From the office of State Del. Pat McDonough:
As you may know, I have been testing the waters for a possible campaign against Dutch Ruppersberger for a seat in the 2nd Congressional District. The Second District is a difficult challenge and an uphill fight for a Republican. However, polling results and reaction from the voters during the last 6 months, including a powerful show of support in the annual popular July 4th Dundalk parade indicate my chances are good. Radio and television exposure over many years and support for issues such as opposition to illegal immigration have provided me with high name recognition and voter approval.
Despite these advantages, that district still remains a challenge. Of course, the re-districting and the new district will not be revealed until October. At that time, if the 2nd Congressional District transforms from ‘uphill to impossible,’ my personal decision will become clear. It will not make any sense to ask family, friends, and supporters to engage in a campaign that cannot be won. That will be a choice forced upon me by political powers over which I have no influence or control.”
My decision to consider a run for Congress is based on two simple conclusions: 1) Washington is a mess. 2) I believe I can help make a difference. My top priority is to serve in Washington as a representative of the people. After much thought and consultations with others, I have decided that if the 2nd Congressional District is gerrymandered rendering it impossible to win, I will take a serious look at seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Maryland.
There is very little difference between Dutch Ruppersberger and Ben Cardin. They are liberal political twins and Obama clones. My vision for America is completely different than their tax and spend big government agenda.
I recognize that my critics will falsely charge that this plan may be indecisive. But, as I clearly stated before, my desire is to serve the people in Washington to help clean up the mess and make a difference. It does not matter whether that service is in the Senate or the House of Representatives. These are unsettling times where the pathway is not always clear. Unfortunately, the decisions that we make are overly controlled by outside forces. During the weeks and months ahead, I will continue to conduct my vigorous exploratory campaign. It is my desire to inform my supporters and colleagues about what may occur in the future. It is still early in the campaign season and I would ask everyone to be patient and wait until it is clear regarding everyone’s intentions. Thank you for your consideration and understanding.
Will you support Government Run Healthcare at the federal level like you did at the state level? Since you already voted to expand Government Run Healthcare for O’Malley, I’m assuming you would do the same for Obama.
What do you mean he has “No influence or control” he gets to vote to accept or reject the redistricting plan. SOunds like he has more “influence or control” then the rest of us!
Secondly it is gerrymandered as is.
Pat,
As you know, Maryland voters are not the smartest (evidence: O’Malley, Miller, Bush, and many of the other liberal dems. If you decide to run, I wish you luck. It would be nice to have some new blood in Washington. It’s time to rid Washington of all the “career” politicians on both sides of the fence – A good starting point: Barney Frank, McCain, Reid, Nancy “we P., Dutch, Sarbanes, Ben and Barbara, and many others (both parties). They need to go…
The downside to you unseating Dutch is that it would leave your seat open for a slippery liberal dem to get in.
Rob he promised us he would not serve longer then now.
It would be helpful to actually think before you speak Rob.
We got new blood in Washington last year and look at what’s happened. Absolutely nothing, except even more intolerance towards the very same voters who probably put them in office.
So it’s pretty unintelligent to paint all liberal Democrats as stupid when the other side is just as moronic. We’re fooling ourselves if we think Tea Party politicians are only going to serve a few terms. They’re going to be career politicians too.
If we limit all political office to one term of SERVICE to the citizens of this country and state, then so much of this dysfunction and corruption would be gone. Elected office should be about SERVICE not a money making career. Currently, it is all about GREED and POWER and without real change it always will be that way. I realize this is unpopular with those Republicans and Democrats who often irrationally argue and name call with posts on here. However, they and others like them, currently in political office, are the best free advertising for complete overhaul of our political system.
I just vomited in my mouth.
You need to go to the doctor as you need help with that.
I wouldn’t waste my breath on McDonough. We need SMART people who understand economics, politics and social well-being and can help move our nation in a better direction. It’s not him. Way too prejudice for my vote! Many would be totally embarrassed to have him as our rep.
. . . and you are content with what’s there now?