Ehrlich official crowds Gilchrest primary

Robert Banks, a member of former Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich’s (R) administration, entered the primary in Rep. Wayne Gilchrest’s (R-Md.) district on Monday night, creating a crowded race that could aid the endangered centrist incumbent.

{mosads}While state Sen. Andy Harris (R) has built a sizeable base of money and support in his quest to upend the frequently targeted Gilchrest, but Banks’s entry could complicate that goal.

Banks was appointed by Ehrlich to be special assistant to the transportation secretary in 2003 and judge of the Orphans Court in Baltimore County in 2006. He has also served as executive director of the Bush-Quayle primary campaign in Maryland.

He finished fifth running for election to the Orphans Court last year, taking 14 percent. The winner took 21 percent.

His ties to Ehrlich create an interesting dynamic, as Ehrlich will hold a fundraiser for Harris this week.

“I believe voters are looking for a change,” Banks said. “Right now this race is dominated by candidates who have a combined three decades in elected office, but I believe voters are looking for a return to a real citizen legislature with people who have real life and real business experience.”

Banks currently serves as an executive at a technology company. He has also been an aide to former Rep. Helen Bentley (R-Md.).

Harris raised $350,000 in the third quarter – about four times as much as Gilchrest – and both have around $400,000 cash on hand. Seven of eight GOP state senators in Gilchrest’s district are publicly backing Harris’s candidacy.

“Andy has been visiting voters and raising money throughout the 1st congressional district for the last four months,” Harris spokesman Chris Meekins said. “Voters are embracing Andy’s message of a commitment to fiscal conservatism, ending illegal immigration and winning the war on terror.”

Gilchrest’s campaign could not immediately be reached for comment.

Attorney John Leo Walter and author Joe Arminio are also in the race but do not have reports on file with the Federal Election Commission.