Ehrlichs Moderate Image Belied by Conservative Record
Steven T. Dennis March 15, 2002

ANNAPOLIS--The success of U.S. Rep. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s pending campaign for governor could turn on his ability to fight off Democratic attacks that his carefully cultivated moderate image is belied by a conservative voting record. The League of Conservation Voters gives him a 26 percent lifetime [environmental vote] rating, criticizing him last year for voting to allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and against fuel efficiency and arsenic standards. "As far as his environmental record is concerned, Bob Ehrlich has not been a moderate in any way, shape or form, and this is an issue that is extremely important to Maryland voters," said Scott Stoermer, spokesman for the league. "Bob Ehrlich has been a loyal soldier of the Republican leadership since he signed the Contract With America."