Ehrlich back on trail after back and neck surgery

For the back-slapping politician, back surgery can pose some additional risks. Just ask former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.

Ehrlich (R) was back on the campaign trail Wednesday after having what an aide described as minor neck and back surgery Friday to address a long-standing problem dating to his days as a college football player.

Ehrlich, who is trying to get his old job back from Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), addressed the subject briefly with reporters after an event in Essex. The surgery, he said, was "the revenge of college football" and it "put me out of commission for a couple of days."

"But we're back," Ehrlich quickly added.

The former governor probably wished aides had done a better job of watching his back as he mingled with supporters at the event, designed to tout his environmental credentials, at Brewer's Landing Bar and Grill on the banks of the Black River.

A few well-wishers, unaware of Ehrlich's condition, put a friendly hand on his shoulder or managed to pat him on the back before being told of his recent surgery.

Ehrlich was a linebacker and captain of the football team at Princeton University. He graduated in 1979.