2006 Maryland General Assembly election

The next election to chose members of the Maryland General Assembly is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, November 7, 2006. The U.S. House election, 2006, U.S. Senate election, 2006, and Maryland gubernatorial election, 2006 are scheduled for the same day.

Maryland House of Delegates

District 7

With the incumbents apparently staying put, there is little excitement in this race. This northern Baltimore County district is a Republican district and it will stay a Republican district. The only question is whether relentless attacks in the newspapers will hurt the three conservative Republicans. It appears that a potential challenge from a former world-famous professional wrestler is unlikely to happen unless a seat opens.

Declared Candidates

Republicans

• Richard K. Impallaria, incumbent (1st term); auto shop owner; fighter for property rights; from Middle River.
• J. B. Jennings, incumbent (1st term); small businessman and feed store owner; from Hereford.
• Patrick L. McDonough, incumbent (1st term); radio talk show host and producer; former Congressional candidate against Ben Cardin; from Baltimore.

Democrats

• no candidates at this time

Potential Candidates

Republicans

• Josip Peruzovic. Baltimore County code enforcement officer, former professional wrestler Nikolai Volkoff, from Middle River.

Democrats

• no candidates at this time

District 9A

This Howard County district is a Republican district and it is likely to stay a Republican district. The Republican weakness may be in lack of fundraising and lack of campaign experience with appointee Warren Miller.

Declared Candidates

Republicans

• Gail H. Bates, incumbent (1st term).
• Warren Miller , incumbent (1st term); appointee to Robert Flanagan’s seat.

District 11

This western Baltimore County district is a Democratic district that includes Owings Mills and Reisterstown. The Democratic candidates – all Jewish -- represent this mostly Jewish district well. There will be one open seat in this district as 34-year-old Bobby Zirkin runs for Paula Hollinger's Senate seat (she is a declared candidate for Ben Cardin's third Congressional district seat). Additionally, 33-year-old Jon Cardin is exploring a run for his Uncle Ben Cardin’s seat in Congress.

Declared Candidates

Democrats

• Jon S. Cardin, incumbent (1st term); nephew of former Congressman, now U.S. Senate Candidate Ben Cardin.
• Vladimir Koyfman, from Baltimore.
• Dan K. Morhaim, incumbent (x term).

Potential Candidates

Republicans

• J. Michael Collins, Sr., 2002 Republican nominee.

External links

• Bobby Zirkin Info & Candidate Site

District 12A

This west Baltimore County and northeast Howard County district is a 2.5-1 Democratic district that includes Bob Ehrlich’s hometown of Arbutus. Former Governor Paris Glendening’s redistricting plan changed this district to force out incumbent Delegate Don Murphy. The court-ordered redistricting similarly kept this a Democratic district and Murphy refused to run. It will likely remain a Democratic district in 2006.

Declared Candidates

Democrats

• Steven J. DeBoy, Sr., incumbent (x term).
• James E. Malone, Jr., incumbent (x term); Arbutus firefighter, current Vice Chair of the House Environmental Matters Committee.

Potential Candidates

Republicans

• Don Murphy (politician), former two-term Delegate, lobbyist for a union and nudist organization.
• Joe Hooe, 2002 Republican nominee; small businessman and tire shop owner.

District 12B

This is a Howard County district.

Declared Candidates

Democrats

• Elizabeth Bobo, incumbent (x term).

District 13

This race will be the most competitive in Howard County. Although the district leans Democratic, the Democrats will have a difficult time keeping all three seats. Republican Mary Beth Tung, as a first time candidate in 2002, was the top vote getter in the Primary(out of 6), eventually losing the general election by only 2000 votes, less than 2%. Former weaker candidates have now been replaced by Stephen Adler, the 2002 candidate for Howard County Executive, and another candidate who is being recruited to fill out and strengthen the Republican ticket. It is also likely that this district could have 1 or 2 seats available as Shane Pendergrass explores challenging Sandra Schraeder for the Senate spot and Neil Quinter runs for Congress for the 3rd Congressional District seat vacated by Ben Cardin, who is running for the U.S. Senate.

