Hutchinson: Never say never
Don Hutchinson for county executive in 2010?
The Democrat says his eight years running the county were some of the most enjoyable of his life and he believes he could legally run again.
The question is: Will he?
Two other Democrats, Councilmen Joseph Bartenfelder and Kevin Kamenetz, are the odds-on favorites to run for county executive next year. There has been talk of an as yet unidentified third Democrat getting in the race. Hutchinson’s name has floated to the top of the list during the last few weeks.
“Right now I enjoy very much what I am doing,” said Hutchinson, who is the chief executive of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.
Hutchinson, who served from 1978 to 1986, said talk of his running began a few weeks ago after some unidentified people began calling him and urging him to run. The possibility has created a small buzz in county political circles and generated talk of an announcement as soon as October.
“There’s no announcement to be made over the short term,” Hutchinson said.
So, that’s not a no, right?
“I always say, ‘you never say never,’” said Hutchinson, smiling.
But then there’s the County Charter and its two-consecutive-terms limit on the county executive office.
“The charter only says you can’t serve more than two consecutive terms,” Hutchinson said. “It doesn’t restrict a third term. I’ve never felt like there was a restriction.”
A well-placed Democratic operative, who asked not to be named, isn’t so sure Hutchinson is serious, but then again…
“I think Don could just be having a bit of fun with all this but hey, politics is a strange thing,” the operative said.