Supporters and Friends,

Over the last ten months, it has been my privilege to travel to the far corners of Maryland and meet with people from all walks of life. My travels were the result of a realization I made during the 2008 Presidential election. You see, many of the same reasons why incumbents and entrenched power syndicates were tossed aside by voters across the U.S. in that election, apply in Maryland today. In fact, after almost forty uninterrupted years of one-party rule, Maryland is the poster-child of states that need a “Choice”.

So, I set out on the road with a group of dedicated individuals looking to make Maryland better. As we traveled from town to town across the State, we spoke with folks of diverse backgrounds and differing political views. With each stop along the way, it quickly became clear that people were concerned about the same things no matter where we went.

In Maryland, people are scared about losing their jobs, their healthcare, their safety, and their children’s futures. In the last year alone, more than 200,000 Marylanders lost their jobs or have been unable to find work here in the State. At the same time, many of those same folks had their healthcare coverage taken away or soon will. To make matters worse, those same folks have seen their police, fire, and EMS protections cut to the bone at the time when citizens need them the most. As if that were not enough, schools across the State are being forced to limit opportunities for children as budgets are slashed in the face of revenue shortfalls.

In the Summer of 2007, the current administration was made aware that the State was dangerously low on revenues and that projected revenues for the next three to five years were going to be far less than anticipated. These predictions were supported by the facts that home prices were declining and businesses had stopped coming to Maryland after the 2006 election.

Instead of facing the reality and making hard choices about spending, those in control of Annapolis chose to take the easiest route possible and raise taxes on the businesses that chose to remain in Maryland, raise individual taxes even more for the owners of those businesses that remained in Maryland, and then raise taxes on everyone in Maryland by 20%.

In 2008 and 2009, neither the Governor nor the Legislature had the fortitude to make hard choices and instead, they kept on spending like they had a limitless amount of money. If that was not enough, the Governor has added insult to injury by trying to correct his failures on the backs of State employees with lay-offs and forced furloughs.

On the national level, the American dream is under assault by elected officials that are intent on redistributing the hard work of successful Americans to others who have not yet made it. In furtherance of their goals, competition and hard work are being thrown aside for socialism, wealth redistribution and government bailouts. The President and Congress have spent $4 trillion in the last ten months and show no signs of slowing down.

In my home life, while I was on the road with Team Pappas, my wife Laura was offered an opportunity to lead the Junior League of Baltimore as its President for 2010. This opportunity is a tremendous honor and I know that Laura is excited to lead the Junior League in its important endeavors in 2010. Laura’s leadership opportunity has also created an opportunity and a need for me to spend more quality time with our three year old twin daughters, Caroline and Olivia. As you are aware if you have ever heard me speak of them, I cherish our girls and every moment I spend with them.

During this same time, the problems with the national economy have had a devastating effect upon the clients that I represent on a daily basis, and in turn, I have found that my legal clients need my help more and more each day. This is time that must be spent in order to help these businesses succeed and is necessary in order to continue the success of my legal practice. When I set out on this journey in December of 2008, the economic situation for my clients and my practice were much different, just as they were for the majority of Americans.

After considering all the challenges ahead and my personal requirements at home and in my law practice, I have determined that the best interest of my family and business requires that I stop my run for Governor effective immediately.

I can honestly say that, with the exception of my marriage to Laura and the birth of Caroline and Olivia, this challenge has been the most rewarding thing I have done in my life. Although I will no longer be running for Governor, I am not going away. I will remain active in Republican politics at the State and local levels, and I am dedicated to helping my fellow Republicans win big in 2010.

Some may question the timing of this decision given the tremendous victories Republicans won in elections this week. However, those victories exemplify the kind of results we can achieve as Republicans with good candidates. Although I believe that I personally make an excellent candidate, the realities of a State-wide race require more time than I can provide at this time, and I will not run such a race at anything less than 100%.

Moreover, I have spent a considerable amount of time getting to know Larry Hogan since he entered the Governor’s race this Summer. Larry and I share many of the same beliefs and ideas on how to rescue Maryland from the devastation caused by the failed policies of the Democrats in Annapolis. Larry brings a great perspective to the race and has the qualities and resources necessary to mount a successful run for Governor. With my withdrawal, Larry can focus his efforts on winning the general election and build on the momentum that started this week.

Therefore, I am proud to also announce that I am endorsing Larry Hogan for Governor in 2010 and am asking all of my supporters and members of Team Pappas to also support Larry in every way that they can. I will be working hard for Larry, and I hope you all will do the same.

I am deeply grateful to every person that joined our team, attended our events, contributed to the campaign, offered a word of encouragement, and challenged me to hold myself to a higher standard as a candidate and a citizen.

With warmest regards and devotion to our cause,

Mike Pappas