Nancy K. Kopp

Baltimore County Executive Jim SmithAs rumors continue to swirl that Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith will challenge Comptroller Peter Franchot for his seat in the 2010 Democratic primary, a spokesperson for the county executive said Smith's focus was on his present occupation.

"The county executive has long been devoted to not being a lame duck," spokesperson Don Mohler told PolitickerMD.com. "He lets others do the political talking."

Smith, 66, is bound by term limits and can't seek re-election in 2010. A closer examination of his current initiatives may signal an impending campaign battle with Franchot.

Warren Hansen, a spokesperson for Comptroller Peter Franchot (D), told PolitickerMD.com today the comptroller's recent visit to Towson schools was part of his "statewide fact-finding tour leading up to next week's school construction funding vote for the upcoming fiscal year," a statement meant to distance the comptroller from the political debate over his trip.

"As one of three votes on the Board of Public Works, Comptroller Franchot is committed to partnering with school officials to alleviate overcrowding and ensuring that local voices are heard in regards to school construction priorities," Hansen said.  "Since taking office, he has visited more than two dozen schools across the state - including recent visits to schools in Baltimore, Howard and Harford counties - to receive a first-hand assessment of the needs facing Maryland's schools." 

In late April, Franchot visited several overcrowded elementary schools in Baltimore County, home of County Executive Jim Smith (D), his potential primary challenger in 2010.