Pappas for governor

By Bryan P. Sears
Posted: December 10, 2008

Michael Pappas, a Perry Hall resident, might be the first Republican to declare his interest in running for Maryland governor in 2010.

On Dec. 9, Pappas, who has never run for public office, formed an exploratory committee to look at a possible run for governor in two years.

“We have a tremendous group of Republican legislators in this state and a great group of local Republican leaders,” said Pappas, explaining why he decided to run for the highest office in the state. “One more Republican in the legislature, one more Republican on the County Council, isn’t going to make the difference I want to make.”

Pappas, a 38-year-old Perry Hall resident and Towson-based attorney, describes himself as a staunch supporter of state Sen. Andy Harris and former Gov. Robert Ehrlich. Both men have been mentioned as possibly having interest in running against Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley in two years.

Pappas would not rule out a run against either.

“If they file before I do, that could have an impact on my decision,” Pappas said. “If they file after I do, then it’s going to be an exciting primary.”

Papas said he will spend the next few months getting out and visiting Republican clubs and central committees around the state in order to raise his name recognition.

“I don’t have the luxury of being able to wait until the day before the filing deadline,” Pappas said.

The fledgling exploratory committee comprises Chris Cavey, chairman of the county Republican Central Committee, former Republican Del. Don Murphy (who helped coordinate John McCain’s presidential campaign in Maryland) and John Fiastro, president of the 42nd District Republican Club and a previous candidate for House of Delegates.

Pappas has not formed a campaign finance committee but said that could happen if he officially files sometime next spring or summer. Pappas estimates he would need to raise between $10 million and $20 million to run an effective statewide campaign.

Comment on this entry • View all 4 responses

user stevetowson says...

I know nothing of Mr. Pappas, but unseating Omalley MUST be the top priority of the citizens of Maryland. I plan to learn who he is, and might even campaign for him.

Posted 4:06 PM, 12.10.08

• Permalink

user davidmarks1 says...

Mike is a friend, a neighbor, and a fellow central committee member. Perry Hall would certainly be proud to have a governor hail from our modest community!

Posted 5:22 PM, 12.11.08

• Permalink

user stevetowson says...

Dear Govorner O'Malley, I would like to apologize on behalf of my fellow taxpayers for the structural deficit. We know that we didn't do our part to help close the gap between revenues and spending. We should have anticipated an increase in spending, especially in entitlement programs. When our Governor said in his 'marginally legal' special session that a 20% increase in sales tax was necessary, we as good taxpayers should have stepped up and bought more. I am personally ashamed to say that I regularly make large purchases in Delaware just to save myself an extra 6%. I now feel dirty realizing that me and others like me have caused this seemingly insurmountable fiscal chasim... Those taxpayers who have come upon hard times should be ashamed as well. How can our Governor fund both pet projects and essential services/education when everyone is simply spending less? Don't you people know that in the face of a personal fiscal crisis, we should follow the State's model, and spend more, create more reasons to spend more? Your husband was laid off? No time to tighten the purse strings. Get those kids into dance lessons, or start Junior on piano lessons. Heck, why not buy him a baby grand to practice on? I know there are several reputable piano dealers in Maryland. Just like our highly regarded legislators use a 'projected revenue' model to calculate their spending, we as taxpayers should assume that a 'perfect storm' of income will bless our households. We should be use the State's projections as a model in the anticipated revenues to spending formulas we use on our personal finances. I have faith, just as those in Annapolis that my irrational projections will come to fruition! I apologize that the home I purchased in 2006 for $329,000 is currently valued at $285,000. I am sorry that even with an increase in property tax rates (which I actually pay more now on the $285k value than I did in '06 at $329k) I am still not putting enough money in the State's coffers to help more illegals get driver's licenses, or access to welfare. Please tell me what more as a home owning tax paying citizen I can do? I also would like to apologize for the smokers. I am not one of these poor taxpayers who is addicted to tobacco, however I feel it is my DUTY to apologize on their behalf.. How DARE the smokers in this State stop buying cigarettes in-state just because of a one dollar per pack tax increase. Don't they know it is for the CHILDREN?? Alas, these very anti-balanced budget taxpayers actually stopped buying cigarettes in bars, restaurants, and other places just because they weren't allowed to smoke in them any more. Poor, Poor judgment. Now, I know that our very wise and fiscally savvy legislators set milestones, goals to be reached by us the taxpaying public. The projected revenues verses the actual revenues from the increased sales tax, cigarette tax and other taxes will fall waay waay short this year. We have let you down dear Governor. Please forgive us.... The Maryland Taxpayers

Posted 2:55 PM, 12.17.08

• Permalink

user keyedup88 says...

While unseating O'Malley is a priority for Maryland Republicans - we cannot make the same mistake we did as a nation and put up a moderate to do the job. We need a real conservative - and while I admit there's not much informaiton on Pappas out there - what we do know from his subversive travels under the guise of Chris Cavey's educationial presentations - switching at the last minute to "Explore Pappas Team" as they did in St. Mary's County this week - we find he promotes a constitutional convention to rewrite the constitution. While fiscally conservative - he is a Social moderate which equates to many as a RINO. If we learned anything in the 2008 Presidential election - we need to learn that true Conservatives win elections, moderates will lose to Democrats every time. Pappas is cow-towing to the Delegation and ignoring the MD GOP as a whole. We need a Governor that will unite the party - not continue the divide which clearly exists, with Pappas committee members like Chris Cavey at the helm. There was nothing in Pappas announcement Press release about the real problems in Maryland Government - and the only thing his team members can find to speak about when they travel the state is "Social Networking." I am still searching for a Gubernatorial candidate, not just a guber. keyedup88

Posted 11:46 PM, 02.20.09

• Permalink