Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1922-04-28
Ritchie To Seek A Second Term
As Governor.

Baltimore Sun Of Saturday last. announced
that he would be candidate for reelection
as Governor Of Maryland in 1928. This
eliminates him as a candidate for the
United States Senate TO succeed Senator
France.
His election would establish precedent,
no Governor Of Maryland ever having
served two successive terms
For some time Governor Richie has
been regarded as the keystone to the po-
litical situation in this State, so far as the
Democratic party is concerned. and great
pressure has been brought upon him to
declare himself without delay. 10 other
words, il was his move. and many other
moves depended upon his action. The
Governor refers to this condition in the
opening paragraph Of his statement. which
follows:
During the past few weeks | have been
approached by many men and women OF
Maryland who have, with great kindness,
asked whether desired to be candidate
for the United States Senate. and who
generously offered me their political and
personal support for that Office.
II am conscious, too. that there are
others who are expecting decision from
me in the matter. because my possible
candidacy for the Senate has recently
been discussed by the press of the State.
in many instances favorably.
ut has been represented to me and also
publicly stated that should announce my
candidacy for the Senate ] would in all
probability have the support Of the Demo-
cratic party for the nomination, and that.
at a time when the men and women Of
the State are turning again TO the Democ-
racy TO represent them in public affairs. ]
would have a fairly certain chance Of
election.
81 would not be human did not feel
truly grately for all this. and ] have not
had more difficult decision to make. If
it is true that the situation Is at all what
it has been represented to me, then pos
sible Senatorial candidacy could hardly
face a more favorable prospect; and when
problems so tremendous are facing the
nation. the temptation cannot but be strong
to ask the people Of Maryland for the
privilege of representing them at Wash
ineton. and Of doing my best to have
Maryland be constructive help in solving
the problems which confront the people.
But. with all this, have determined
that my job is here in Maryland, finishing.
as hope to be able to do. the tasks which
] set for myself and to which the Demo-
cratic representatives in the Legislature
gave such loyal support.
Il asked the aid Of the best thought Of
my party in this State in outlining certain
reforms in our State government. This
aid was generously and effectively given.
and the party's honor pledged that the
legislation which had been planned should
be enacted. and this pledged word was
kept. But this is not enough. ! feel that
when the Legislature adjourned il left me
the task Of putting those plans in opera
ton and thus finishing the job.
"And that is what have determined to
do. The changes in the State government
brought about by the reorganization plan
are effective January 1. 1928. Were to
run for the United States Senate not only
would have to give the campaign first
place until November. but were to be
elected. then two months after January
would have to relinquish the office of
Governor. and with 1t the duty Of COM
plotting the task we all began so many
months ago by helping the new order to
function in the spirit Of the reorganization
plan.
1T is not. Of course. that there could be
any doubt of the ability Of another to COM
plete that task. President Norris. Of the
State Senate. who would succeed me in
the event Of my election as Senator. was
fundamentally in favor of the reoreaniza-
ton plan. and ! am glad to say to the
whole State. in this public way. that had
it not been for his generous. unselfish
and capable support the past legislative
session could hardly have made the
record it did. and wherever else the
credit ought to 60 full share must be his
But man ought to finish the job he
starts out to do and think owe il to the
people of the State to finish the job
started out to do. and to devote all my
energies for the rest Of my term to the
State Government Of Maryland instead of
putting that aside for q campaign which
may advance my own political fortunes.
AFTER that has been done. then, the
people and my party willing. will have
the right to look ahead to whatever
public Office might deserve as the
result of having done my best in the Office
now hold. and it win be perfectly proper
for me to be q candidate. as intend to be
to succeed myself as Governor
THE next election for Governor is more
than a year and a half in the future.
During all that time | shall be constantly
subjected to the scrutiny Of the people Of
Maryland. There will be many decisions
affecting our people, which win be called
upon to make. Situations which no one
can now foresee may arise TO lessen OF
even take from me the generous and help
full support Of my party and my friends
which now have and which am so anx,
ious to deserve.
But am willing, for the sake Of doing
what believe is the right thing by the
the high Office with which have been
honored. to take my chances: and IL con-
ditions shall combine to prevent my sue
ceedine myself as Governor. shall still
believe that did the right thing in not
entering the Senatorial contest.
.sRut I hona that vyorkinp az hard ana