Ehrlich, former Kasich backer, endorses Trump to defeat Clinton

Sun photo by Barbara Haddock Taylor
"As long as gun-toting criminals roam our streets and communities, no one ... is safe. It's time to bring Project Exile to Maryland," the governor said during his State of the State address.
Sun photo by Barbara Haddock Taylor
Kenneth C. Montague Jr., secretary of juvenile justice, and Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. greet toddlers at an Annapolis day care.
Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
President Bush joined Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. at the podium during a campaign fund-raiser for Ehrlich in Baltimore in 2002.
Sun photo by Lloyd Fox
Bob Ehrlich announces he is a candidate for the GOP nomination for Governor of Maryland
AP photo
Gov. Robert Ehrlich embraces former Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, whom he defeated in the election, during ceremonies on the steps of the State House in Annapolis.
Sun photo by Algerina Perna
Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. prepares to sign an executive order creating the Governor's Commission on Quality Education, of which Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele will be chairman.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
After the Board of Public Works meeting, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich answers reporters' questions outside the State House in Annapolis.
AP photo
Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. speaks with Maryland guard John Gilchrist at Comcast Center before the Terps left for their NCAA first round game in Denver.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele (left) and Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. discuss their $847 million capital budget, which includes $194 million for projects at colleges and universities. Steele says the budget "is about education and the environment."
Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
"Now is the time for action," says Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (center), with Robert R. Neall, ex-financial adviser to city schools.
Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (left), Mayor Martin O'Malley and EPA administrator Christine Todd Whitman attend the opening of Harbor Point, former site of a polluted AlliedSignal plant.
Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam
Kendel Ehrlich (right) and Dr. Steve Sharfstein, Sheppard Pratt president, watch as former first lady Rosalynn Carter signs a construction beam that will become part of the hospital's new building.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. speaks to the news media after meeting with Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (left) and Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele speak with the press at a pro-slots rally.
Sun photo by Lloyd Fox
Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert Ehrlich, left, gets an endorsement today from state Sen. Clarence Mitchell IV on the steps of the Clarence Mitchell Court House on Calvert St. Ehrlich's parents, Robert Ehrlich Sr. and Nancy Ehrlich, look on.
Sun photo by Barbara Haddock Taylor
Members of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s staff - budget Secretary James C. "Chip" DiPaula (left), Legislative Initiatives Director Kenneth H. Masters and policy director Joseph M. Getty - present the governor's slots proposal in Annapolis.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. is opposed to raising taxes but not fees such as car registration.
Sun photo by David Hobby
More coverage of the Pentagon's proposal to close or consolidate U.S. military bases.
Sun photo by John Makely
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (left) introduces Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele during the inauguration at the State House in Annapolis.
Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.
Republicans Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and Michael S. Steele celebrate after giving their acceptance speeches last night in Baltimore.
Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
President Bush and Rep. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. look past the glare of lights at a crowd gathered for the gubernatorial candidate's fund-raiser at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the Inner Harbor.
Sun photo by John Makely
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., joined by his wife, Kendel, waves to friends and supporters before Wednesday's inauguration ceremony on the steps of the State House. Newly appointed Maryland State Police Superintendant Edward T. Norris is in front left.
Sun photo by Algerina Perna
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and first lady Kendel Ehrlich examine the Princeton key chain given to them by Carol Hackney (right) of Eldersburg. She was one of the hundreds of visitors the couple greeted at the annual holiday celebration at the governor's mansion.
Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. made good on some of his campaign promises, but funding fell short of past budgets. "At some point, the golden age ceases to exist, and the bill comes due," Ehrlich said.
Sun photo by Barbara Haddock Taylor
At Towson University, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. talks about the "five pillars" of his administration: fiscal soundness, education, helping Marylanders, public safety and improved transportation.
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Republican Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. is sworn in as the 60th governor of Maryland today by Chief Judge Robert Bell, left, at the State House. His wife, Kendel, and son, Drew, look on.
Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam
State Sen. Clarence M. Mitchell IV, carrying his daughter Aliya, 5, jokes with Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. outside the polls in Southwest Baltimore. Mitchell's support for the Republican made him unpopular among some Democrats.
Sun photo by Andre F. Chung
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. held a news conference Tuesday at Holy Cross Hospital to press for malpractice reform. "If he would stay in Annapolis and work, rather than traveling around the state, we could solve this," said Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller.
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Republican Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. greets campaign workers as he arrives at a polling place in Timonium.
Sun photo Christopher T. Assaf
Kendel Ehrlich, wife of Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich, shows off her Preakness fashion in the corporate area at Pimlico Race Course.
Sun photo by Amy Davis
Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (second from right) introduces Michael Steele (left). Del. Martha S. Klima is at right.
Sun photo by Lloyd Fox
U.S. Rep. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. receives a hug from Virginia Gregory, who used to baby-sit him.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy Davis
Ehrlich, with his wife Kendel at left, reacts with a raised fist to introductory remarks by athlete Matt Stover. At right is Ed Norris, who was the first speaker. Former Republican Governor Robert L. Ehrlich made his second appearance of the day to announce his plans to run for Governor again, to a hometown crowd that packed the Dewey Loman American Legion Hall.
Sun photo by Lloyd Fox
