Sun: Cardin to Announce He's In.

[LocalDem]

From the Sun website today:

Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin plans to announce Tuesday that he is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Maryland's Paul S. Sarbanes, several sources said Wednesday.

Cardin, 61, a 10-term congressman and former speaker of the House of Delegates, has shied away from runs for higher office before. But the Baltimore-area Democrat has told party leaders of his intention to make a bid to succeed Sarbanes, who announced last month that he will not seek re-election next year. Cardin has e-mailed and telephoned hundreds of supporters and beefed up his campaign staff in preparation for the run, top Democrats said.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-cardin0420,1,7193032.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

[madinmaryland]

1. Thanks for the info! n/t

[OnBackground]

2. Steele

Did you also miss this Blair Lee piece on why Lt. Gov. Michael Steele will <a href="http://www.gazette.net/200512/weekend/issues_ideas/266878-1.html">run</a> for (and have a good shot at) the Senate seat?

In short, his argument is that the national Rs need another seat, he is MD R's only shot, it helps Ehrlich, and this is a better chance for him than waiting years for a longshot gubernatorial bid.

[nickshepDEM]

3. Pretty good article. Im actually getting a little worried.

2006 is going to be BRUTAL.

[DaveinMD]

4. Lee

is a Republican hack. Don't pay attention to what he says.

[nickshepDEM]

5. Hey! Just the man I was looking for.

I received an e-mail from the Duncan camp today. Apparently he has hired a campaign manager. Word has it, he's good, real good. Do you know anything about this guy?

From the e-mail:

Scott Arceneaux, a veteran Democratic political consultant, will be joining our team next month as campaign manager. Scott is a hard-charger with the experience, expertise and know how to win elections. In fact, President Bill Clinton's top strategist, James Carville, has called Scott the "most effective political consultant today ...." Below is the news release we will be issuing later today about thisimportant addition to our team. Thanks again for all of your support, and please join me in welcoming Scott on board. Doug

[DaveinMD]

6. I've heard of him

but I've never worked with him. Duncan is going to run a good campaign. O'Malley is the favorite, but if he messes up Duncan could give him a very tough race.

Greetings from Colorado. Coming home tomorrow.