Maryland's Republican Gubernatorial Ticket Firms Up

from the Baltimore Sun

Harford County Executive David R. Craig has chosen an Eastern Shore delegate as his running mate in next year’s Republican primary for governor, an aide said Friday.

Craig will introduce Del. Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, a 10-year legislator and former House minority whip, at events Tuesday in Annapolis and St. Michaels, spokesman Jim Petit said.

Haddaway-Riccio, 36, brings age, geographical and gender diversity to the ticket. The Easton native respresents Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot and Wicomico counties in Annapolis. Craig, 64, a former delegate and state senator, is serving a second term as Harford County executive.

Haddaway-Riccio was appointed to the House of Delegates in 2003 by then-Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., and won reelection in 2006 and 2010. She served as minority whip from 2011 until this year.

According to her state biography, Haddaway-Riccio owns Dragonfly Designs LLC, a graphic and web-design business.

Messages to Craig and Haddaway-Riccio were not immediately returned Friday morning.

Craig is the first Republican gubernatorial candidate to name a running mate. Del. Ron George of Anne Arundel has announced his candidacy for governor. Former Republican National Chairman Michael S. Steele, Ehrlich’s lieutenant governor, has said he is considering a run.

On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown has chosen Howard County Executive Ken Ulman as his running mate. Attorney Gen. Douglas F. Gansler and Del. Heather Mizeur of Montgomery County are also planning to run; Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger of Baltimore County is considering a run.