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Election Day Preview:
Races Affecting Anne Arundel County
by Mark Croatti

(Illustrated by J. Kong)

Soon it will be time to vote in the 2006 midterm elections, which promise to be fascinating referenda on many hot-button issues throughout the greater Annapolis-Baltimore-Washington region. U.S. senatorial and congressional races are becoming a litmus test on the American occupation of Iraq, while local contests are focusing on problems with public schools and the spiraling cost of energy. There could be a few surprises on Election Day. At the Statehouse, the incumbent Democrats that control the legislature are looking at a double-edged sword-a national anti-Republican sentiment over Iraq is offset by an equally rising tide of anti-incumbency. "Nine incumbent Democratic legislators lost their primaries or finished behind a challenger," reminds Maryland Republican Party Communications Director Audra Miller. Only one thing is certain-that nothing is guaranteed. So sit back and look over the following guide to November 7 as What's Up? Annapolis presents the candidates for public offices in Anne Arundel County.

Quick links to coverage of races affecting Anne Arundel County

National Elections
United States Senate

Cardin

Steele

Zeese

Young

Democrat: Benjamin Cardin

Republican: Michael Steele

Green-write in: Kevin Zeese

Democrat-write in: Lih Young

Summary:
This is one of 2006's most interesting races because it has all the dynamics of political intrigue: national implications, race (Cardin is Jewish, Steele is African American), and controversy. Cardin, a 10-term congressman who also served in the House of Delegates for 20 years, the last six as speaker, has a long record of activism with ethics issues. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Steele has been dogged by ethics accusations such as accepting campaign contributions from board members of non-profit organizations who had received grants from his office and acting as an attorney for his sister, Monica Turmer, when she divorced former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, even though he was not licensed to practice law in Maryland. While Cardin has stressed his opposition to the war in Iraq, Steele has promised to "talk about what's wrong with both parties."

Dr. Tyson King-Meadows, Assistant Professor of African-American politics and Electoral Behavior at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) says "by reaching out to minority voters, disgruntled Democrats, Independents, and Republicans, Steele is trying to present himself as a person who will 'shake things up.' If [this voter segment] believes Steele will rubberstamp Bush's policies, he will have a difficult time in November." However, other variables could fall Steele's way. King-Meadows adds, "Some Mfume supporters may vote for Steele or not at all. We'll have to see how Cardin and Mfume campaign together." Mfume, whose campaign ran counter the party line, is now in the difficult position of having to campaign for the party's nominee. He has lent his public support to Cardin, but has expressed concern the lack of women and minority Democrats running for higher offices in Maryland. Despite this public endorsement from his former opponent, Cardin may not able to generate enough enthusiasm from Mfume supporters to keep the coalition together, resulting in a voter backlash.

To head off a hostile response, Cardin has brought in heavy-hitters for support, such as exiting incumbent Sen. Paul Sarbanes and Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois. It is uncertain, however, if enough voters will be energized by such political guest appearances. One thing is certain; the outcome of this race rests heavily on who can win the substantial black voter base in Maryland.

Since graduating from George Washington University Law School in 1980, Zeese has worked in Washington, D.C. Zeese is running a "Unity for Change Campaign." He is currently the director of the national anti-war group DemocracyRising.US, an organization working to rapidly and responsibly end the Iraq War and occupation. He was a founding member of the Montgomery County Coalition for Alternatives to War in Maryland, and a co-founder of VotersForPeace.US an organization working to build a bloc of voters who will not support pro-war candidates. In Maryland, Zeese has been working for transparent elections as a co-founder of TrueVoteMD.org. He also serves as President of Common Sense for Drug Policy. Zeese has worked on local, state and national political campaigns including serving as Ralph Nader's Press Secretary and spokesperson in 2004.

Lih Young has been a candidate for public offices since 1994. She believes in restoring the concepts of principles, fairness, function, and justice. Young intends to prosecute and eliminate social ills. Promoting democracy, a fair election process, and governance through people input are other qualities she seeks to instill. She was the producer of the following television programs: "Twilight of Judiciaries (I, II, III)", "Federal Shambles (1, 2)", etc. She has a Ph.D. MA in economics, City University of New York and has been a resident of Potomac since 1979.

