Cardin makes the leap, announces U.S. Senate bid

[Moooooo]

From the Baltimore Sun

Benjamin L. Cardin, the studious congressman from Baltimore County who has spent his political career mastering fiscal issues such as Medicare reform, announced yesterday that he is running for the U.S. Senate.

"I stand here today because I've gotten real results," he said. "I stand here today because experience does count."

Elected to the Maryland General Assembly at age 23 on the strength of his family's financial support and well-known name among Baltimore's Jewish community, Cardin quickly earned the respect of his colleagues for his intellect and temperament. He was named chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee before he was 30 and later served as House speaker.

"His academic brilliance, his law-making experience, his comprehensive vision and his flawless character will make him an outstanding United States senator," said former Maryland House Speaker Casper R. Taylor Jr. of Cumberland, who was in Frederick yesterday.

[Moooooo]

Steele vs Mfume

Steele  41%
Mfume  43%
Undecided/Not sure  15%

Steele vs Van Hollen

Steele  41%
Van Hollen  37%
Undecided/Not sure  22%

Steele vs Cardin

Steele  37%
Cardin  41%
Undecided/Not sure  21%

Democratic Primary

Cardin  26%
Mfume  32%
Van Hollen  16%
Undecided/Not sure  24%

[Moooooo]

If the Democrats were smart, Van Hollen would pass on the race.  Two Congressmen would split each other's votes and give the primary to Mfume who Steele could probably defeat in a close election.  Wonder if Chairmen Dean and Schumer have been in contact with Van Hollen?

Van Hollen is my only worry.  He's raised some BIG bucks in the past couple months.  More than any of the potential candidates, actually.  The money may go straight to his head leading him to jump into this race.  That means a Mfume vs Someone (R) in the general election, and I am not prepared for that rollercoaster ride.

[Moooooo]

Yeah, if I was an MD Dem I would be a little nervous about that prospect as well.  I am not saying R vs Mufume would be a Republican pick up, but it would be a close election in a state where the Dems should be able to hold the seat fairly easily.

Correct.

[Moooooo]

Is it just me or is Steele waiting to see what Van Hollen decides to make his decision?  He might like his chances of facing off with Mfume if both Cardin and Van Hollen are in the race.

Steele is playing his cards perfect.  If Cardin decided not to run, Steele would have announced soon after.  Now that Cardin has decided to run, Steel is waiting to see what Van Hollen does.  Hell he may wait a couple months to get a feel for who is going to win the primary and then announce his intentions.