O'Donnell eyeing a run for the 5th CD
Maryland House Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell told GOP delegates Saturday that he’s “considering” a challenge to U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 House Democrat. The news was met with cheers by state Republicans gathered in at an Annapolis hotel for the party’s annual convention.
O’Donnell said that he’ll make his final decision within “weeks” and plans to continue his in his role of House Minority Leader if he decides to run. He said he started eyeing the race last week after Charles Lollar, who challenged Hoyer last year, announced he would not run again. Lollar lost in 2010 by 30 points.
O’Donnell said that he’ll make his final decision within “weeks” and plans to continue his in his role of House Minority Leader if he decides to run. He said he started eyeing the race last week after Charles Lollar, who challenged Hoyer last year, announced he would not run again. Lollar lost in 2010 by 30 points.
Hoyer represents Maryland’s fifth congressional district, which includes southern Maryland. The district was largely unchanged in October when maps were redrawn and remains heavily Democratic. But O’Donnell thinks the poor economy mixed with voter anger will allow him an opening.
“This is a very volatile environment,” said O’Donnell.
Also, he noted that the 2012 ballot will likely include issues that would energize the state’s conservatives. Voters are set to weigh in on a controversial state law allowing tuition breaks for illegal immigrants at Maryland universities and colleges. And if the General Assembly legalizes same-sex marriage next year, that issue will also likely be on the ballot.
“This is a very volatile environment,” said O’Donnell.
Also, he noted that the 2012 ballot will likely include issues that would energize the state’s conservatives. Voters are set to weigh in on a controversial state law allowing tuition breaks for illegal immigrants at Maryland universities and colleges. And if the General Assembly legalizes same-sex marriage next year, that issue will also likely be on the ballot.
