At the portrait unveiling ceremony for former Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R) and his wife Kendel last night in Annapolis, state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) predicted that Ehrlich will run for governor in 2010.

"Personally, I think he will and I hope he does," Harris told PolitickerMD.com.

Ehrlich was an early supporter of Harris' successful primary campaign in Maryland's 1st Congressional District.

 "He has a tremendous base of support in the state," Harris said of the former governor.

In 2002, Ehrlich became the first Republican elected governor of The Free State since Spiro Agnew in 1966. He lost his bid for re-election to current Gov. Martin O'Malley by a margin of 52.7-46.2% in 2006.

Harris referred to O'Malley's low approval ratings when asked if Ehrlich could win a rematch in 2010, saying, "I know that in my congressional district Martin O'Malley is very unpopular."

Asked if he could learn anything from Ehrlich's administration in his 2008 campaign, Harris said, "The concept of keeping Republicans in the state enthusiastic and committed is very important and is something he did well."

"I hope to do that in my campaign," Harris added.

Ehrlich has yet to announce his plans for 2010.