Maryland Republicans Check Whig For Chairman

BETHESDA, MARYLAND ­ Historically, Maryland has had three governors and seven senators who were members of the Whig Party, with the last serving in 1858. Following the surprise resignation of Maryland Republican Chairman James Pelura, the Whigs should return to Maryland, though with a 2009 twist.

On Tuesday, Daniel "The Whig Man" Vovak, of Bethesda, announced that he is seeking to become the next chairman of the Maryland Republican Party. A movie producer and ghostwriter, Vovak is known for occasionally wearing a distinguished powdered wig when he speaks at formal events. In August, Vovak announced that the Young Republicans of Montgomery County were co-hosting an upcoming fundraiser with the famous Paula Jones, of Arkansas. Proceeds of the event will also benefit the Maryland Republican Party. Vovak is the producer of The Blue Dress, a comedy movie about Bill Clinton and Monica.

"I'm not in the camp that believes that Dr. Pelura was a bad chairman, because he was better at securing issue-driven headlines than Susan Turnbull, Chairwoman of the Maryland Democratic Party. In fact, Pelura's Contract for Maryland was a good idea, though it would have been better if the contract was written by Senator Allan Kittleman and Delegate Anthony O'Donnell."

Vovak says he has developed his political ideology based on the beliefs of the Whig Party, which essentially followed two principals: 1) Neutrality on cultural issues, and 2) Fiscal responsibility in government.

"I'm going to focus on candidate recruitment and fundraising," he says. "In the past forty years, Hawaii and Maryland are the weakest States in the country for Republican candidates trying to win state-wide office. Unfortunately, that severely affects candidates in local races, which has moved our State to adopt reckless financial positions. Maryland is currently a haven for Democrats, but it wants to be Republican. It wants to be more successful, which is something the Republican brand offers."

Before declaring his candidacy on Tuesday, Vovak spoke openly with Ellen Sauerbrey and Montgomery County Chairman Mark Uncapher, plus a number of central committeemen. Vovak believes he can raise $75,000 to $125,000 within six months of being elected. The Party will elect its next leader at the Maryland Republican Convention in mid-November.

He can be contacted at DanielVovak@gmail.com or 202-367-4835.