Cardin Announces Senate Bid

During his remarks, Cardin played up the statewide exposure he gained as speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1979 to 1986. It was a time, he said, when "I traveled to every part of the state, and together we built roads to our mountains, made our beaches cleaner and extended the promise of Maryland's future to every corner of the state."

After his announcement, Cardin had campaign stops scheduled in Frederick and Silver Spring. Aides said he plans to make appearances on the Eastern Shore and in Southern Maryland this week.

Several supporters who appeared at Tuesday's announcement said they were drawn to Cardin in part because they believe he stands the best chance to win a general election against Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele. Steele has said he is giving serious consideration to seeking the Republican nomination but has given no indication of when he will announce his decision.

Maryland House Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County) said she was also impressed that Cardin had courted her support, adding that he was the only candidate that had done so.

"That makes a difference, not being taken for granted," Jones said.

Cardin, born in a Jewish neighborhood of West Baltimore, launched his political career while still a student at the University of Maryland School of Law, winning a seat in the House of Delegates in 1966. He was elected to Congress in 1986 when Barbara A. Mikulski (D) vacated her seat to run for the Senate.

In 1998, Cardin considered challenging then-incumbent Gov. Parris N. Glendening (D), but he backed off after deciding "it would not be healthy for our party," he told reporters Tuesday.

Cardin began his remarks to supporters by introducing his wife, daughter and son-in-law, who stood with him on stage. He then recognized several more family members in the audience before stopping himself.

"We have a large family," Cardin said. "If we get them all out, this is going to be an easy campaign."