O'Malley wrote that he was sorry O'Donnell didn't like his speech and included a copy of another he had delivered on leadership. The anecdote makes O'Donnell smile. It shows people are paying attention.
But even as Republicans push to expand their influence, a rift has developed within the party.
Del. Christopher Shank, the minority whip from Washington County, said last week that he has "no confidence" in party chairman James Pelura. He said Pelura, a veterinarian who took on the volunteer post more than two years ago, has not focused on his duties and meddled in caucus affairs.
Pelura defended his record, saying his aim is not to formulate policy but to promote the Republican ideology.
"The idea is to get people to join our side, and how you do that is by articulating a clear message that is different than the other side."
Chief among complaints is the GOP's fundraising record. The state party is $57,000 in debt, according to the latest report. And while party leaders say they are raking in small donations, others say they must tap the business community for larger contributions.
"You have to put money in the bank to be credible. You've got to raise more than they are raising," said Kevin Igoe, a Republican operative working with former Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele on his transition to national party chairman. "The party in Maryland needs to concentrate its time and effort on raising money, recruiting and training candidates, and training activists at local level."
Ehrlich, who became governor in part by appealing to voters outside the population centers, is a go-to political adviser to Republicans considering running for office in Maryland. One or two a month make the pilgrimage to his Baltimore law office, he said.
As for his own future, Ehrlich said a decision on challenging O'Malley in 2010 hinges on personal considerations and on the political landscape. Party insiders say he is monitoring O'Malley's approval ratings to help gauge his chances.
A run against O'Malley would be difficult to mount. O'Malley has $1.9 million in campaign funds on hand - dwarfing Ehrlich's $150,000. He also has a bully pulpit that enables him to keep his visibility high and a party operation that registered more than 225,000 new voters in the last election.
