Political Insider Found Dead

Bruce Carlin Shot Himself At His Home In Harford County

"Everybody loved him; everybody thought the world of him," she said. "There was nothing he wouldn't do for you."

He retired after being injured trying to stop a robbery at a convenience store, his family said. A head injury suffered during a confrontation with a suspected robber caused a stroke. While recovering, he had to re-lean to walk, talk and read, they said.

Carlin worked for Democrat Schaefer as an "advance man," planning events around the state. He returned to Annapolis when Ehrlich, a Republican, was elected in 2002.

Paul Schurick, a longtime Ehrlich aide, called Carlin "the smoothest, most professional person I've ever had the fortune of working with" wo expertly planned for every contingency.

Known for keeping his political ideology to himself, Carlin was "universally liked," said House Speaker Michael E. Busch, an Anne Arundel County Democrat.

Visiting hours will be 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Schimunek Funeral Home in Bel Air, and a funeral is planned for 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Mountain Christian Church in Joppa.