In Series of Tweets, Johnny O Tries to Buy Time on Statewide Announcement

With the General Assembly session about to end, political candidates for state and local officeholders are about to come out of the woodwork.

But one potential candidate for governor appears to be trying to cut off any questions about his plans for 2022 — at least for now.

In a series of tweets Sunday, which included a link to a Maryland Matters story (thanks!) about the potential race to replace him, Baltimore County Executive John A. Olszewski Jr. (D), who is touted as a possible candidate for governor, said he needs more time before deciding on a statewide bid.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for those who have seen all that we have accomplished and encouraged me to consider a statewide run,” Olszweski wrote. “To date, my focus have been the public health of and our and economic recovery in the midst of the #COVID19 pandemic. Our work has been recognized as a national model, and we will continue to lead in the years ahead.

“I introduce my budget on April 15th. I will take the time necessary to ensure its passage while also thoughtfully, prayerfully, and deliberately considering the 2022 election. My heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone who has been alongside me in proving that a #betterBaltimoreCounty is possible, and to all who have encouraged me to consider a statewide race.”

We’ll leave it to smarter political minds to parse the language and figure out what Olszewski really means. He is continuing to ponder while other potential Democratic candidates in the race to replace term-limited Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) start to come forward. State Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot (D) has been in the race for over a year.

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