Candidacy

Once again, temporarily at least, scandal has mesmerized American politics. This time the target is Herman Cain, the up-from-nowhere restaurant executive who is battling back against the latest sexual harassment or misconduct allegations that have frequently intruded on presidential campaigns in recent memory. They often die hard, as in the case of another present (and past) presidential hopeful, Newt Gingrich, whose earlier infidelity with his current wife haunts his attempted political resurrection as she campaigns cheerfully at his side.

Reporter Julie Scharper 's article on this year's Baltimore City mayoral race was excellent ("A daunting lead for the incumbent," Aug. 28). The city is fortunate to have such a strong field of candidates. Joseph T. "Jody" Landers' background in the Northeast Baltimore community, on the City Council and in the real estate market, coupled with his enthusiasm, dedication and thoughtful approach to the city's problems, position him to become a great Baltimore mayor in the tradition of the late William Donald Schaefer.

Your articles "Sarah Palin gets it right" and "Why the GOP fields looks so weak" (May 31) both omitted Gary Johnson, former Governor of New Mexico, who has announced his candidacy for president and is currently campaigning in New Hampshire. He appeared on the Sean Hannity Show on Fox last week. Anne Lee

On weekday mornings, I'll post the most controversial, shocking and (of course) ridiculous stories for your reading pleasure. That way, when you walk into work, you'll be the master of witty conversation National  • One in: Ron Paul officially running for offic e. (National Journal)  • One out: Haley Barbour officially not . (Yahoo News)  • With friends like these ... : Wall Street is back supporting the GOP (WSJ)  • Thank God you live in America: Syria arrests 500 more in government crackdown . (Reuters)

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich took the first tentative step toward a 2012 presidential candidacy the other day by declaring that he was merely launching the "testing the waters" phase — exploring whether the money and other support would be there for serious contention. In the ridiculous jargon of the Federal Election Commission, it means a would-be candidate can raise and spend up to $5,000 to assemble a staff, conduct research and travel the country to get the answer.

A former federal prosecutor from Davidsonville is hoping to unseat Anne Arundel County's longtime state's attorney, who is seeking a sixth term. "I am running because six times in a row is too many for an incumbent," said Eric Grannon, 38, who said the status quo means plea bargains with lenient terms, probation for repeat offenders and too few cases going to trial. Grannon, who filed candidacy papers for his first run for political office several days ago, said he would not consider offering probation to a defendant convicted of a crime in the previous 10 years or a defendant with a past conviction for a violent crime.

Joseph Bartenfelder says he will bring 28 years of experience in government, the business acumen he has honed as a farmer and a sense of responsibility to the job of steering Baltimore County through its current fiscal challenges. The fourth-term county councilman is planning to announce his candidacy for county executive today at Towson University. He will face fellow councilman Kevin Kamenetz in a Democratic primary in September. "I am carrying on this obligation I feel on behalf of the citizens," Bartenfelder, 53, said Thursday.

F ormer Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s entry into the Maryland gubernatorial race has Howard Republicans excited, hoping that his campaign against Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley will help them by boosting interest in local races and by bringing more voters to the polls. Democrats and a political scientist disagree, however. Senate Minority Leader Allan H. Kittleman has announced the formation of a Howard for Ehrlich organization, and county GOP Chairwoman Joan Becker said she hopes Ehrlich's visits to the county will help improve on the 2006 gubernatorial election voter turnout of 64 percent.

WBAL-AM Radio's decision to let former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. continue hosting his Saturday morning talk show even after he officially announces Wednesday that he is running for governor this year is troubling for any number of reasons, but the most important question is why the station would allow candidate Ehrlich to stay on the air at all. The Federal Communications Commission sought to rein in such situations when it instituted the equal-time...