Wargotz will decide on 2012 in fall
Eric Wargotz, the former Queen Anne's County commissioner who ran an unsuccessful campaign for Senate against incumbent Barbara A. Mikulski last year, will decide this fall whether to give a statewide run another shot in 2012, this time against Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin.
Visitors of his campaign website could have easily been left with the impression that the Republican physician was already in the race. The site includes a list of what Wargotz would stand for “as your senator” (he would oppose earmarks, for instance, and fight to repeal the health care law). Last week, the campaign released a video of Wargotz wearing a white lab coat in which he describes himself as “a candidate for U.S. Senate.”
But while he acknowledges being “interested” in running next year -- and also maintaining a volunteer campaign staff -- he said he has not made up his mind. The video, he said, is a re-release from his 2010 campaign. He notes that a summary accompanying the video points out he is “considering a run against [a] career politician.”
“The campaign has stuck together. I meet with the team once in a while. We’re looking at it. We learned a lot in the race in 2010 – we learned by leaps and bounds,” Wargotz said Thursday. “I’m not officially in the race. My name shows up here and there. I go where I'm invited to speak.”
Wargotz is eager, however, to state his opposition to the budget plan put forward by House Republicans this year that would overhaul Medicare and Medicaid. Democrats are using the proposal, which passed the House but failed to advance in the Democratic-controlled Senate, as a political weapon against Republicans.
Wargotz described the plan as a “real mistake,” both politically and in terms of policy.
If he does run, Wargotz would face Daniel Bongino, a former U.S. Secret Service agent from Severna Park, in the GOP primary. If he won the nomination, he’d be up against Cardin, who is considered safe by political observers such as the non-partisan Cook Political Report. Mikulski beat Wargotz 62 percent to 36 percent in 2010.
Comments
Thanks for the info. It's good to know that Mr. Wargotz is giving serious consideration to losing the senate race by 20 points in 2012.
Posted by: Ron | June 23, 2011 2:29 PM
Wish he had a chance. but in this state? c'mon. most voters here don't have enough sense to dare cross party lines. surprised wargotz is getting press honestly.
Posted by: Mike | June 23, 2011 2:47 PM
Campaign Team? What campaign team? I saw Wargotz putting up his own signs. 40 point loss this year!
Posted by: anon | June 23, 2011 8:40 PM
I can't remember when the last time was that a Republican had the opportunity to run in consecutive cycles for federal office and the MdGOP had the good sense to back him. A lot can happen between now and then, especially if African American voters in P.G. and Balt. realize that they are at 16% unemployment under hope and change.
Posted by: andrew | June 24, 2011 12:52 AM
The bottom line is that Dr. Wargotz can win. Will it be easy? No. But Maryland deserves better, smarter representation than we have now. (And representatives that don't give up their vote without any consideration for their state!)
Stop complaining about how a Republican can't win and start talking to your friends about how we need to all work together to make it happen.
Let's do this!
Moshe
Posted by: Moshe Starkman | June 24, 2011 9:00 AM
Before you get too excited, he was a terrible County Commissioner.
Check the facts.
Posted by: dss | June 24, 2011 9:20 AM
Check the facts - of course!
Dr. Eric Wargotz, our former President of the County Commissioners received 64% of the Primary vote in Queen Anne's County in 2010 running for US Senate and 54% of the vote in Queen Anne's County in the General Election. These numbers show tremendous support for Dr. Wargotz in his home county an reflect a public opinion, at least in pat, on his job as commissioner. Dr. Wargotz is well liked, if not loved, in my county of Queen Anne's. Dr. Wargotz was an excellent Commissioner. Dr. Wargotz was not afraid to take on the toughest of issues. Dr. Wargotz is fair-minded, intelligent and compassionate. Dr. Wargotz would be an excellent US Senator and I hope he does run.
Posted by: Diana | June 24, 2011 1:23 PM
Check the facts - of course!
Dr. Eric Wargotz, our former President of the County Commissioners received 64% of the Primary vote in Queen Anne's County in 2010 running for US Senate and 54% of the vote in Queen Anne's County in the General Election. These numbers show tremendous support for Dr. Wargotz in his home county an reflect a public opinion, at least in pat, on his job as commissioner. Dr. Wargotz is well liked, if not loved, in my county of Queen Anne's. Dr. Wargotz was an excellent Commissioner. Dr. Wargotz was not afraid to take on the toughest of issues. Dr. Wargotz is fair-minded, intelligent and compassionate. Dr. Wargotz would be an excellent US Senator and I hope he does run.
Posted by: Diana | June 24, 2011 1:24 PM
Sorry for the spelling errors in my earlier post. Hopefully the blog owner will correct them. I am having trouble with the computer.
Posted by: Diana | June 24, 2011 1:27 PM
Eric Wargotz should get in the U.S. Senate race. It would be interesting to see what happens when an intelligent politician seeks that office in Maryland for 2 consecutive cycles. If you review the history of republican challengers to the current incumbents, Dr. Wargotz would be the first to do so. Dr. Wargotz is an excellent candidate and could have a reasonable chance of success if the Nation AND Maryland would wake up and realize there is hope for Maryland's future. Go ahead, Eric, throw your hat in. It just could happen for you, for us in Maryland and the Nation - in 2012!
Posted by: Andrew | June 24, 2011 1:52 PM
I grew up with Eric (Dr. Wargotz) and let me tell you that you will not find a harder working, more caring and intelligent person in the political arena than he. I am so proud to call him friend after all these years. Dr. Wargotz, no doubt, would be one of the best things to happen in and to Maryland (and this country) in quite some time. I will reconnect and personally encourage him to run! You might consider doing the same.
Posted by: Steve G | June 25, 2011 4:50 PM