My children grew up here in Maryland; I’ve served the public for 22 years in Maryland in state and federal governments… It is with greatest humility and profundity and love for the state of Maryland today that I announce my candidacy for the governor of Maryland.”
Present in support of Gansler was his wife Laura Leedy Gansler, a securities lawyer and noted author, according to the official Website for Maryland attorney general. Also applauding were his mother, mother in-law, and father (who served in the Clinton Administration and is now a professor at the University of Maryland). Son Will Gansler introduced his father.
Gansler said that his number one priority should he become governor is to create jobs in the Maryland and to build an economy that supports the middle class.
Gansler’s colleagues expressed their confidence in the candidate for governor.
Katherine Winfree, chief deputy attorney general, spoke about Gansler’s accomplishments as attorney general and his personal character. She recalled a list of accomplishments including establishing the first statewide Attorney General Gang Prosecution Unit, and securing a ban on arsenic in chicken feed. Winfree described Gansler as a compassionate man of integrity.
Gansler recognized Maryland’s leading medical and research facilities, including John Hopkins University Hospital and the National Institute of Health (NIH). He proposed support for the life sciences and the cyber security industries in the state. Increasing mass transit and adding high speed rail between Baltimore and the District were also mentioned by Gansler.
Gansler called the minority achievement gap the great shame of Maryland.
“My campaign and service as governor will be built on meeting the needs of people, not the establishment, not special interest,” said Gansler.
As the candidate who stands for justice, fairness and the ‘honorable people of Maryland’ is how Gansler said that he would like to be recognized. In 1998 Gansler was elected Montgomery County State’s Attorney, where he successfully prosecuted John Mohammed and Lee Malvo for six murders committed in Maryland. He also prosecuted Boxer Mike Tyson.
Gansler served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Clinton Administration for six years.
“I think Doug has the ideas necessary to bring change to Annapolis… Doug has the right vision for the economy,” said Richard Madaleno Jr. Maryland state senator who has known Gansler for sixteen years.
Gansler was raised in Maryland where he attended Sidwell Friends School before attending Yale University and University of Virginia School of Law.
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