Smith’s ripple effect
Jim Smith’s planned move to Cockeysville and expected announcement that he will run for the open Senate seat that represents the 7th District has had a ripple effect.
Specifically, Councilman Vince Gardina, who was raising money for what many thought would be a run for the same senate seat, is rethinking things.
“I’m not running if the county executive runs,” said Gardina, who added that he “never really had the gumption to run for (senate), though.”
Gardina said he has spoken to Smith about running in the district but offered no insight on a possible decision by the county executive.
Smith has said publicly that he’ll wait until after the General Assembly session next year before making a decision.
Gardina, a five-term Democrat who represents Perry Hall, Parkville and Towson, announced in September that he would not seek re-election.
He has continued to raise money and is thought to have between $250,000 to $300,000 in his campaign account.
Now, he said he’s looking at his options “politically and personally.”
“I’m looking at possibly not running for anything,” Gardina said, adding that he might consider running for House of Delegates in the 7th District.