Declared Candidates

Democrats

• Shane Pendergrass, incumbent (x term).
• Frank S. Turner, incumbent (x term).

Republicans

• Stephen Adler, 2002 Republican nominee for Howard County Executive; businessman and owner of Savage River.
• Mary Beth Tung, 2002 Republican nominee; Biotech Patent Agent; Law firm manager; Howard County Community College Board member.

Potential Candidates

Democrats

• Nina Basu, Long Reach Village Board member and community activist.
• Neil Quinter, incumbent Delegate, announced candidate for U.S. Senate.

External links

• Mary Tung Law Firm Bio
• Delegate Shane Pendergrass website

District 21

This district is highly Democratic, and likely will remain uncompetitive in the general election. One seat could open up if one of the Democratic Delegates challenges Senator John Giannetti, whose independent views are controversial among this liberal delegation. All three Delegates opposed Giannetti in 2002 are expected to do so again. In response, Senator Giannetti will likely form a three-delegate team to oppose the delegates, drawing from local elected officials and community leaders who share Giannetti's moderate political views. The primary will likely be competitive, especially if Delegate Menes decides not to seek an 11th term.

Declared Candidates

Democrats

• Barbara A. Frush, incumbent (3rd term); businesswoman; from Beltsville.
• Pauline H. Menes, incumbent (10th term); economist; from College Park.
• Brian R. Moe, incumbent (2nd term); fireman; from Laurel.

Republicans

• no candidates at this time

Potential Candidates

Democrats

• Fred Smalls, first time candidate; Laurel City Council member and President of the Prince George's County Municipal Association, Laurel, Md.
• Joseline Pena-Melnyk, first time candidate; College Park City Council member.
• Ben Barnes (Maryland), first time candidate; attorney, former member of the Prince George's County Central Committee, from College Park, Md.
• Michael Sarich, first time candidate; businessman, Laurel City Council member, Laurel, Md.
• John Krause, College Park City Council member, College Park, Md.
• Jamie Benoit, first time candidate; attorney, Odenton, Md.
• Dr. Partha Pillai, first time candidate; scientist, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, College Park, Md.
• Karen Coakley, first time candidate; real estate agent, President, Beltsville Citizens Assn., Beltsville, Md.
• Rex Smith, first time candidate; businessman. Former unsuccessful delegate candidate. Laurel, Md.

Republicans

• Eric Flamino, first time candidate; nursing board member; Vice-Chairman of the County Republican Central Committee; from Odenton
• John Anna, first time candidate; businessman; Beltsville, Md.
• Kevin Kennedy (politician),first time candidate; businessman; Beltsville, Md.
• Steve Brayman, mayor of College Park, Md.

District 30

This race looks to be the most competitive in the state. Maryland Republicans have targeted Speaker of the House Michael E. Busch for defeat due to his stand against the agenda of Governor Bob Ehrlich. Yet, the Republicans will have to compete with a very large, unwieldy primary process before determining a winner only two months before the General election. Ironically, top Democrats are urging Speaker Busch to support a change to move up the Primary election date to help Democratic candidates have a Primary election (U.S. Senate and Gubanatorial), an event that could work to his own defeat. No serious candidate is likely to challenge Busch and Clagett in the Democratic Primary as Democrats do not generally wish take actions that may defeat their leader. On the Republican side, Herb McMillan has high name recognition and conservative credentials and is likely to keep his seat. Nancy Almgren, a Republican nominee in 2002, has many Republican and community credentials and is likely to win the Primary and may mount an interesting challenge to knock off a Democratic incumbent. First timers Ron George has money and Ron Elfenbein has Ehrlich support.

Declared Candidates

Democrats

• Mike Busch, incumbent (6th term); Speaker of the House; County Parks and Recreation Employee; from Annapolis.
• Virginia P. Clagett, incumbent (3rd term); former five-term county councilwoman; environmentalist; from West River.
• C. Richard D'Amato, former one-term delegate.

