Thoughts From the Publisher's Desk

It's
still early, but it appears there's a strong likelihood Michael James could run
unopposed in the Republican primary for the local State Senate seat. According
to a little research and some communication with well-known Republicans in the
area this week, James seems to have a shot at being unopposed and that would
give his election campaign a huge boost heading into the likely November
showdown with Jim Mathias, who officially announced last week he would be
giving up his delegate seat for a shot at the Senate. Unlike James at this
point, Mathias knows he has a primary challenger in September.

Regarding
the Senate, all is quiet on the Republican side as far as any challengers to
James, general manager of the Carousel Hotel. Although the filing deadline is a
month away (July 6), James appears to be lone Republican interested in the
seat. One name that surfaced this week during some phone calls was County
Commission President Bud Church, who said last summer he was not interested in
the Senate seat and confirmed that this week.

Along
the same lines, in recent weeks, there have been private talks revolving around
an Ehrlich-James-Church alliance, referring to former Governor Bob Ehrlich
looking to knock off incumbent Martin O'Malley, James' desire for the Senate
seat and Church potentially seeking the delegate seat vacated by Mathias.
Church acknowledged on Wednesday he has been approached to consider a delegate
run, but that it did not appear likely.

'I am
really comfortable doing what I am doing right now. My ego is not as big as it
used to be. Years ago, I would have jumped at going to Annapolis but not now. I
enjoy being home and watching my grandkids play ball and grow up,' Church said.
'I'm almost absolutely positive that I'm going to stay where I am. I've been
asked and I've been encouraged, but I'm 98 percent sure I'm going to go ahead
and file for commissioner soon. At this point, I don't know what it would take
to change my mind •€¦'

Staying
with the delegate front, incumbent Norm Conway filed for re-election this week.
That comes as no surprise as the long-time delegate, who serves as the chair of
the House Appropriations Committee, was expected to seek another term. So far,
only Pocomoke Mayor Mike McDermott, a Republican, has filed.

At this
point, there are only a few names being bantered about to challenge Conway and
McDermott. One discussed this week in some circles was three-term County
Commissioner Virgil Shockley. Reached this week, Shockley confirmed he wants
another term in Snow Hill to see through a long-time goal - the renovation of
Snow Hill High School, his alma mater. Shockley admitted he briefly considered
runs at either the Senate or delegate posts, but has opted to file for
re-election.

'I got
to thinking about those seats, but I made a commitment [to see Snow Hill High
School renovated]. I have been approached and I have been arm twisted by
numerous people about running with Norman for the delegate seat. It's nice to
be thought of. It really was intriguing, but right now, I don't see that
happening. I see me picking up my papers sometime next week and filing them for
County Commissioner again,' Shockley said. 'At the end of the day, I think I
can do the most good right here right now.'

To
retain his seat, Shockley has a challenge on his hand with Tommy Tucker
officially filed to oppose him and former challenger Harold Scrimgeour mulling
a rematch.

In
other election news, State's Attorney Joel Todd will be facing a familiar foe
this fall, as two-time challenger Beau Oglesby, a Republican, has filed to
challenge him once again. This was the tightest election in recent history four
years ago with Todd's victory only decided by 14 votes after overseas ballots
were counted.