Richard Nixon

When Richard Nixon announced his running mate was Spiro Agnew, the largely unknown, two-year governor of Maryland, the campaign had 89 days to introduce him to the American public.

Yesterday's announcement of Sarah Palin, the largely unknown, two-year governor of Alaska, as John McCain's running mate came only 67 days before Election Day. It will be the shortest vice presidential candidacy in modern history.

Who was the last governor who had served less than two years when he was tapped for the vice presidential nomination?

How many times did two Marylanders run for the vice presidency in the same year?

When was the last time a lieutenant governor was seriously considered for the vice presidential slot?

As to the Mikulski Commission’s legacy, its recommendations to the DNC were to lessen the influence of primaries in the presidential nominating process.

It appears the late-deciders went for state Sen. Andy Harris over Rep. Wayne Gilchrest in the First Congressional District. That's par for the course, with the undecided breaking for the challenger.

Former Rep. Lawrence Hogan: As PG County Executive, circa 1980.Former Rep. Lawrence J. Hogan, a Republican who served Maryland’s 5th Congressional District from 1969-1975, says he will remain neutral among the candidates in the 2008 Republican presidential primary field.

“I have not made a commitment yet,” Hogan told PolitickerMD.com.

“I never say so in advance.”