Curran steps down

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Curran, a Democrat and a Baltimore political institution, gave a touching speech to the crowd of more than 200 supporters and assistant attorneys general at the ceremony at the Tremont Plaza Hotel on Monday morning. As a student at the University of Baltimore who attended class at night, Curran said he never dreamed of being the state’s top lawyer — a job he’s held for more than 20 years.

‘‘This is the greatest job any lawyer can have,” Curran said.

Before he was elected attorney general, Curran was a member of the House of Delegates from 1959-1962, the state Senate from 1963-1982 and was lieutenant governor under former Gov. Harry Hughes (D) from 1983-1986.

Curran has built a reputation as a luminary for progressive causes over his career in public service. He is a steadfast opponent of legalizing slot machines and the death penalty while championing pro-choice causes and gun control.

Curran said his health is good, but at age 74 he wanted to leave on his terms and not overstay his welcome.

‘‘I’d rather it be said, ‘Why did you leave too soon?’ rather than ‘Why did you stay too long?’” Curran said.

Curran said he would not offer any endorsements in the race to succeed him, but he would be involved in the gubernatorial bid of his son-in-law, Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley (D). Some had urged Curran to retire to squelch conflict-of-interest questions for O’Malley. Curran said his retirement had nothing to do with O’Malley.

O’Malley is married to Curran’s daughter, Baltimore District Court Judge Catherine Curran O’Malley.

Three Montgomery County Democrats are considering bids to succeed Curran. Montgomery County State’s Attorney Douglas F. Gansler, Councilman Thomas E. Perez and Sen. Brian E. Frosh all said that they are interested.Frederick County State’s Attorney Scott Rolle (R), a close ally of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R), announced his candidacy for attorney general on Tuesday.