Vitale camp: McDonough dropped out because of our fundraising

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Republican Pat McDonough decided to drop out of the unofficial 7th District state Senate race because of his opponents' fundraising strength, according to one of the campaigns still in the hunt.

Sergio Vitale's campaign advisor, John Fiastro, said his candidate's campaign is the real reason McDonough changed his plans, rather than McDonough's stated reason, which was trying to become the Baltimore County executive.

"The strength of his fundraising effort and the strength of his campaign -- despite what McDonough says -- is the reason why McDonough backed out of the race," Fiastro said in an interview with PolitickerMD.com.

McDonough, a Republican delegate from Middle River dropped his plans to seek the potentially open Senate seat on Tuesday. The seat would open up if state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) wins his race for the U.S. House.

Three contenders are left for the seat without McDonough: Former Del. Al Redmer (R), Del. J.B. Jennings (R) and restaurant owner Sergio Vitale (R).

McDonough has thrown his support behind Jennings, saying "it's practical to promote the delegate to the Senator's seat."

Vitale announced his interest for Harris' seat during a fundraiser in early August, which he says brought in $28,000 to his campaign war chest.

"Sergio was gonna come to the convention - decided against it. Decided to stay in Maryland. Continue fundraising. The goal is in October - the goal - is to have a six figure bank account," said Fiastro. "If he becomes Senator and J.B. retains his seat, we have two very strong leaders, very strong young leaders in the district and that's what we're excited about."

McDonough called the claim ridiculous.

"I don't even think Sergio's a factor," he told PolitickerMD.com. "Fundraising has not been an issue for us."

McDonough says he is very serious about his campaign for Baltimore County Executive. Democrat Jim Smith, the current county executive, is bound by term limits and cannot seek reelection in 2010.

"If you intend to run for this position you've got to start very early," said McDonough. "I am serious about obtaining this seat."

Harris, the current senator from the 7th district, is currently running against state's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) for Maryland's 1st Congressional District seat. If Harris wins, the hopefuls would have to be approved by the respective counties central committees in the district to fill the empty spot.