Speaker Busch in the GOP crosshairs

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When former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., a Republican, spoke to the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Thursday night, he made a point to compliment Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr, the Democratic leader of the upper chamber that overturned dozens of his vetoes.

Nearly in the same breath, Ehrlich predicted Miller’s counterpart in the House of Delegates, Speaker Michael E. Busch would soon be adding “former” to the front of his title.

“I think Mike Busch is going to be a former speaker real soon, and that’s a good thing for our state,” said Ehrlich, who blamed Busch for sinking slot machine legislation during Ehrlich’s term.

Busch, who spoke to chamber members Friday morning, chuckled when Ehrlich’s comments were relayed to him.

“I’m glad to see that governor hasn’t lost his sense of humor,” Busch said. “I think things are looking fine and I appreciate his warm endorsement.”

Busch’s district in Annapolis is split 2-1, with Democrats Busch and Del. Virginia Clagett joined by first-term Republican Del. Ron George. The GOP, looking to cut into the overwhelming Democratic majority, covet seats there in District 30 and would no doubt love to knock off the powerful speaker. Busch’s Republican challengers include George and former Del. Herb McMillan, who represented the district from 2003 to 2007.

In making a plea to business leaders for their support, Ehrlich predicted his party could make a dent in the Democratic hold on the General Assembly, and victory was within his grasp.

“I think we’re going to win the race,” said Ehrlich, who has trailed by double-digit margins in some recent polls. “I think it’s going to be close, but I think we’re going to win the race.”