Republicans

• Nancy Almgren, 2002 Republican nominee; former school board candidate; retired stockbroker; from Broadneck.
• Ron Elfenbein, first time candidate; tort reform advocate; physician; from Annapolis.
• Ron George, first time candidate; Republican supporter; jeweler; from Annapolis.
• Nora Keenan, 2002 candidate for the state Senate; Member of the Republican Central Committee; state employee; Wheel for Fortune contenstant; from Annapolis.
• Herb McMillan, incumbent (1st term); former Annapolis city alderman; 2001 Republican nominee for Mayor of Annapolis; Airline Pilot; from Annapolis.

Potential Candidates

Democrats

• Josh Cohen, Annapolis city Alderman; State Parole and Probation Agent; from Annapolis.
• Ellen Moyer, Mayor of Annapolis; ex-wife of former Mayor of Annapolis, Pip Moyer.

Republicans

• Mike Collins, 2002 Republican nominee; elected Member of the Republican Central Committee; state employee; from Annapolis.
• Laurie Sears, first time candidate; small business owner of a massage center; from Annapolis.
• Brandon Wright, first time candidate; former staffer for Congressman Wayne Gilchrest; from Annapolis.

External links

• Alderman Joshua J. Cohen
• joshcohen.org
• Vote Ron George
• Nora Keenan's site
• Nora Keenan on "Wheel of Fortune"

District 31

This will be a competitive race in 2006 with one seat open and prominent names on the ballet. Delegate John Leopold is not seeking re-election to his seat in order to run for Anne Arundel County Executive. Delegate Don Dwyer has been both controversial and become a well-known first term candidate. Although Dwyer campaigned for the Constitution Party nominee in the Presidential race, it was inconsequential and his conservative credentials are unquestioned. Whether running on a ticket with Dwyer, as Pat Corcoran aims to do, helps or hurts a campaign in the general election is yet to be seen.

Declared Candidates

Democrats

• Joan Cadden, incumbent (4th term); beautician; from Brooklyn Park
• George Law, 2002 Green Party candidate for County Council, from Glen Burnie
• Craig A. Reynolds, first time candidate, from Severna Park

Republicans

• James Braswell first time candidate, recent Washington & Lee Law School graduate, current Maryland Judiciary Employee, from Pasadena
• Pat Corcoran, first time candidate; Ehrlich campaigner; motorcycle rights activist; from Glen Burnie
• Don Dwyer, incumbent (1st term); Constitutional Constitutional educator; from Glen Burnie
• Nic Kipke, first time candidate; Associate for a manufacturer agency; from Pasadena
• Steven Schuh, first time candidate; businessman; from Gibson Island
• Charles "Chuck" Wille, first time candidate; Ehrlich campaigner; Dept of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency, DESC-F Executive Officer; NCO in Air Force Reserve; form Pasadena

Potential Candidates

Democrats

• Ned Carey, Member of the County School Board, State Aviation Administration Employee, from Brooklyn Park.
• Thomas Fleckenstein, perennial candidate; attorney; from [[Severna Park, Maryland|Severna Park].
• Mary Rosso, former Delegate; environmentalist; from Pasadena.

Republicans

• Tom Gardner, 2002 candidate; retired Army Reserve helicoptor pilot; state employee; from Glen Burnie.
• Victor Henderson, first time candidate; college student; Republican activist; from Glen Burnie.
• Michael Littleton, former candidate for Congress (2nd Dist); factory worker; from Pasadena.
• Erik Robey, Vice Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party; Assistant to Anne Arundel Council Chairman Ronald C. Dillon from Pasadena, Maryland

Independent

• David K. Kyle, 2002 Republican nominee for the state Senate; UAW official; from Pasadena.