United States Congress (District 1)

Gilchrest

Corwin

Democrat: Jim Corwin

Republican: Wayne Gilchrest

Summary:
Since his first congressional term in 1991, incumbent Gilchrest has been a strong voice for fiscal responsibility and environmental protection. He serves as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans and oversees the management of the nation's fisheries. He is dedicated to protecting and preserving the delicate environment of the Chesapeake Bay region, while enhancing and encouraging economic development within the 1st District of Maryland. Corwin is a family physician from Severna Park and medical director of two Baltimore community health centers. Recently he was named Clinical Director of the Year by the Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers, and nominated for Maryland Family Physician of the Year. Issues he consider important include: new health care currency, energy independence, retirement security, and many more.

United States Congress (District 2)

Ruppersberger

Mathis

Democrat: Dutch Ruppersberger

Republican: Jimmy Mathis

Summary:
Incumbent Ruppersberger is serving his second term in office. He serves on the Government Reform Committee, the investigative arm of Congress, where he works to prevent government fraud and waste and to craft reforms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government programs. A 1994 graduate of Towson Catholic, Mathis then went into the field of broadcasting by WBAL-TV-the NBC affiliate in Baltimore,MD, and later by WTTG-TV-FOX 5 in Washington D.C.-where he covered news stories at The White House and The United States Congress. Top on his agenda is border security.

United States Congress (District 3)

Sarbanes

White

McPeek

Democrat: John Sarbanes

Republican: John White

Libertarian Charles Curtis McPeek, Sr.

Summary:
Annapolis-based businessman John White is running on an "individual safety" platform against Baltimore native and lawyer John Sarbanes, son of the retiring U.S. Senator. White says, "My absolute focus will be on security, and my issues, such as opposing all illegal immigration, fall under that. Our local crime rate is out of control." Fighting crime and representing the people is something the younger Sarbanes, a long-time community advocate, can relate to, although he is perhaps best known for having worked for seven years as a special assistant to the State Superintendent of Schools. Charles McPeek, Sr. believes that the government should be returned to the people. He is running as a tax reform candidate to bring his vision of government by the people and for the people to reality. He also advocates significant tax reform that will help ordinary people.

United States Congress (District 5)

Hoyer

Warner

Democrat: Steny Hoyer

Republican: Stever Warner

Constitutional-write in Peter Kuhnert

Summary:
Incumbent Hoyer is now serving his second term as the House Democratic Whip, the second-ranking position among House Democrats. Former Navy Sea Bee, general contractor, and current business and family man Warner. This is his first run for election in this district. Previous political experience includes serving as Chair, Prince George's County Reform Party, 2000-2001 and Vice Chair, Reform Party of Maryland, 2000-2001.

State Elections
Governor / Lt. Governor

O'Malley

Brown

Ehrlich

Cox

Boyd and Madigan

Democrat: Martin O'Malley / Anthony Brown

Republican: Robert Ehrlich / Kristen Cox

Green: Ed Boyd / James Joseph Madigan

Populist Christpher Driscoll / Ed Rothstein

Summary:
Incumbent Robert Ehrlich is defending the Governor's Mansion against fast-charging Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley. Ehrlich's proposal to build slot machines at racetracks and in minority communities was annually thwarted by the Democratic-controlled legislature, despite the need for increased revenue. Instead, the governor successfully avoided raising taxes, preferring to raise fees for various services and licenses across the state. The result: a "$1.8 billion surplus," according to Maryland GOP Communications Director Audra Miller, for a state facing the unenviable task of needing to spend twice that amount in the next nine years on new school construction. Rather than propose specific sources for increased revenue, O'Malley, a slots supporter, promises to fully fund the state's educational needs.

"O'Malley has to have an affirmative vision as his message," according to Dr. Thomas Schaller, Associate Professor of American Government at UMBC. "And since the mood of this election cycle is more favorable for the Democrats-Ehrlich is running between four and eight points behind where he was in 2002-Ehrlich needs to use a negative critique, such as 'Do you want the state to look like the city of Baltimore?'" That same question can also work for the mayor, Schaller points out. "O'Malley can also say, 'Look what I've done for the city; imagine what I can do for the state.' So Ehrlich, who is very personally popular, although his support for re-election is low, can ask voters, 'Is the alternative better?' This is similar to what Bush did with John Kerry. While there are two things breaking against him, a stronger opponent than in 2002 and an anti-Republican headwind, Ehrlich is a very skilled politician."

