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Cardin Announces Senate Bid

By John Wagner
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2005; B03

BALTIMORE, April 26 -- Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) made his 2006 Senate bid official Tuesday, presenting himself as an experienced lawmaker willing to work with Republicans "when it makes a difference for Maryland's families."

"I stand here today because I've gotten real results," Cardin, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives since 1987, said at a midmorning event that drew more than 150 supporters to a pavilion overlooking Baltimore's Inner Harbor. "Experience does count."

With the announcement, which had been telegraphed in recent days, Cardin, 61, became the second major Democrat to voice his intentions to replace the retiring Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes (D-Md.).

Former congressman and NAACP leader Kweisi Mfume of Baltimore announced his candidacy last month. Other Democrats considering the race include Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Montgomery County.

Cardin, a legislator best known for his cerebral style, told the crowd that he has been willing to fight Republicans when they are wrong on issues. He cited "this administration's assault on Social Security," including its push for private accounts.

He also said that effective Democratic lawmakers must work with Republicans when possible. His record includes several such instances, including legislation to overhaul the Internal Revenue Service and to expand savings and retirement plans.

"I've partnered with Republicans throughout my career," Cardin told reporters after the event outside the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

He pledged that as a senator, he would strive to keep Social Security intact, expand access to affordable health care and work to keep jobs from going overseas.

"I'm giving my all to this effort, and I ask that you join me," Cardin said.

With the entrance of a second Baltimore area candidate, Van Hollen's decision has great potential to shape a primary in which race and geography are significant factors.

If Van Hollen runs, the three major candidates probably would carve up the vote in the heavily Democratic Washington suburbs and Baltimore area. That could turn such areas as Western Maryland, the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland into battlegrounds, said Thomas F. Schaller, a political science professor at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

"There could be a real battle in the hinterlands," said Schaller, who is active in Democratic politics and is backing Cardin.

During his remarks, Cardin played up the statewide exposure he gained as speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1979 to 1986. It was a time, he said, when "I traveled to every part of the state, and together we built roads to our mountains, made our beaches cleaner and extended the promise of Maryland's future to every corner of the state."

After his announcement, Cardin had campaign stops scheduled in Frederick and Silver Spring. Aides said he plans to make appearances on the Eastern Shore and in Southern Maryland this week.

Several supporters who appeared at Tuesday's announcement said they were drawn to Cardin in part because they believe he stands the best chance to win a general election against Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele. Steele has said he is giving serious consideration to seeking the Republican nomination but has given no indication of when he will announce his decision.

Maryland House Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County) said she was also impressed that Cardin had courted her support, adding that he was the only candidate that had done so.

"That makes a difference, not being taken for granted," Jones said.

Cardin, born in a Jewish neighborhood of West Baltimore, launched his political career while still a student at the University of Maryland School of Law, winning a seat in the House of Delegates in 1966. He was elected to Congress in 1986 when Barbara A. Mikulski (D) vacated her seat to run for the Senate.

In 1998, Cardin considered challenging then-incumbent Gov. Parris N. Glendening (D), but he backed off after deciding "it would not be healthy for our party," he told reporters Tuesday.

Cardin began his remarks to supporters by introducing his wife, daughter and son-in-law, who stood with him on stage. He then recognized several more family members in the audience before stopping himself.

"We have a large family," Cardin said. "If we get them all out, this is going to be an easy campaign."

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