By: Steve Lash

Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler strongly indicated late yesterday that — surprise, surprise — he intends to run for re-election this year.

Gansler, who has yet to declare formally for another four-year term, dominated the news yesterday with the release of his written opinion that Maryland must recognize same-sex marriages legally performed in other states.

Buried by the avalanche of the opinion’s coverage was the Supreme Court’s decision reinstating a Maryland man’s child sexual abuse conviction. Gansler had successfully argued the state’s appeal to the justices.

Asked whether his high-court victory was a good omen for his as-yet unannounced re-election bid, Gansler did not hesitate.

“I hope so,” he said.

So, does Gansler have your vote?