Questions Surround Ehrlich Pick of Kane as Running Mate

George Wenschhof

Yesterday, in a much ballyhooed Facebook announcement, named Mary Kane as his Lt. Governor running mate. Former Republican Governor Robert Ehrlich is running against Democratic Governor Martin O'Malley to try to reclaim his office. The Baltimore Sun has more here.

Ehrlich's "friendlier to business" theme took on a new meaning with the selection of Kane whose family run business is currently being sued for fraudulent billing on government contracts.

The Kane Co. is being sued for double billing labor and fuel costs on government contracts, failing to pay fair wages and inflating prices.

Upon hearing the news of the selection, Susan Turnbull; chair of the Maryland Democratic Party issued this statement:

"Bob Ehrlich has some pretty serious questions to answer about his vetting process for this position since Mary Kane and her husband's company has been under investigation since 2008 when the Bush Department of Justice joined a Federal False Claims Act lawsuit against The Kane Company for defrauding federal taxpayers."

This announcement comes after Ehrlich said he wanted to pay Department of Economic and Business Development (DBED) employees bonuses for bringing businesses to Maryland. A dangerous practice that could lead to less than favorable state offered incentives to businesses to locate here in order for the employee to earn a bonus.

Mary Kane first served (2003-2006) under the Ehrlich administration as Deputy Secretary of State and chief legal counsel before becoming Secretary of State in August 2005.

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