Tommy McKay
 

 Danny Mayer
 

 Kendall Ehrlich

Maryland First Lady Kendall Ehrlich helped kick off the campaign of St. Mary’s County Commission President Tommy McKay, in his effort to claim the Maryland Senate seat occupied by Roy Dyson (D-Great Mills).

McKay (R-Hollywood) started his campaign Wednesday with a four stop tour of Southern Maryland, holding rallies at Hollywood, Hughesville, Lusby and Solomon’s Island.

At the nearly-complete All American Harley Davidson shop in Hughesville, Mrs. Ehrlich urged the watching crowd to volunteer time and money to help McKay and Republicans statewide bring a proper balance to the Maryland legislature that has been missing for a long time.

Danny Mayer, Maryland Delegate from Charles County and former county commissioner, said he has watched McKay, 49, mature over the years, in business and personal relationships.

“He has the lineage and heritage … to make the best senator we have seen in many years,” Mayer said.

Mayer introduced Kendall Ehrlich, who invited McKay to the stage. Governor Bob Ehrlich was not on hand.

Mayer and Ehrlich lauded McKay’s record as county commissioner, citing increases in jobs locally, lower income and property tax rates, increased land preservation, and the largest cash commitment to public schools in the state.

When McKay took the stage he also mentioned that a $20 million surplus has accumulated during the last two years under his watch; “which should be returned to the people.”
McKay echoed concerns that state Democrats’ “88-year monopoly” on the Maryland Senate is harming regular, people because of the lack of political balance.

He said “career politicians” have had their chance to provide effective leadership for Southern Maryland. He pointed out the Hughesville Rt. 5 highway bypass project was discussed for nearly 30 years before it actually started to happen under the leadership of Bob Ehrlich.

He said the state legislature needs a new balance, to put a stop on increased spending, and more and more regulations.

“The idea is about ‘less is more,’ not utopian benevolence,” McKay said. “It’s time for new vision and leadership.”

In gaining support from “the good people of Southern Maryland,” McKay said: “I will work tirelessly to assure your place at the table of public policy … and show you why McKay is the better way.”

McKay told The Bay Net he feels the most pressing responsibility currently is solving transportation problems in Southern Maryland, while working to improve the economy and protect the environment.

“We need to continue to grow jobs,” McKay said, “and work on things like traffic, sprawl, and providing education … looking at the whole package.”

After posing on a new Harley Davidson at the s