June 29, 2006
Baltimore Sun Reporter

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. introduced Maryland Disabilities Secretary Kristen Cox, a legally blind former Washington lobbyist, as his pick for lieutenant governor this morning and said that her interest in empowering underserved communities would be an asset to his administration.

"She met the two-prong test: personal compatibility, philosophical compatibility," Ehrlich said during a news conference at the City Dock in Annapolis.

Cox, who was joined by her two sons and husband, said she was humbled by the selection. She replaces Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, who is running for U.S. Senate.

"Let's be honest, most politicians don't step up and make disability a key part of their platform," said Cox, 36. "... But this governor says, 'You know what? These are people that can contribute, that can get back to the workforce, that can be productive if we give them some support.'"

Cox is the state's first disabilities secretary. She has served since 2004, managing a department of 25 people and a budget of $4.9 million. She worked previously in the Bush administration as an adviser to the commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the Department of Education.

A Utah native and a Mormon, Cox moved to Maryland to become assistant director of governmental affairs for the National Federation of the Blind. She was recruited from the group's Utah chapter.

Cox, who has a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, cradled her 1-year-old on one hip and held her white walking cane in the other arm today as Ehrlich introduced her. She lost the majority of her vision as a child, the result of a degenerative genetic disease.

"It is such an honor to have this opportunity," Cox told an audience of about 100 supporters before leaving the news conference without taking questions from reporters. "I feel very humbled, very blessed and a little nervous."