Maryland's Republican candidate for Governor says no to light rail

Regardless of issues about the Red Line in Baltimore (advocates want heavy rail, which I understand in terms of extending the subway network there, but not in terms of the cost given the likely level of ridership--heavy rail is cost effective when you have multiple hours with 20,000+ riders/hour) in terms of the type of vehicle (heavy vs. light rail vs. streetcar) and alignment, Robert Ehrlich proves the point that with regard to transit anyway, who you elect makes a big difference.

Michael Dresser of the Sun reports, in "Ehrlich's transit stand risks backlash: Position irks business but could attract light rail foes," about how Ehrlich's position on developing the Purple Line in the suburban Maryland counties of Montgomery and Prince George's, and the Red Line in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, may be at odds with the traditional business leadership types who would normally prefer a "big business" candidate like Ehrlich.

From the article:

Taking a hard-line stand against proposed light rail projects in Baltimore and the Washington suburbs, former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. might have driven a wedge between himself and business leaders in regions where he needs to collect votes.

At a recent round table in Montgomery County, Ehrlich said he would scuttle Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley's plans for light rail on Baltimore's Red Line and Washington's suburban Purple Line — possibly but not necessarily replacing them with dedicated bus lanes.

The Republican's move could endear him to transit skeptics and core constituencies in rural and outer suburban Maryland who use roads heavily and who give little thought to bus and rail systems.

But he runs the risk of alienating traditionally Republican-friendly business leaders who favor both projects, largely because they believe light rail would spur development and job growth along the lines.

In particular, Ehrlich's opposition to the Purple Line plan has put him at odds with Washington-area business groups who were among his staunchest allies in the fight to build the Intercounty Connector, a cause that helped propel him to victory in 2002.