External links

• Charles "Chuck" Wille for Delegate in 2006
• Delegate Joan Cadden
• Pat Corcoran for House of Delegates
• Don Dwyer for Delegate
• Delegate Don Dwyer
• Victor Henderson for Maryland
• Nic Kipke for Delegate
• David Kyle's Founders Intent site
• steveschuh.com

District 32

Maryland Democrats are looking to make a clean sweep in this race. Democrats are looking to pick up the third seat vacated by Jim Rzepkowski in 2003. Yet this seat has remained in Republican control for a decade. Terry Gilleland will be given a tough run to maintain the seat to which he was appointed to fill the vacancy, but is likely to do so as a credible successor to Rzepkowski.

Declared Candidates

Democrats

• Mary Ann Love, incumbent (4th term); former public administrator, from Glen Burnie
• Theodore J. Sophocleus , incumbent (2nd term); two-term former county councilman; two time former Democratic nominee for County Executive; former Pharmacist; Administrative Officer for State's Attorney office; from Glen Burnie.

Republicans

• Terry Gilleland, incumbent (1st term); former 2002 candidate for State Senate, former student member of the Anne Arundel County Board of Education, educational consultant, from Glen Burnie

Potential Candidates

Democrats

• Pamela G. Beidle, two-term county councilwoman and insurance agent, from Linthicum.

Republicans

• Dan Bowen, first time candidate; member of the Anne Arundel County Republican Central Committee and college student, from Glen Burnie
• Mike Burns, former delegate; former Republican nominee for State' Attorney; from Millersville
• Mark Soo Chang, first time candidate; member of the Anne Arundel County Republican Central Committee, from Glen Burnie
• C. Edward Middlebrooks, County Councilman, former Democratic state Senator; criminal defense attorney, from Severn
• John Pilkins, 2002 candidate; small business owner, formerly of a popular bagel shop; from Severn.
• Ken Shepherd, first time candidate; former Prince George's County Republican Central Committee member, from Jessup.
• David Starr, 2002 candidate; son of Gerald Starr; and air conditioning technician; from Glen Burnie
• Gerald P. Starr, perennial candidate, 1968 American Party candidate for US Senate, member of the Republican Central Committee, and father of David Starr, from Glen Burnie

External links

• Pamela G. Beidle
• Terry Gilleland for Delegate
• Ed Middlebrooks

District 33

Subdistrict 33A

This subdistrict has two Delegates spots. It is one of the most Republican districts in Maryland. This race will be decided in the Primary as it was in 2002. As it currently stands, Kline has targeted Boschert for defeat, but McConkey, with less name recognition, is more likely to be impacted. While it is possible for a better known candidate with a good reputation among Republicans and in the community to win a seat in this district, it will difficult for challenger Kline, a first time candidate with mixed name recognition. One seat could open and make this race competitive if Delegate Boschert decides to commit to running for the open Congressional seat in the 3rd District, a feat he attempted in the 2004 election year before being forced out by the Republican Party and Bob Duckworth. This time, he would need to give up his safe seat, but may get party support. If Boschert gives up the seat, the field would be wide open, and may include Councilman Ed Reilly or other existing office-holders or former candidates.

Declared Candidates

Republicans

• David Boschert, incumbent (2nd term); former three-term Democratic county councilman, retired Marine, and instructor, from Millersville.
• Gregory Kline, first time candidate; attorney and counsel to the Anne Arundel County Republican Central Committee; from Severna Park.
• Tony McConkey, incumbent (1st term); real estate agent, from Severna Park

Democrats

• no candidates at this time

Potential Candidates

Republicans

• Carrie Geldart, first time candidate; former campagn manager of the 2004 Congressional campaign of Bob Duckworth, former campaign manager for Dirk Haire, Political consultant, from Severna Park

Democrats

• no candidates at this time

External links

• Dave Boschert
• Gregory Kline for Delegate
• Kline for Delegate Blog
• carriegeldart.com

Subdistrict 33B

Delegate Bob Costa won a tough primary in this race in 2002, and then defeated a Democrat from a prominent local family. Costa could still have a rocky road in 2006 depending on who challenges the incumbent for this seat.

