Ben Cardin is vacating his seat in MD-03 at the end of his term as he is focussed on winning Paul Sarbanes' seat in the US Senate. Ironically, Paul's son, John Sarbanes is vying for Ben's seat in the Congress.
This past quarter's numbers are in and here where the major candidates stand in their fundraising:
John P. Sarbanes, $303,050 this quarter and has $585,465 on hand.
Sen. Paula C. Hollinger, $193,000 this quarter, with $271,000 on hand.
Dr. Peter L. Beilenson $136,690 this quarter, with $291,538 on hand.
Oz Bengur $132,132 this quarter and has $121,259 on hand.
Kevin O'Keeffe, $49,115 this quarter with $166,393 on hand.
On the Republican side, Gary Applebaum $123,825, with $243,842 on hand.
Several Democracy for Howard County and Democracy for Baltimore members have
endorsed Peter Beilensen, the former Baltimore Health Commissioner, however, the groups have not announced their endorsements yet. Beilensen, a doctor, has indicated healthcare is his top priority.
Those of you who have been following the Diebold debacle in Maryland are familiar with Paula Hollinger, who was for getting rid of the Diebold TS machines, until she was against it and allowed her bill in the Senate to die. Hollinger did an about face and became strongly against Opti-Scan, the only viable option for the 2006 elections at that time. On Hollinger's website, she highlights that she is a nurse, listing healthcare, the environment and education as her top issues. Also, she was a key member in the State Senate, who has vacated her seat in D11, which lies north and west of Baltimore City.
Oz Bengur, a businessman, has made the Iraq War his top issue and has a plan for withdrawal listed prominently on his website.
I will note that I do not live in MD-03, nor do I have a favorite. I'm curious to see if voters there will go with the familiar name or seek someone new.
UPDATE: I just realized who was not listed in the story in the Sun: Fighting Dem Mishonda Baldwin. I'm not sure how her fundraising numbers were, but she's someone to keep in mind as well.