Ed Boyd enrolled in the United States Navy soon after his high school graduation and served during the U.S./Israeli invasion of Lebanon. After being discharged from the military, Ed soon became involved with the Community for Creative Non-Violence (CCNV), a homeless advocacy organization. Ed also lived in Vermont before moving to Baltimore, where he resides today, working as a recruiter for a temp employment agency. James Madigan, the son of a Bethlehem Steelworker and a Baltimore County school bus driver, is a lieutenant for the Maryland Department of Corrections. He is a labor and prison rights activist. Both believe in re-installing BGE rate caps, equity of school funding, among other hot topics.

Driscoll has been politically active since 1996, when he served as a delegate to the founding convention of the Labor Party. Since 2003, he has served as Recording Secretary and member of the Board of Directors of Campaign for Fresh Air and Clean Politics (CFACP). CFACP is the parent non-profit corporation for TrueVoteMD.org. He believes in tax relief for working families, universal health care, and an "ownership society" that promotes the ownership and retention of small businesses.

Comptroller

Franchot

McCarthy

Auerbach

Democrat: Peter Franchot

Republican: Anne McCarthy

Green: Bob Auerbach

Summary:
Five-term Delegate Peter Franchot is running against Anne McCarthy, dean of the Merrick School of Business at the University of Baltimore. After narrowly edging out Anne Arundel County Executive Janet Owens and incumbent Comptroller William Donald Schaefer in the Democratic primary, Franchot intends to continue to fight the creation of slot machine parlors. McCarthy, an author of several books on management and business ethics, vows to reform tax laws in order to protect family budgets and stimulate small-and medium business growth and development. Bob Auerbach was born New York City in 1919. He earned his B.A. from NYU in 1948 and his M.A. from Peabody in 1956. Bob has lived over forty years in Maryland. He is a grandfather and is active in many organizations promoting peace, social justice, racial harmony, the environment, and pro-democracy reforms.

Attorney General

Gansler

Rolle

Democrat: Douglas Gansler

Republican: Scott Rolle

Summary:
Anyone familiar with three of the region's most notorious crimes-Samuel Sheinbein killing a friend in Silver Spring and then fleeing to Israel, Georgian diplomat Gueorgui Makharadze killing a 16-year-old Kensington girl while driving drunk, and the reign of terror of convicted snipers John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo-will recognize former federal prosecutor Douglas Gansler, the two-term Montgomery County State's Attorney who worked on all three nationally and internationally known cases. His opponent is three-term Frederick County State's Attorney Scott Rolle, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2004. Like Gansler, Rolle has spent his career putting criminals behind bars.

Legislative District 21
State Senate

Rosapepe

Giannetti

Democrat: Jim Rosapepe

Republican: John Giannetti

Summary:
Three-term former Maryland delegate and former U.S. Ambassador to Romania, Jim Rosapepe faces John Giannetti, his opponent in the Democratic primary last September. Giannetti was invited to run on the Republican ticket after primary winner John Stafford backed out of the race. Maryland law generally prohibits a candidate who lost in the primary to run in the general election; but an exception is made when a party's candidate withdraws. This uncommon situation allows Giannetti to run under the GOP label. Whether the incumbent Senator can drum up enough support in this heavily democratic district to win the general election remains to be seen.

Delegate - 21

Frush

Barnes

Sood

Democrat: Barbara Frush, Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Ben Barnes

Republican: Neil Sood

Summary:
Three-term Delegate Barbara Frush, two term College Park City Councilwoman Joseline Pena-Melnyk, and Ben Barnes, a former Deputy Legislative Director for Senate President Mike Miller, will run against Neil Sood of Laurel for three seats, including one being vacated by Pauline Menes, who is retiring.