Declared Candidates

Republicans

• Bob Costa, incumbent (1st term); former Chairman of the County Republican Central Committee, and fireman, from Shady Side

Democrats

• no candidates at this time

Potential Candidates

Republicans

• no candidates at this time

Democrats

• no candidates at this time

External links

• Costa for Delegate

District 34A

This Harford County district leans Democratic.

Declared Candidates

Democrats

• Mary-Dulany James, incumbent (x term); attorney; grand-daughter of Senator James of the James Senate Office Building.

• B. Daniel Riley, former State Delegate, 2002 candidate, school teacher.

• Mohamed Mughal, Chemical Engineer, member of Maryland National Guard.

Republicans

• Sheryl L. Davis-Kohl, appointed to serve the remainder of St. Del. Boutin's term. 1998 and 2002 candidate.

District 34B

This Cecil County district leans Democrat.

District 35A

This Harford County district is very Republican.

District 35B

This Harford County district leans Republican.

Declared Candidates

Republicans

• Susan K. McComas, incumbent (x term).

Potential Candidates

Democrats

• David E. Carey, 2002 Democratic nominee; former Mayor; attorney.

District 37B

This multi-county district is extremely Republican.

Declared Candidates

Republicans

• Adelaide "Addie" Eckardt, incumbent (1st term).

District 42

This Baltimore County district includes Pikesville, Towson, Lutherville and Cockeysville and is fairly balanced. This district could become competitive at all levels. The first term Republican incumbents ran before as an effective team and are expected to again. They have done extensive fundraising with the assistance of Governor Bob Ehrlich and will be well prepared for any challenge. A interesting challenge has arisen with the announced candidacy of Tracy Miller. Miller, the mother of Nicholas Ziolkowski, a U.S. soldier killed in Fallujah, Iraq, last November, is running because "I want to live my life the way I think Nick would have wanted me to," she said. "He believed he was making a difference, and I believe I can make a difference for the 42nd District residents."

Declared Candidates

Democrats

• Tracy Miller, first-time candidate; mother of slain soldier; Towson resident.

Republicans

• Susan L. M. Aumann, incumbent (1st term); .
• William J. Frank, incumbent (1st term); .
• John G. Trueschler, incumbent (1st term); .

Maryland State Senate

District 1

Four-term incumbent Senator John J. Hafer announced his retirement on May 4, 2005. This seat will stay in Republican hands, with House Minoirty Leader George C. Edwards the overwhelming favorite.

Declared Candidates

Republicans

George C. Edwards, incumbent (6th term); House Minority Leader, former Garrett County Commissioner, from Grantsville

Democrats

no candidates at this time

Potential Candidates

Republicans

no candidates at this time

Democrats

Kevin Kelly, incumbent (3rd term); attorney, from Cumberland

District 11

Incumbent Senator Paula Hollinger will be announcing her candidacy for Congress on July 13th. This seat in a suburban district with a large Jewish community should remain Democratic. Delegate Bobby Zirkin announced his run for the State Senate and is likely to be the front runner. It remains to be seen whether Hollinger supports Zirkin's candidacy because they have had public bitter feuds in the past.

Declared Candidates

Republicans

no candidates at this time

Democrats

• Bobby A. Zirkin, incumbent (2nd term); partner in the law firm of Giannetti/Zirkin, LLC; height impaired.

Potential Candidates

Republicans

no candidates at this time

Democrats

• Delegate Bobby Zirkin plans to announce his run for the Senate soon after Hollinger's announcement, and will be endorsed by his fellow delegates, Dan Morhaim and Jon Cardin.

District 21

This legislative district is highly Democratic and thus this seat will remain in Democratic hands. The Primary, however, is expected to be highly competitive as it was in 2002. This district's Democratic delegates are likely to join with the extreme liberal faction of the Maryland Democratic party to target Senator John Giannetti for defeat. Giannetti is known for being independent and moderate and this has not endeared him to some in his party. In addition, Giannetti is young, brash, strong-willed and often cooperates with the republican administration. It will be difficult to defeat him, however, as he is well known, a hard worker and expected to run a formidable campaign, as he has already opened a campaign headquarters.

