Dougherty looks to unseat Bartlett

Jennifer Dougherty, the former mayor of Frederick and the 2008 Democratic nominee in Maryland’s Sixth Congressional District, said she would focus on a variety of issues, including the budget and energy concerns, if elected to Congress in November.

Dougherty faces an uphill battle against eight-term Republican incumbent Roscoe Bartlett in the heavily conservative district. She surprised many political pundits with her victory over Andrew Duck in the Feb. 12 primary. Duck, the 2006 Democratic nominee, had been the favorite.

The candidate told PolitickerMD.com that “balancing the budget” would be a type priority, saying her experience as a mayor would aide in that effort.

On energy, Dougherty said she would support the “construction of a biofuel refinery,” saying it would help solve the nation’s energy problems and dependence.

The former mayor also weighed-in on the war in Iraq, saying she would support the start of troop withdrawals immediately upon coming to Congress next January.

She said the congressman had the “wrong position” on the war, saying he supported a “blank check forever.”

Dougherty said the U.S. could not afford a “continued presence” being the “police force of Iraq.”

“What right do we have to impose Democracy on another nation,” she rhetorically asked?

She also credited the servicemen and women, saying they should “never be the target of political debate.”

Continuing on the military, Dougherty, in reference to the Army Medical Center, said, “The fact that Walter Reed is underfunded is a disgrace.”

When asked if she would use the congressman’s age to score political points, Dougherty said, “I don’t really think I have to do that.” Bartlett is 81, while the challenger is 46.

Dougherty also said she felt the excitement of the presidential race “absolutely helps my campaign,” saying, “It brings national issues back home.”

In terms of her monetary situation, Dougherty said she was “confident” that she could “run a campaign based on whatever I can raise.”

According to the Federal Election Commission, Dougherty had $782 cash on hand, as of Jan. 23. She had raised $18,860 for her primary campaign, spending the vast majority of it. On the contrary, Bartlett, who faced a minimal primary challenge, had $279,585 in cash on hand.

While acknowledging the ability of an “incumbent to raise money,” Dougherty said could “stretch a campaign dollar farther than a lot of people.”

She reiterated her confidence that the campaign could raise an “adequate amount,” and said she would “spend it wisely.”

On other issues, Dougherty said Congress had to “address health care,” while also saying she would fight to secure “funding for transportation priorities,” if elected.