Legislative District 30
State Senate

Astle

McMillan

Democrat: John Astle

Republican: Herb McMillan

Summary:
Three-term Senator John Astle squares off against freshman Delegate Herb McMillan. Astle, a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps and a Vietnam veteran, was named State Legislator of the Year by Safari Club International. McMillan served in the U.S. Navy after graduating from the Naval Academy and was an Annapolis City Councilman from 1997 to 2001. For McMillan, "the botched deregulation of BG&E, higher taxes on working families, and benefits for illegal immigrants show how dysfunctional our State Senate has become. Working families don't need someone to compromise their interests; they need someone to look out for them." For Astle, "the legislative process only works when we are willing to cooperate with each other and compromise to find solutions."

Delegate - 30

Busch

Clagett

Samorajczyk

Smarick

Elfenbein

George

Whitney

Democrat: Michael Busch, Virginia Clagett, Barbara Samorajczyk

Republican: Andy Smarick, Ron Elfenbein, Ron George

Constitution: David Whitney

Summary:
This district is perhaps under the brightest spotlight of all. Five-term incumbent Delegate Michael Busch, who has been Speaker of the House since 2003, three-term incumbent Delegate Virginia Clagett, a former Anne Arundel County Councilwoman for 20 years, and two-term Arundel County Councilwoman Barbara Samorajczyk will run with Senator Astle on the Democratic ticket. According to Speaker Busch's campaign, they "all have deep roots within the community and have experience making government work for its citizens. They will continue to support initiatives such as the quality of public school education, a healthy environment, public safety, and accessible and affordable health care."

The Republican Delegate candidates will campaign as a unit with Herb McMillan. Andy Smarick, a former Senior Legislative Assistant for Congressman Wayne Gilchrest, is running on a platform of lower taxes and government spending. Ron Elfenbein, a physician who served in the Air Force, and Ron George of Annapolis also advocate fewer taxes, publicly signing a "Taxpayer Protection Pledge." "Our candidates will continue to inform the voters about how out-of-touch Speaker Busch and Delegate Claggett are with the people of the district, such as drafting tax hike legislation that hurts families, rather than working on solutions for the people they serve," Audra Miller says.

If Busch is not re-elected, Majority Leader Kumar Barve (D) of District 17 in Montgomery County could take his place as speaker; that is, if the Democrats maintain their majority. But if the Republicans gain control of the House of Delegates, the next speaker could be current Minority Whip Anthony O'Donnell (R) of District 29C in Calvert and St. Mary's counties.

David Whitney's platform is pro-marriage (between man and woman), pro-life, and pro-consitution.

Legislative District 31
State Senate

Shandrowsky

Simonaire

Democrat: Walter Shandrowsky

Republican: Bryan Simonaire

Summary:
Former delegate Walter Shandrowsky, a Vietnam veteran who lost this race in 1982 after a term in the House, battles Bryan Simonaire of Pasadena for the seat vacated by Philip Jimeno, who is retiring.

Delegate - 31

Cadden

Fleckenstein

Reynolds

Dwyer

Kipke

Schuh

Democrat: Joan Cadden, Thomas Fleckenstein, Craig Reynolds

Republican: Don Dwyer, Nicholaus Kipke, Steve Schuh

Unafiliated-petition: Robert Eckert

Summary:
Four-term incumbent Delegate Joan Cadden, Pasadena attorney Thomas Fleckenstein, who has run in each election since 1998, and Craig Reynolds, a retired teacher, face freshman Delegate Don Dwyer, longtime community activist Nicholaus Kipke, and Pasadena businessman Steve Schuh for three seats, including one being vacated by the Republican nominee for County Executive, John Leopold. Robert Eckert is from Brooklyn Park.

Legislative District 32
State Senate

DeGrange

Vandenheuvel

Democrat: James DeGrange

Republican: Jon Vandenheuvel

Summary:
First appointed in 1999, Senator James DeGrange has since won three elections and will try for a fourth against businessman Jon Vandenheuvel.

Delegate - 32

Love

Sophocleus

Beidle

Gilleland

Chang

Smith

Democrat: Mary Ann Love, Theodore Sophocleus, Pamela Beidle

Republican: Terry Gilleland, Jr., Mark Chang, Wayne Smith

Summary:
Three-term incumbent Delegate Mary Ann Love, two-term incumbent Delegate Theodore Sophocleus, and Anne Arundel County Councilwoman Pamela Beidle will battle freshman incumbent Delegate Terry Gilleland, Jr., Mark Chang of Glen Burnie, and information technology expert Wayne Smith of Severn.

