The housing market is tough, but how's the job market? Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith Jr. is about to find out.

Sun Talker Laura Vozzella writes today that the term-limited Democratic county executive has put his Reisterstown house up for sale and is moving to an apartment in Cockeysville, in Republican state Sen Andy Harris' district.

"I am taking a serious look at the Senate seat in the 7th District," Smith tells Vozzella. Harris is expected to vacate his state seat to run for U.S. Congress against Rep. Frank Kratovil, a Democrat. Maryland law requires that a state Senate candidate live in the district at least six months prior to election, and Smith said he plans to move in November, regardless of whether he's sold his six-bedroom home (listed at $445,000).

Sure to be at Smith's apartment-warming party: Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, who told me in July that he wants to see Smith in his chamber. Baltimore County insiders poo-poohed the idea at the time, saying Smith was destined for a statewide post or judgeship. Now? Maybe not so much.

Update: Editorialist (and former Baltimore County government reporter) Andy Green weighs in.

Second update: Del. J.B. Jennings, a Republican contender for the 7th District Senate seat, accuses Smith of carpetbagging. Baltimore County reporter Mary Gail Hare has the story.

CANDIDATE WATCH 2010 -- As the 2010 election season ramps up, we will be writing about candidates announcing their campaigns, or even just testing the political waters. If you have campaign news, please contact Laura Smitherman or Julie Bykowicz.