Ehrlich to endorse Leopold's reelection in Arundel

Former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) plans to endorse the reelection bid of Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold (R) during an appearance together Friday in Crownsville.

"I think he's done a good job," Ehrlich said of Leopold, a former state delegate who so far has drawn no opposition in the Republican primary for county executive.

Ehrlich, who has lived in Anne Arundel since leaving the governor's office in 2007, shared his plans after a campaign stop Thursday in Severna Park, where he addressed a Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Ehrlich, who is trying to win his old job back from Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), and Leopold have similar views on many issues. But they have parted ways in the past on slots, which Leopold opposed as a delegate.

More recently, Leopold has supported a bid to bring a casino to Arundel Mills mall, citing the will of the voters in a 2008 referendum and the revenue potential for the county.

"John has told me privately that he supports slots now," Ehrlich said.

Several allegations of inappropriate personal behavior -- all denied by Leopold -- have surfaced during his tenure, including an anonymous call to police in January 2009 about possible sexual activity in Leopold's government-issued car while parked at an Annapolis mall.

Ehrlich said those allegations did not factor into his thinking.

"I've read that, and John said what he said, and I'll take his word for it," Ehrlich said. "In public life, you have a lot of allegations come your way."