PASADENA -- Former Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R-Baltimore) said Sunday that the outcome of the 1st Congressional District race would influence his decision to run for governor in 2010.

"It's an element. It's just one of many, but it is certainly relevant," Ehrlich told PolitickerMD.com at the Pasadena parade at Tick Neck Park.

Harris, a state Senator from Cockeysville, is currently running against Democrat Frank Kratovil for Maryland's 1st District seat. Ehrlich said this year's Democratic wave has impacted the race, but was confident Harris would prevail anyway. "I have private polling and I have Harris campaign polling ... obviously we're ahead," Ehrlich said. "It's closer than it otherwise would be because it's a tough year for Republicans."

Ehrlich jokingly called himself the "godfather" of the 1st district, suggesting it was gerrymandered to benifit the GOP.

"You just have to remember, this district, it was packed by [Democratic state Senate President] Mike Miller and [former Democratic Gov.] Parris Glendenning to elect a Republican," Ehrlich told PolitickerMD.com. "It's tough for a Democrat here."

Ehrlich, who was defeated by now-Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-Baltimore), has not ruled out a rematch and has been actively campaigning with Harris. Harris's campaign manager, Chris Meekins, called Ehrlich's endorsement "huge," and said Ehrlich was well respected throughout the 1st District.