Cardin for county executive?
A fundraising event for Jon Cardin has sparked talk that the two-term delegate might be considering a run county executive.
Cardin, the nephew of Sen. Ben Cardin, said he is not “an unofficial or unannounced candidate” but acknowledged that an event scheduled for next month has caused tongues to wag.
“I’ve asked people if they think it’s a legitimate thing,” Cardin said. “I’ve had lots of people tell me they think that it’s possible. I certainly have teased this idea a little bit.”
Cardin is hosting a $100 and $250 event in Ocean City on Aug. 13 during the Maryland Association of Counties convention. The convention is typically a hotbed of political activity.
This year will be no different because it will be the next to last convention before the 2010 primary elections. Candidates for state and county offices typically come down to shake hands in preparation for the campaign.
County Executive Jim Smith, like past county executives, typically attends the event with a contingent of county employees and councilmen. He also holds a small fundraising event, usually sponsored by Dr. Leonard Berger, a former county resident and owner of the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel in Ocean City.
Cardin’s event is unusual because state delegates, outside of those who represent the Eastern Shore, typically don’t hold fundraisers in Ocean City — something even Cardin acknowledges.
And that’s how the business of Cardin running for county office started, according to Cardin.
“There was never any connection between the two,” Cardin said.
But, as Billy Mays said, there’s more.
Also unusual and adding fuel to the discussion is that Cardin is using Rachael Rice, a Bel Air-based consultant who raises money for Smith. Cardin first hired Rice’s firm back in April 2008, according to state campaign records.
Cardin said he’s known for his out-of-the-box types of events, which include a “Brew at the Zoo” and a Shakespeare-in-the-park happy hour with the Baltimore Shakespeare Festival. Cardin said Rice Consulting uses him as an example of how to think differently about raising money.
Cardin said he’s focused on his work representing his district and not seriously considering running for another office.
But he added: “I’m trying to do my due diligence.”
“It’s certainly interesting and thought-provoking,” Cardin said. “I’m provoking some of my thoughts, and that’s about it.”