Former governors Marvin Mandel (left) and Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. at a news conference.
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Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. waves to guests in the gallery during his first State of the State address today inside the State House chambers of the House of Delegates in Annapolis.
Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.
Republican Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. campaigns in Baltimore with supporters from the Fraternal Order of Police.
Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.
Kendel Ehrlich, wife of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.
Sun photo by Nanine Hartzenbusch
Kendel Ehrlich checks out this Frank Agostino dress in the mirror as she shops at Octavia Tuesday for her Preakness Day outfit.
AP photo
Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich (right) and his wife, Kendel, walk across the track Saturday at Pimlico Race Course.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (left) jokes with Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele while signing autographs in New York. Steele is to address the Republican National Convention tonight in a prominent role.
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Former Gov. Marvin Mandel (left) and gubernatorial candidate Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. talk over breakfast at Chick & Ruth's Delly.
Sun photo by Algerina Perna
Rep. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., flanked by running mate Michael S. Steele (left) and the Rev. John A. Heath, announces his plan.
Sun photo by Barbara Haddock Taylor
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., lecturing at Towson University, tells students that a good leader must keep expectations in check.
Sun photo by Algerina Perna
Republican Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and Democrat Kathleen Kennedy Townsend meet at a Gubernatorial Candidates Forum in Rockville. Later yesterday, she spoke in College Park.
Sun photo by Amy Davis
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (right) and SHA biologist Rob Shreeve explain environmental enhancements at Hawkins Wetland in Montgomery County, which they plan to expand.
Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.
Robert Ehrlich and his running mate Michael Steele share a moment at campaign headquarters at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Ehrlich was declared winner of Maryland's gubernatorial race.
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Then Governor-elect Robert Ehrlich and his running mate Michael Steele, left, laugh together with Jim Baker as they look over a newspaper before heading to a news conference in November.
Sun photo by Andre F. Chung
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., left, gives condolences to Louise Winder, mother of Officer Brian D. Winder. Seated next to Louise Winder is her grandson, Brandon Winder, 7, second right, and her daughter-in-law, Lorrie Winder, right.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley (left) appears at a news conference with Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., who seeks a plan that may put the city schools in fiscal receivership.
Sun photo by Doug Kapustin
Gov. Robert Ehrlich thanks the former lieutenant governor and his general election opponent, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, for attending his inauguration at the State House in Annapolis Wednesday. Robert Ehrlich Sr. holds his grandson, Drew, at left.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. wields one of his tools of persuasion at unveiling of video and print ads.
Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
Baltimore City Mayor Martin O'Malley (left) and Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. will likely meet in the 2006 gubernatorial elections.
Sun photo by John Makely
Gov. Robert Ehrlich smiles as Comptroller William Donald Schaefer addresses the crowd during the inauguration ceremony on the steps of the State House Wednesday.
Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Ehrlich works the crowd early in the evening at The Hyatt Regency Hotel, where his campaign was headquartered on election night.
Sun photo by Nanine Hartzenbusch
Republican gubernatorial hopeful Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. shakes hands with Zena Posever as he campaigns at the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington.
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Republican Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. gestures to supporters as he leaves a polling station in Timonium.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. waves to those gathered in the House of Delegates chamber before delivering the annual State of the State address.
AP photo
Bernadette ?Bernie? Gietka stands with Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. in Annapolis after being introduced as the $112 million Mega Millions winner.
Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele (left) and Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. await questions from reporters on the first day of the special legislative session under way in Annapolis.
Sun photo by Elizabeth Malby
Receptionist Mary Martin hugs Gov.-elect Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. as he thanks campaign workers at his Towson headquarters.
Sun photo by Nanine Hartzenbusch
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. puts his arm around Lewis R. Riley, state agriculture secretary, at the Nutrient Management Summit in Wye Mills. More than 250 farmers attended.
Sun photo by Jed Kirschbaum
GOP gubernatorial hopeful Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. speaks to Democratic supporters.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. reads "Never think you've seen the last of anything" on slots. Budget chief James C. "Chip" DePaula at left, Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, center.
Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.
Three-year-old Drew, held by his parents, gives two thumbs up to his dad's victory in the Maryland gubernatorial race last night.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (right) waits to see whether his horse wins after placing a bet using a Horse Wizard video betting terminal at Laurel Park. The machines function like off-track wagering.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Del. Charles R. Boutin (left) and House Speaker Michael E. Busch share a laugh with Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. at a news conference.
Sun photo by Chiaki Kawajiri
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., standing with Taisha Smith (left), Stephanie Holbrook, Robin Brown and her son Artemus Neil Jr., 2, speaks at the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning's headquarters in Canton.
AP photo
Betty Thompson, right, wife of late Baltimore sports broadcaster Chuck Thompson, is consoled by Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. after a memorial service today.
Sun file photo
Sun photo by Doug Kapustin
Gov. Robert Ehrlich acknowledges the crowd during Wednesday's inauguration ceremony at the State House in Annapolis. His wife, Kendel, left, and Lt. Gov. Michael Steele look on.
Sun photo by Barbara Haddock Taylor
Comptroller William Donald Schaefer makes a point to Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. at yesterday's Board of Public Works meeting.
Sun photo by Algerina Perna
