ANNAPOLIS - The Maryland Republican Party began energizing party members on Thursday for the presidential election by participating in the First National McCain Nation Event. With 10 locations throughout the state, the MDGOP sought to organize Republicans, recruit volunteers and get the message out.

Speaking at the MDGOP headquarters in Annapolis, former first lady Kendell Ehrlich said "leadership and character" were among the two most important qualities a presidential candidate could have. "And I think John McCain is someone we should be excited about on both these fronts."

Ehrlich also felt optimistic that McCain could win Maryland in November. "We can also deliver a presidential election," she told a crowd of about 50.

Del. Ronald George (R-Annapolis) agreed with Kendell's remarks: "We should not listen to what the media tells us. We do not concede Maryland. We do not concede any race. We have people in all the races and we have to fight and fight hard."