Local men vie for state GOP leadership post

State Republicans appear poised to elect a local man to lead their party for the next four years after suffering the big losses of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele at the ballot box.

Dr. Jim Pelura, 58, a veterinarian from Davidsonville, picked up Mr. Steele's endorsement yesterday. The statewide election of party leaders is set for Saturday.

"Jim is a grass-roots guy," Mr. Steele said. "He was very helpful with the victory program we put in place both at the federal and state level."

John White, 36, an Annapolis businessman and unsuccessful candidate for Congress this year, also is in the...