Al Redmer Jr., a former Maryland insurance commissioner, says he is not interested in becoming the chairman of the Maryland Republican Party.

Al Redmer Jr.

Redmer’s name was one of several mentioned after the position became open this week, when Party Chairman James Pelura announced that he would step down after the party’s convention Nov. 14.

“Since I left public office a few years ago, I have been active with issues at both the state and national level,” Redmer wrote in an email sent to friends, colleagues and supporters this morning (Sept. 17). “While I am actively considering becoming engaged in a more formal way, I believe that with my background and experience I can better serve my community in a less partisan role than Chairman of the Republican Party.”

Pelura cited personal and professional reasons for his departure. The state party has been struggling with financial problems, as well as fighting among its leadership, according to published reports.

Redmer’s name was floated as a possible successor, along with Ellen R. Sauerbrey, a two-time GOP gubernatorial candidate, and John White of Annapolis, who lost in a run for the post in 2006, the Baltimore Sun reported.

Redmer is president of Landmark Insurance & Financial Group, a Princess Anne, Md.-based insurance agency, which has been expanding into the Baltimore area in the last year. After his appointment by then-Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. in 2003, Redmer resigned as Maryland insurance commissioner in 2005 to become president of Coventry Health Care of Delaware. He left that job in 2007, saying the operational aspects of his job overshadowed the business development work.

Redmer, who served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1991 to 2003, has been rumored to be considering a run for the state Senate seat of Andrew W. Harris, who represents Baltimore and Harford counties. Harris is considering a run for the First District congressional seat of Frank Kratovil, a Democrat.