Legislative District 33
State Senate

Hymes

Greenip

Democrat: Scott Hymes

Republican: Janet Greenip

Summary:
Conservationist Scott Hymes opposes freshman Senator Janet Greenip.

Delegate - 33A

Rudolph

Weathersbee

McConkey

King

Democrat: Paul Rudolph, Patricia Weathersbee

Republican: Tony McConkey, James King

Summary:
Former school board member Paul Rudolph and Patricia Weathersbee, wife of the state's attorney, will face freshman incumbent Delegate Tony McConkey and restaurateur James King for two seats, including one being vacated by David Boschert.

Delegate-33B

Shay

Democrat: Mike Shay

Republican: Robert Costa

Summary:
Businessman Mike Shay goes head to head with freshman incumbent Delegate Robert Costa.

County Elections
County Executive

Johnson

Leopold

Democrat: George Johnson IV

Republican: John Leopold

Summary:
Three-term Delegate John Leopold, who also served in Hawaii's state legislature, squares off against Anne Arundel County Sheriff George Johnson, a former police officer of 22 years. "My strong showing in the primary bodes well for the general election-where my greatest strength has always been," Leopold says. "I have strong crossover support to restructure county government and provide essential services at a reduced cost." Johnson, who is completing his third term as sheriff, promises that he "will provide the best education for our kids and manage growth sensibly, while being mindful of the environment."

County Council District 1

Jones

Lindner

Democrat: Daryl Jones

Republican: John Lindner

Summary:
Criminal defense attorney Daryl Jones will run against lawyer John Lindner for the seat being vacated by Pamela Beidle because of term limits.

County Council District 2

Democrat: NONE

Republican: Ed Middlebrooks

Summary:
Freshman incumbent Councilman Ed Middlebrooks, a former state senator, is running unopposed.

County Council District 3

Democrat: NONE

Republican: Ron Dillon, Jr.

Summary:
Incumbent Councilman Ron Dillon, Jr., is also running unopposed. "In general, these are low attention kids of races," says Dr. Stephen Frantzich, a Political Science Professor at the U.S. Naval Academy. "You don't see any opposition sometimes because it can be too difficult to try to get name recognition in time for an election."

County Council District 4

Benoit

Saab

Democrat: Jamie Benoit, Jr.

Republican: Sid Saab

Summary:
Incumbent Councilman Jamie Benoit, Jr., a lawyer and Army officer, faces Crownsville businessman Sid Saab.

County Council District 5

Baca

Vitale

Democrat: A.J. "Tito" Baca

Republican: Cathleen Vitale

Summary:
Dr. A.J. "Tito" Baca, a college professor, will run against freshman incumbent Cathleen Vitale, a lawyer and community activist.

County Council District 6

Cohen

Swafford

Democrat: Joshua Cohen

Republican: Rene Swafford

Summary:
Annapolis City Councilman Joshua Cohen is running against Annapolis attorney Rene Swafford.

County Council District 7

Lipsetts

Reilly

Tufts

Democrat: Eric Lipsetts

Republican: Edward Reilly

Green: Rob Tufts

Summary:
Attorney Eric Lipsetts will challenge freshman incumbent Councilman Edward Reilly, an insurance agent. Tufts recent political experience includes serving as a co-chair on the Green Party of the U.S.' national Coordinated Campaign Committee.

State's Attorney

Weathersbee

Fischer

Democrat: Frank Weathersbee

Republican: Dave Fischer

Summary:
Four-term incumbent State's Attorney Frank Weathersbee is running against lawyer Dave Fischer of Severna Park

Sheriff

Bateman

Moran

Democrat: Ronald Bateman

Republican: John Moran

Summary:
Ronald Bateman, Chief Deputy of the County Sheriff's Office, will face John Moran, a UMBC security officer who lost the 2002 Sheriff's race to George Johnson.

This guide does not include the following:

Judge of the Circuit Court - Judicial Circuit 5
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Register of Wills
Judge of the Orphans' Court

For more information of these races and those covered, please visit the Maryland State Board of Elections

2002 Anne Arundel County Legislative District Plan (Courtesy of the Maryland Department of Planning)

Mark Croatti teaches American Government at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

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