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The Futures Market: MD

February 6, 2006 11:12 AM | |

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What's the Hotline Futures Market? It's our exclusive look at the up-and-comers in every party in every state. You won't a list like this anywhere else. If you've missed a state, check out our archives.

Another of our bottleneck states, both Dems and GOPers feature strong benches that could lead to intra-party squabbles and bruised egos. Dems feature some strong talent in Baltimore and Montgomery County, while the GOP faces possible contests in Baltimore and Harford Cos. Whomever emerges from the primaries of the future, however, should be strong. The words "prolific fundraiser" were mentioned frequently, and of course the proximity to DC makes these races more competitive, more expensive and better run. [REID WILSON]

The stars we've been watching since '03:

  • Proximo founder Raul Fernandez (R): Despite some exciting buzz a few years ago, Fernandez has dropped off a lot of radar screens. He is said to be "more of a supporter than a candidate" at this point.

  • State Del. Bill Frank (R): Frank runs the State GOP caucus's campaign cmte. He's "well-respected" and may make a run for Min Whip, as a spot in leadership is expected to open next year.

  • State Sen. Alex Mooney (R): Targeted by Dems, Mooney responded by becoming a "very aggressive" fundraiser and winning handily. Some see him as a future candidate for Congress.

  • State Del. Leroy Myers (R): The first term Del beat the incumbent Dem speaker back in '04. He's "made an active push to be a vocal voice," though he may be hindered in moving up thanks to a long-time GOP incumbent State Sen. in his district.

  • Del. Tony O'Donnell (R): The current House Min Whip is expected to be elected Min Leader next year. He's "still rising" through GOP ranks.

  • State Sen. E.J. Pipkin (R): '04 Sen candidate, lost to Mikulski, "one of the more powerful individuals" on the Eastern Shore. "Has some interest" in statewide office. Has self-funding ability.

  • House Speaker Michael Busch (D): 60 years old, "pretty happy where he is." Has made a name for himself holding the line on slot machines. The "more liberal" of the three leaders in MD. "Really surprised people" with his performance as rookie.

  • Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley (D): A slight favorite to win the Dem Gov. primary, O'Malley was named one of Time magazine's 5 best mayors.

  • Montgomery Co. Exec. Doug Duncan (D): Running for Gov. after three terms as Co. Exec. He has yet to select an LG running mate, and handicappers put him as a slight underdog to O'Malley.

  • PG Co. Exec. Jack Johnson (D): Johnson serves in Rep. Al Wynn's (D) district and is said to be the frontrunner for Wynn's seat when he retires.

And the stars to watch in the future:

  • State Del. Chris Shank (R): He's "gained respect for his ability on the floor" and is active in caucus fundraising. Thought to be considering a bid for House Min Whip when the position opens up.

  • State Sen. Andy Harris (R): The Sen Min Whip "has his eyes" on Rep. Wayne Gilchrest's (R) MD 01 seat. Others confirm that "the thought's crossed his mind."

  • State Del. J.B. Jennings (R): A protege of Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R), the 31 year old is said to be considering a bid against Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D) down the line or for State Sen when Harris moves on.

  • Frederick Mayor Jeff Holtzinger (R): Beat a GOP city councillor in the primary, then upset the ex-Mayor in the general in '05 to win his first race. "A real novice, but I think that was his appeal."

  • State Sen. Robert Garagiola (D): The only Dem to knock off an incumbent GOPer in '02, he has designs on Rep. Chris Van Hollen's MD 08 seat and intended to run had Van Hollen jumped into this year's Sen race.

  • State Del. Anthony Brown (D): An Iraqi war vet, the State House Maj Whip and O'Malley's choice for LG, Brown "will want to be" Gov "in the future."

  • Outgoing Montgomery Co. Council Pres. Tom Perez (D): An "almost certain" candidate for AG in '06, assuming incumbent Joe Curran (D) retires. He may face an uphill race against the Montgomery Co DA, and given that the two share a base, a compromise candidate from elsewhere in the state could have a shot at pulling off the upset. But Perez is said to be very ambitious.

  • State Sen. Brian Frosh (D): Chair of the Sen. Jud Cmte, "has considered Congress several times" and would have made the run in MD 08 had Van Hollen run for Sen.

  • State Del. John Bohanen (D): An aide to Rep. Steny Hoyer (D), Bohanen is considered a likely candidate for MD 05 when his boss retires. Bohanen is "very well respected" by both sides.

  • State Del Bobby Zirkin: Running for State Sen in '06, Zirkin is described as young and energetic. He's "probably going to be around for quite a while" and has built up a high profile on a number of issues after just a few terms in the State House.

  • Baltimore Comptroller Joan Pratt (D): Had been mentioned as a possible LG candidate with Duncan, but took herself out of the running. "I've heard incredibly good things about her," and the rumor is that she'll run for mayor of Baltimore after O'Malley leaves.