Knott confirms interest in Brochin’s senate seat

Businessman Martin G. Knott, Jr. (D-Pinehurst) confirmed his interest in seeking the Democratic nomination for state senator seat in the 42nd Legislative District – the seat currently held by Sen. James Brochin (D-Towson) – during an interview with PolitickerMD.com.

Knott, the president of Knott Mechanical a HVAC and plumbing services company, said he had a “relatively high” interest level, but said he had yet to make a decision.

If he runs, Knott may not necessarily face Brochin. The senator has expressed interest in a potential run for Baltimore County Executive.

“The reality is—I haven’t made up my mind,” Knott said. “It’s a pretty big decision.”

Knott said he planned to make a decision within the next six to eight months.

On Brochin, Knott said, “I don’t know much about him.”

Given Brochin’s political moderation, speculation has recently arisen that state Democratic Party insiders, including Gov. Martin O’Malley, have been recruiting Knott to run against Brochin in 2010. Knott serves on the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board.

Knott said he had not talked to O’Malley about a potential candidacy. The governor’s press office previously denied the allegation, and said the governor did not want a Democrat to run against Brochin.

“I’ve talked to many people about it, but no one in particular,” Knott said, adding that he did not want to elaborate given that he is undecided.

In addition, Knott said he was “a Democrat at heart,” but said that “did not necessarily mean” that he would always vote Democratic.

On some of the important issues facing Baltimore County, Knott said “school overcrowding” was of particular concern.

He also said typical issues like “crime and health care” were on his radar screen.