Cardin Announces Senate Bid

BALTIMORE, April 26 -- Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) made his 2006 Senate bid official Tuesday, presenting himself as an experienced lawmaker willing to work with Republicans "when it makes a difference for Maryland's families."

"I stand here today because I've gotten real results," Cardin, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives since 1987, said at a midmorning event that drew more than 150 supporters to a pavilion overlooking Baltimore's Inner Harbor. "Experience does count."

With the announcement, which had been telegraphed in recent days, Cardin, 61, became the second major Democrat to voice his intentions to replace the retiring Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes (D-Md.).

Former congressman and NAACP leader Kweisi Mfume of Baltimore announced his candidacy last month. Other Democrats considering the race include Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Montgomery County.

Cardin, a legislator best known for his cerebral style, told the crowd that he has been willing to fight Republicans when they are wrong on issues. He cited "this administration's assault on Social Security," including its push for private accounts.

He also said that effective Democratic lawmakers must work with Republicans when possible. His record includes several such instances, including legislation to overhaul the Internal Revenue Service and to expand savings and retirement plans.

"I've partnered with Republicans throughout my career," Cardin told reporters after the event outside the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

He pledged that as a senator, he would strive to keep Social Security intact, expand access to affordable health care and work to keep jobs from going overseas.

"I'm giving my all to this effort, and I ask that you join me," Cardin said.

With the entrance of a second Baltimore area candidate, Van Hollen's decision has great potential to shape a primary in which race and geography are significant factors.

If Van Hollen runs, the three major candidates probably would carve up the vote in the heavily Democratic Washington suburbs and Baltimore area. That could turn such areas as Western Maryland, the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland into battlegrounds, said Thomas F. Schaller, a political science professor at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

"There could be a real battle in the hinterlands," said Schaller, who is active in Democratic politics and is backing Cardin.