Former Gov. Robert Ehrlich Selects Mary Kane as Running Mate

Former Republican Governor Robert L. Ehrlich has chosen his onetime cabinet member Mary D. Kane as a running mate in his bid to reclaim the governor's office from Democrat Martin O'Malley. This validates that women are being sought after to lead in the polical arena.

Ehrlich first announced his lieutenant governor selection late on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 to his nearly 30,000 Facebook Fans. Social Media tactics were immediately followed by traditional methods such as news media and e-mails to supports. "Kane has a great mix of experience in government and the private sector, and knows the joys and challenges of raising a family in Maryland," the former governor said in a statement," said Ehrlich in media reports.

Kane, 48, is a Montgomery County resident who served as Maryland secretary of state for 18 months. Reportedly, she has deep ties in the Washington suburbs, an area of the state where Ehrlich is looking to make gains. Kane is also a first-generation American and the mother of three college-aged children. She is also the wife of John Kane, a former state GOP chairman and owner of a giganic moving and storage company.

In a recent interview, Kane said she was "honored to join Ehrlich's campaign to bring new ideas and proven leadership to state government." Further, in a statement, Kane said her rearing as the daughter of Irish immigrants instilled values in her such as "a profound appreciation for what is possible in Maryland: unlimited economic opportunity, safe neighborhoods, and unparalleled quality of life."