City State's Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy and Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. speak to the news media after he presented Jessamy with a large check representing $1.7 million for her department.
Sun photo by Nanine Hartzenbusch
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. examines a baby crab held by Alicia Young-Williams, a technician with the Smithsonian Environ mental Research Center. Ehrlich toured the University of Mary land Biotechnology Institute in the Inner Harbor yesterday.
Sun photo by Christopher T. Assaf
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. waits as he is introduced to a class at Towson University.
Sun photo by Barbara Haddock Taylor
In a rare appearance before a legislative committee, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. made an impassioned plea to save Maryland's horse racing industry through slot machine revenue, and Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele (right) emphasized the need for money for education.
Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (left) and Mayor Martin O'Malley hold a news conference at Baltimore-Washington International Airport after returning from their daylong mission to Michigan.
Baltimore Sun photo by Jed Kirschbaum
Former Maryland governor Robert Ehrlich chats with Ravens coach John Harbaugh.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (right) and Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele listen to questions from the state House Ways and Means Committee on slot machines, revenue and taxes. Ehrlich threatens deep cuts to everything but schools if slots are rejected.
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Maryland coach Gary Williams looks on as Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. addresses the Terps basketball team at the Comcast Center.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. attends a GOP fund-raiser in New York on the first day of the Republican National Convention. Speaking to the Maryland delegation that same day, the governor called the Democratic Party "racist" in its appeal to blacks.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. said the rumors were spread by a rogue state employee - not part of a wider GOP campaign.
Sun photo by Doug Kapustin
Complaints that Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. is steering Maryland to the right have faded considerably.
Sun photo by Christopher T. Assaf
Ehrlich, whose fresh and outspoken approach makes her a popular speaker, makes small talk before speaking to a gathering of Anne Arundel County volunteers.
Sun photo by Lloyd Fox
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (right) and Lt. Gov. Michael Steele await the start of the 130th Preakness Stakes.
Sun photo by Jed Kirschbaum
Helen Myers, an independent voter from Baltimore, favors Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. for governor.
Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. is flanked by Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele (left) and Dennis R. Schrader, homeland security director, at the Emergency Operations Center in Reisterstown.
Sun staff
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. calls his bill a starting point for negotiations.
AP photo
Gov. Robert Ehrlich and his wife, Kendel, descend the steps between rows of Maryland State Police officers at the State House in Annapolis.
Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. watches Octavia Green, 6, work on a computer at the Clay Street Computer Learning Center. The center offers students homework help and guidance.
Sun photo by Lloyd Fox
Rep. Robert Ehrlich stands with his wife, Kendel, as he announces that he is seeking the Republican nomination for governor.
Sun photo by Jerry Jackson
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. exits a bus at Free Methodist Church Camp in Burtonsville during a tour of proposed ICC routes.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. gets applause from state Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller (left) and House Speaker Michael E. Busch (right) after delivering his State of the State speech. He outlined his legislative agenda and reviewed accomplishments of his administration.
Sun photo by Chiaki Kawajiri
In Rep. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s congressional office in Washington, the antics of 3-year-old son Drew sitting in his chair break up the governor-elect. The Ehrlich family traveled to Washington yesterday from a vacation in Ocean City.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller (left) listens as Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. discusses slots last month.
Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., flanked by Human Resources secretary Christopher J. McCabe (left) and Floyd R. Blair, interim Baltimore social serv ices director, said yesterday that he is pleased with Blair's job performance.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. spoke at a breakfast on the first day of the GOP convention.
AP photo
Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich, right, greets Cleveland batting coach Eddie Murray after the former Oriole threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the start of the season opener between the Indians and the Orioles.
Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. greets some of his supporters during a round of last night's parties in Baltimore, this one at the Camden Club.
AP photo
Newly inaugurated Gov. Robert Ehrlich is applauded by onlookers during his speech on the steps of the State House.
Sun photo by Algerina Perna
Maryland first lady Kendel Ehrlich (right) and state Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick (left) go through the lunch line at Hereford Middle School with sixth-grader Allie Hackbarth.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy Davis
Former Republican Governor Robert L. Ehrlich made his second appearance of the day to announce his plans to run for Governor again, to a hometown crowd that packed the Dewey Loman American Legion Hall. Applauding on the stage at left are wife Kendel and their sons, Josh and Drew.
AP photo
Governor Ehrlich recites the Pledge of Allegiance today at Chick & Ruth's Delly in Annapolis during an observance of the two year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Sun photo by Amy Davis
Dr. Keith Segalman (left) and Dr. Henry Shuey watch Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. sign an oversized cast bearing the signatures of doctors opposed to the bill. At far left is Brendan Kelly, 4, whose father, Dr. James Kelly, also backed the governor.
Sun photo by Elizabeth Malby
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. lends an arm of support to Betty Thompson, widow of Chuck Thompson, after memorial Mass.
Sun photo by Kim Hairston
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (at microphone) announces the deal. From left, Mayor Martin O'Malley, Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, state schools Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick.
Sun photo by Doug Kapustin
Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich catches his breath after a trip into the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay as part of the Polar Bear Plunge Saturday at Sandy Point State Park.
Sun photo by Monica Lopossay
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (left) and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller smile at friends and family in the House balcony.

