Profile of Cardin in WaPo

[AnnieBW]

A Sense of Service Sustained by Family, Faith

By Katherine Shaver
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 25, 2006; Page A01

Almost every Friday, Benjamin L. Cardin gathers with his family -- his wife, daughter, granddaughters, cousins and brother's family -- for dinner celebrating the Jewish Sabbath.

As many as 30 people come. Cardin often bakes the challah or grills the chicken. The group sings, prays and collects money for charity. Then everyone takes turns sharing what made each happiest that week. At one recent Shabbat, the Democrat took a break from campaigning for Maryland's open U.S. Senate seat to join in. He was happy, he told everyone, that Election Day was less than a month away.

During 40 years in public office -- 20 in the General Assembly followed by two decades in Congress -- Cardin has woven his political life into the faith and family that he says sustain him.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/24/AR2006102401482.html