Babs seeks the Maryland governorship in 1986 instead of the Senate seat. With two terms as governor finishing up in 1994, she is poised to make a play for the '96 Democratic nomination in an open race, with President Bush term-limited. She wrestles the nomination away from Al Gore after securing the endorsements of Gov. Mario Cuomo and Sen. Ted Kennedy who legitimize Mikulski's campaign, but rewards Gore with the vice presidency.
She goes on to defeat Vice President Dan Quayle and his running mate, Senator Orrin Hatch.