Townsend makes a rare appearance since election

She visits Annapolis office, offers no word on plans

By David Nitkin
Sun Staff

December 23, 2002

A unusual sighting occurred last week in the Maryland State House: the elusive lieutenant governor.

As her staff packed boxes and fine-tuned resumes, Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend arrived in Annapolis for a few hours Thursday -- but didn't stay long. She took her office
workers to lunch at Paul's on the South River but did not return to State Circle after dining at the restaurant.

Townsend declined an interview request to discuss her whereabouts during the past several weeks, or her plans. But she briefly passed through again Friday.

Since her election loss, Townsend, a Democrat, has been all but absent from her second-floor State House suite. She has vacationed in Florida and California, and made telephone calls to
political supporters.

But she hasn't returned to the job that pays her $100,000 a year, managing crime-control, economic development and other affairs that -- in her own words and those of friends such as
former President Bill Clinton -- made her the most active and accomplished lieutenant governor in state history.

The public schedule distributed by her office has shown no events since Nov. 5.

Before last week, "she's not been in her office, not since the election," said a government official who works close by.

The Maryland Constitution lists no legal duties for the lieutenant governor; he or she performs tasks assigned by the governor. Elected officials don't fill out time sheets to account for
their hours.

Many Townsend allies and campaign volunteers returned to their state positions shortly after the election, glumly going about their business as they pondered career changes. They
expect to be dumped after Gov.-elect Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., a Republican, takes office Jan. 15.

Townsend shouldn't be criticized for getting paid during her absence, said David Paulson, spokesman for the Maryland Democratic Party.

"She is being gracious by allowing the focus to be on the incoming governor," Paulson said. "My understanding is she's done what needed to be done, and is making whatever
decisions need to be made."

Paulson noted that Ehrlich is drawing a salary of $150,000 for a job he is paying little attention to: that of U.S. representative from the 2nd District.

Townsend primarily focused on anti-crime programs during eight years in office, managing the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, which during the campaign became the
focus of a federal investigation into questionable grants.

Robert Weinhold, a spokesman for the crime-control office, said Townsend visited Tuesday, spending about two hours in Towson speaking with workers.

"She was very gracious and thankful for the staff's passion and professionalism during her tenure," Weinhold said.

Ehrlich said last week that he was reviewing the functions of the crime-control office and had not made decisions about its future.

Lt. Gov.-elect Michael S. Steele said he had lunch with Townsend the week before last, and she offered "very helpful insights" on the job. He said the office will change directions,
because he will be concentrating on education, economic development and faith-based initiatives.

While Townsend has yet to comment on her plans, Paulson said she has committed to raising money for Democrats.

"She has expressed that she would like to help the Democratic Party in any way she can, and we are most appreciative," he said.

Sun staff writer Tim Craig contributed to this article.

Copyright © 2002, The Baltimore Sun