Declared Candidates

Republicans

no candidates at this time

Democrats

• John Giannetti, incumbent (1st term); former one term Delegate; attorney.

Potential Candidates

Republicans

no candidates at this time

District 30

State Senator John Astle is sure to get a competative challenger in this district despite the Republican focus on this district's House of Delegates race.

Declared Candidates

Democrats

• John Astle, incumbent (3rd term); three-term former Delegate, and helicoptor pilot, from Annapolis.

Republicans

no candidates at this time

Potential Candidates

Democrats

no candidates at this time

Republicans

• Herb McMillan, incumbent (1st term); former Annapolis city alderman, 2001 Republican nominee for mayor of Annapolis, and Airline Pilot, from Annapolis.
• Nora Keenan, 2002 Candidate, member of the Republican Central Committee, and state employee, from Annapolis.
• Andy Smarick, 2002 Republican nominee, Executive Director of the Charter School Leadership Council, and former staffer for Congressman Wayne Gilchrest, from Annapolis.

External Links

• Nora Keenan's site
• Nora Keenan on "Wheel of Fortune"
• Smarick Bio

District 31

This Maryland State Senate race could be one of the most competative districts in Maryland. Republicans have targeted Phil Jimeno for defeat in 2006, though no serious challenger has stepped forward as of yet.

Declared Candidates

Democrats

• Philip C. Jimeno, incumbent (5th term); two-term former Delegate, and insurance agent from Brooklyn Park

Republicans

• Mike Jacobs, first time candidate; from Pasadena
• Bryan Simonaire, first time candidate; computer software engineer, from Pasadena

Potential Candidates

Democrats

no candidates at this time

Republicans

no candidates at this time

External Links

• Simonaire for Senate

District 32

This Maryland State Senate race could become competitive, if the Republicans had a viable candidate. Republicans would like to target State Senator Ed DeGrange for defeat in 2006, though no challenger has stepped forward as of yet.

Declared Candidates

Democrats

• James E. DeGrange, Sr., incumbent (2nd term); one-term former County Councilman, from Linthicum

Republicans

no candidates at this time

Potential Candidates

Democrats

no candidates at this time

Republicans

• Jim Rzepkowski, Assistance Secretary of Economic Development, and former two-term Delegate, from Glen Burnie, Maryland

District 33

This race is located in one of the most Republican districts in Maryland. State Senator Janet Greenip defeated incumbent Democratic Senator and former Republican Robert R. Neall. Greenip could however, be challenged by current Delegate David G. Boschert or County Councilwoman Cathy Vitale in the Republican primary. Given Greenip's conservative credentials and success in defeating Neall, challengers are unlikely to be successful.

Declared Candidates

Republicans

• Janet Greenip, incumbent (1st term); former two-term former Delegate, from Crofton

Democrats

• no candidates at this time

Potential Candidates

Republicans

• David G. Boschert, two-term delegate, former three-term Democratic county councilman, retired Marine, and college instructor, from Millersville
• Cathy Vitale, two-term County Councilwoman and attorney, from Severna Park

Democrats

• no candidates at this time

External Links

• David Boschert
• Senator Janet Greenip
• Cathy Vitale

District 42

This district, which includes Towson, Lutherville and Timonium, leans Republican. This may be the most competitive race in Maryland. First-term Democrat James Brochin is isolated as he has managed to do the impossible, angering his fellow Democrats while failing to make any friends across the isle. He is known for hard campaigning, hand shaking, and committing his own money, but it may not be enough as he faces Dilip Paliath who has Governor Ehrlich's support.

Declared Candidates

Democrats

• James Brochin, incumbent (1st term); .

Republicans

• Dilip Paliath, 2002 candidate for Dist. 7 Delegate; Chief Counsel to the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention; former lobbyist for Governor Ehrlich.

Potential Candidates

Democrats

no candidates at this time