Ellen Kobler

A spokesperson for Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith (D) told PolitickerMD.com today that the county executive will "look to remain in public service" when his term expires at the end of 2010, perhaps an indication that he will seek to run against Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) in the 2010 primary.

"He has spent his entire career in public service," spokesperson Don Mohler said of Smith.

The county executive, who was elected to the Baltimore County Council in 1978 and served as Associate Judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County from 1985-2001, is currently in his second term as county executive and may not seek a third term.

Mohler would not describe Smith's level of interest in the comptroller's position, saying, "He's focused right now like a laser beam on his initiatives in Baltimore County."