A reader writes about Robert Ehrlich, whom I mention in Impromptus today. Ehrlich is the former governor of Maryland — a Republican, a libertarian-conservative — who is running again this year, versus the man who defeated him, Gov. Martin O’Malley. Our reader writes,

We’ve known Bob since way back in the early 1980s. He’s always been a great guy and will be a great governor when he defeats O’Malley in November. My 15-year-old is a political junkie and a conservative. He wonders what’s the point of electing Ehrlich when we live in the great Socialist State of Maryland. After all, the legislature remains overwhelmingly Democratic. Bob vetoes bills; they override the veto.
I’ve wondered the same thing myself and really don’t have an answer. Do you?

One might ask: Was it better when Ehrlich was governor, from 2002 to 2006, than it would have been with a liberal Democratic governor — a governor in harmony with the Democratic legislature? Yes, in manifold ways. For one thing, a governor can set an example: and is the leader of the state. A governor has a marvelous perch from which to speak and act. Ehrlich and KKT — Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, RFK’s daughter (the 2002 Democratic nominee) — are very different people. So are the candidates this year. And they both know it!

So, fearless Maryland Republicans, vote Ehrlich, early and often. (I guess that’s what they do in Baltimore, for Democrats.) (Ask Ellen Sauerbrey.)

Our reader adds something amusing:

Saw a great bumper sticker in the parking garage this morning. It reminded me of the old Mr. Bill skit on Saturday Night Live back in the ’80s: “Obama. O’Malley. OH NO!”

That’s the spirit.