PUBLISHED: May 12, 2016 at 9:19 a.m. | UPDATED: July 1, 2019 at 7:41 a.m.

Going where Gov. Larry Hogan has refused to go, Maryland’s last Republican chief executive has thrown his endorsement in the presidential race to presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump.

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., a former backer of Ohio Gov. John Kasich, pasted a message on Facebook Wednesday night telling Republicans “it is time to get our act together” and rally behind Trump to defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Hogan so far has resisted pressures to fall in line behind the billionaire developer. He has said he would not get involved in the race or make a presidential endorsement. In his most recent public statement on the matter, Hogan said: “I’m not going to take any more stupid questions about Donald Trump.”

The governor has previously stated that he is no fan of Trump. An early endorser of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Hogan stayed neutral in the presidential race after Christie dropped out and threw his support to Trump.

Hogan spokesman Doug Mayer said Thursday that “nothing has changed” since Hogan’s previous statement.

Ehrlich made clear Wednesday that he does not share those qualms. Nor, apparently does his wife, Kendel Ehrlich. She is is listed on a slate of would-be Trump delegates to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. The GOP will select at-large delegates at the GOP state convention in Annapolis this weekend.

Following is the text of Ehrlich’s Facebook message:

“The GOP presidential field was the strongest in recent memory. Many of us had a favorite candidate (Ohio Governor John Kasich in my case) who fell short. This intramural fight is now history. Our candidate is Donald Trump. His opponent is most likely Hillary Clinton…aka four more years of progressivism on steroids.

“America can ill afford a third Obama term. Economic growth is negligible as the regulatory state issues historic numbers of new regulations. Too many 26-year-olds are living in Mom’s basement; too many of our enemies no longer fear us; too many of us suspect the “American Dream” is no more.

“The bottom line: regardless of recently inflicted hard feelings, it is time to get our act together; time to stop progressivism’s hold on our culture and economy; TIME TO WIN

“Thanks for reading.”

Ehrlich spokesman Greg Massoni confirmed the authenticity of the posting but said the former governor would have nothing to add.

“He’s just speaking for himself,” Massoni said.

Among those on the Trump delegate slate is Senate Minority Leader J. B. Jennings, who represents Baltimore and Harford counties. Jennings confirmed Thursday that he is seeking election on the Trump slate after failing to win election in the primary as an uncommitted delegate.

“The process has worked its way through and this was the last man standing,” Jennings said.

Jennings declined to call for Hogan to get on board.

“Everybody has to feel comfortable to endorse somebody,” he said.

Other prominent Republicans on the Trump slate for the convention include U.S. Rep. Andy Harris; Sen. Wayne Norman of Harford County, and Dels. Chris Adams and Johnny Mautz of the Middle Shore and Mike McKay of Allegany County.

GOP activist Davis Bossie, who is challenging incumbent Republican national committeeman Louis Pope at the convention, is also on the Trump slate.

Ehrlich, former Kasich backer, endorses Trump…

Ehrlich, former Kasich backer, endorses Trump to defeat Clinton

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