From the Kennedy clan, with a difference

And then there is the money that comes with being a Kennedy. Sunday's announcement, with its soda pop and people in shorts, may have had a laid-back feel, but Townsend's campaign is no small operation. Her contributors' list shows money coming not only from Maryland, but from all over the United States. It is a formidable war chest that has her millions ahead of her nearest competition.

As lieutenant governor, Townsend has suffered through some noteworthy and public missteps, perhaps most memorably her misusing the word "football" when she meant "touchdown" immediately after the Baltimore Ravens won the Superbowl in 2001 – a faux pas of enormous proportions in a city and state that worship the sport. But she has bounced back from them largely intact.

"She has had some pretty bad public gaffes, especially early in her tenure as lieutenant governor," Mr. Crenson says. "But she has shown she's capable of learning. She doesn't make the same mistake twice."

At the same time, Townsend has developed a reputation for being substantive, known in particular for her interest in law enforcement, education, and community service. She fought for an initiative that made Maryland the first state to require all high school students to perform 75 hours of community service before they graduate.

In fact, as Townsend embarks on her campaign, the criticism leveled against her most often is that she is not political enough, that she lacks the glad-handing gift.

Her staff and some analysts argue that this trait is an asset in the electoral climate she faces. Glendening, Maryland's current governor, has never been loved by the public and is often seen as too political. But it could be a problem if Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley decides to compete with her for the Democratic nomination.

Mr. O'Malley, who is handsome, extremely popular, and plays in a rock band, has many of the political skills Townsend lacks – but little of the experience. He is in his first term as mayor, and most figure he won't try a run at governor yet.

If Townsend gets the nomination (and all real challengers have bowed out except O'Malley) she stands a good chance of winning the election in November against her likely challenger, Rep. Robert Ehrlich. Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 2-to-1 margin in Maryland. "If turnout is low, Ehrlich may have a shot," says James Gimpel, a political scientist at the University of Maryland in College Park. "There's always a lot of crossover in Maryland."

But for now, she's the clear favorite. Politician or not, some of her considerable strengths were on display Sunday. Her staff was organized. Her name drew passersby, who stopped to see and hear a Kennedy speak. "She's got the momentum, and she's got the money," says Crenson. "The race is hers to lose."

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