MD Democrats want Steny Hoyer (MD-5, Min. Whip) to run for governor

[Bertha Venation]

I don't have any more info. I saw the headline on my boss's copy of Roll Call. I'll get it from him when he's done and read, then post more.

What do you all think? I'd actually prefer he stayed in Congress. I don't think it's wise for MD Democrats to put state politics before national at this point.

[aintitfunny]

1. I Agree, Stay in the US House

leave the race for Governor in Maryland to O'Malley and Duncan. We should not spread it too thin, we need to get Erlich out of there.

[LiberalEsto]

2. Duncan

:puke: :puke: :puke:

[aintitfunny]

3. O'Malley

:thumbsup: :)

[Bertha Venation]

6. why?

I haven't read up on things much yet. All I know is Hoyer should stay in the house.

Why would O'Malley be a better pick than Duncan? Thanks.

[LiberalEsto]

7. Duncan is totally beholden to developers

and the developers are building out every last square inch of Montgomery County.

[DaveinMD]

8. I disagree

Duncan believes in a pro growth philosophy. Always has. However, Mo Co also sets aside a lot of land to preserve for parks and they protect the agricultural preserve.

[DaveinMD]

9. and

I'm probably an O'Malley supporter.

[DaveinMD]

4. We already have two great Dems running

Hoyer needs to stay in the House and help us win a majority there.

[Stinky The Clown]

5. I agree with the posters so far ...... stay in the House

As someone said, let's not spread it too thin. The goal is an ex-Governor (Herr Ehrlich), not a bloody primary fight!

[AuntiBush]

10. Hoyer should stay where he is.

O'Malley for Gov. Erhich out!

[mdguss]

11. I hope Hoyer runs:

We have to beat Ehrlich. His policies are a total disaster. Duncan and O'Malley are both good Democrats, but I'm not convinced that either of them can beat Ehrlich. Ehrlich is a very, very strong candidate in the suburbs (most of Maryland). Democrats need to nominate someone who can get 40 percent of the vote in southern and northern (Baltimore through Frederick counties) parts of the state.

Congressman Hoyer could take Ehrlich on and beat him. Ehrlich isn't really scared of O'Malley or Duncan, but you note he used the phrase, "capitol hill assasin style politics," in his bizzare State of the State Address. Hoyer is the strongest possible candidate. He should run, and the party should nominate him.

Long-term, taking back control of the House will require resdistricting. Maryland has a very favorable map for Democrats at the moment. It's critical that the party protect its gains in states like Maryland, and improve in other state houses if we are ever to get the House back. If a Gov. Steele (and if Ehrlich wins this time, chances are Steele will be Governor in 2011) has a say in the redistricting process, we'll lose seats in Maryland. That's another reason why Steny Hoyer, the minority whip, should run for Governor: it'd help the party.

[DaveinMD]

12. if Hoyer runs

we'll likely lose his seat. Steny wins there easily, but another Democrat would have more trouble. O'Malley can beat Ehrlich. I think Duncan can too.

[JaneQPublic]

13. What are the chances Steny's district could go GOP without him?

Steny is a very popular congressperson, even down here in conservative St. Mary's County, because he supports the Navy base so effectively.

But my county and much of the rest of Southern Maryland is growing increasingly red. Are the more urban portions of his district blue enough to help a non-incumbent Democratic candidate hold onto the district?

Personally, I'd rather see Steny stay on as House Minority Whip and have Marty O'Malley take Governor Uni-brow's job away from him.

[yellowcanine]

14. Not if Mike Miller could be persuaded to run. Would be a slam-dunk.

[sbj405]

15. Steny needs to stay where he is or . . .

possibly go for Sarbanes seat if he retires in 06. I think O'Malley and Duncan are viable candidates for governor. Hopefully, they don't beat each other up in the primaries.

[Machiavelli05]

16. Dems would retain his seat.

A majority of Steny's 600k are in PG and Charles... both went for Kerry in 2004.

However, Steny shouldnt leave the House - he's one of the best members, and Maryland can be proud to call him their own.