WBAL AM reported that Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, who cannot run for re-election to that office, has announced that he will not be entering the Democratic Primary for State Comptroller in 2010. Incumbent Comptroller Peter Franchot is expeced to run for re-election.

Smith’s statement was posted in its entirety by WBAL but has yet to appear on VoteJimSmith.com.

Smith’s statement is below the fold.

After much deliberation, I have decided not to run for Comptroller in the 2010 election. Although this has not been an easy decision, I am confident that I am making the right choice. Having spent many months thinking about the duties of Comptroller in the State of Maryland, I have concluded that it is not a position to which I aspire. I have never pursued any elected office because it was expedient. I always sought the opportunity to serve because I thought I could make a real difference-as a councilman, a judge, and currently as County Executive. I did not feel that passion when considering a run for Comptroller.

To those of you who have supported me as County Executive, and encouraged me to consider a statewide run in 2010, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your enthusiasm is amazing, and I am truly grateful for your counsel and support. Rest assured that I remain committed to public service, and I look forward to finding new ways to serve in the future.

Working together with the people of Baltimore County, we’ve created a renaissance that is visible from one end of the County to the other. I am excited about what we’ve accomplished, and I am energized by the work we have left to do. There are eighteen months left in my term as County Executive, and I am focused on completing what we started.