Since Senator Sarbanes Announced his Retirement, Everyone Wants His Job

[AuntiBush]

Since Paul S. Sarbanes' announced his retirement reportedly it's causing quite a stir with local Maryland delegates, country council members, and other political "hopefuls" and there's more cause to keep our political vacancies in eye's view.

Snip

"You are talking about wholesale opening of so many potential seats up and down the political spectrum," said pollster G. Keith Haller. "It's likely to cause a huge realignment of the 2006 elections."

"The list of candidates who might seek to replace him (Sarbanes) begins with the two men Van Hollen defeated in a vigorous 2002 primary: former Del. Mark K. Shriver and former trade ambassador Ira S. Shapiro."

"Other Democrats who are indicating potential interest so far include Susan Turnbull, vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee; Maryland Democratic Party Chairman Terry L. Lierman; state Senate Judicial Proceedings Chairman Brian E. Frosh (Dist. 16); Sen. Robert J. Garagiola (Dist. 15); House Health and Government Operations Chairman John Adams Hurson (D-Dist. 18); Del. William A. Bronrott (D-Dist. 16); and members of the County Council, including President Thomas E. Perez (Dist. 5) and Philip M. Andrews (Dist. 3). Del. Jean B. Cryor (R-Dist. 15) said she also may be interested in running, and hasn't ruled out a U.S. Senate run either."

End Snip

Read more of this article at:
http://www.gazette.net/200511/weekend/a_section/265759-1.html

And: http://www.gazette.net/200511/weekend/a_section/265740-1.html w/more information on these hot debates, including Kweisi Mfume, a former Baltimore congressman, and former NAACP Nat'l President whom reportedly threw his hat into the ring for Sarbanes position yesterday.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

1. A strong Democratic challenger will keep the seat safe regardless...

of Diebold.

[DaveinMD]

2. the names you snipped

in thelast paragraph are potentials to replace Van Hollen, not Sarbanes.

[nickshepDEM]

3. Dave, two questions...

How would Chris Van Hollen do in the primary and the general?

Whats up with Van Hollens stance on free trade?

[DaveinMD]

4. Van Hollen

would be a great candidate. Never underestimaate him. He beat Mark Shriver in a primary. I think his position on trade is that he supports free trade with strong labor and environmental protections.

[nickshepDEM]

5. If Van Hollen decides to run will you back him or another candidate?

Im almost set on Van Hollen for Senate and Duncan for Governor. I cant wait!

[DaveinMD]

6. I'm a political consultant

so I don't really back candidates until they hire me. If not hired by anyone, I will vote for Van Hollen and O'Malley.

[LocalDem]

7. CD08?

Dave, which pols do you think will go for the CVH seat and stay in the race?

[DaveinMD]

8. here's what I've heard

Susan Turnbull is definitely running. She was recently elected Vice Chair of the DNC and was a founding member of the Women's Vote Center. She was Chair of the local party about 14 years ago. Very good candidate. Terry Lierman (Chair of the Maryland Party) is also looking very hard at the race. He ran in 2000 and had a good showing when the district was harder to win.

As far as elected officials, I'd watch for Sen. Brian Frosh. He's incredibly bright. He's a committee chair in the State Senate and is one of the leading environmentalists in the state.

State Senator Rob Garagiola will also be looking at the race. He knocked off an incumbent Senator in 2002. He was a longtime party activist before.

Council Member Tom Perez could also be a candidate. People have talking him up for statewide office, but he could run for this seat as well. People are very impressed with him.

People are wondering about Mark Shriver running again. I'm not sure if he will run or not.

This is what I know.

Regardless of who we nominate, we should keep this seat.

[LocalDem]

9. Thanks!

We have such a deep bench, these are all first-tier candidates. I appreciate your insights!

[Frances]

10. Your are right about many good candidates

Brian Frosh represented me when I lived in North Bethesda and I liked him a lot.

I hope that Terry Lierman will remain in the position that he has now.

I also hope that Shriver will stay where he is. He is a super nice guy, but I think Brian Frosh is a better candidate.

[DaveinMD]

11. Susan Turnbull

could win this race. She has a lot of local and national connections and would likely be the only woman in the race.

[LocalDem]

12. Turnbull

Interesting point. No doubt being the only woman would be an asset, as would her extensive involvement in party affairs. But after CVH beat Shriver, I'm slightly skeptical about the value of national connections.

Any idea which candidate would have the best field organization and the most support from precinct captains etc?

[DaveinMD]

13. I think Van Hollen

beat Shriver because his campaign listened to local advice, while Shriver's didn't. Dorothy Davidson ran the ground operation for Van Hollen. She has been a local activist for over 30 years. Steve Jost was smart enough not to run a Washington campaign. Mike Henry wasn't as smart. Turnbull wouldn't make that mistake imo. The advantage of national connections in fundraising and that's very important. But Susan also has a ton of local connections. She's helped a lot of people get their start in politics.

I don't think any of these candidates would have the local org locked up. It will likely be split based on geography and ideology. It would be very intriguing.

[LocalDem]

14. This is how it ought to be, right?

An open field of highly qualified candidates competing on their substantive and political merits... if CVH makes the Senate race, it is going to be a fun time to follow MD politics. Thanks for your insights.

Do you have thoughts on what dominoes fall in terms of the state races? I'm particularly interested in who might run for the D16 seats if Frosh looks to move up to either Congress or a statewide office.

[DaveinMD]

15. If Frosh runs

I'm would think that Bronrott would run for State Senate. I'm sure that Don Mooers would run for HOuse of Delegates. Don is a great guy. He ran for Congress against Morella in 1996. I worked on his campaign as a volunteer. He was the first person to really challenge Morella. The last four years he's been head of the local Party's dollars drive. He'd be a fantastic candidate. There have also been rumors that Marylin Goldwater would retire anyway. There could be a bunch of openings in district 16.

[LocalDem]

16. D16

That's consistent with what I have heard from others. Thanks again.

[LynneSin]

17. SHITSHITSHITSHITSHIT

He's a damn good politician. Will the seat be safe?

[DaveinMD]

18. we have a great shot

at keeping this seat. We still live in a very Democratic state.