Fighting back tears, Miller seeks another term

Senate President Mike Miller: Politicker PhotoANNAPOLIS-- Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller (D-Chesapeake Beach), the longest serving president in the state's history, announced that he will seek re-election in 2010 during a press conference in Annapolis, this afternoon.

Fighting back tears, the Senate president said, "I am indicating today that if the people have me I will run for state legislator in the 27th District."

Saying he did not "make this decision lightly," Miller, who has been in the Senate since 1975 and served as president since 1987, cited the "leadership" of Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown (D) and House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Annapolis) as important factors in his decision. He also said members of his constituency had strongly encouraged him to seek re-election in recent weeks.

Weeks after winning re-election in 2006, Miller said his current term would be his last.

He said 2006 was a "very grueling" campaign year, citing the senatorial election between then Rep. Ben Cardin (D-Baltimore) and Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (R).

"There were five incumbent Prince George's County councilmen who endorsed (Steele)," Miller, who represents Prince George's and Calvert Counties, said.

While Cardin eventually won, Miller said the campaign and attacks leveled against him by the Republican Party made him consider retirement.

"I said to myself, do I really need this? Does my wife need this? Do my kids need this?"

"But decisions are not always about individuals," Miller said. "You think about people that you owe things to."

Miller said he had been "energized" over the last two years since O'Malley's election, saying the state was "in a stalemate" during Gov. Bob Ehrlich's (R) administration.

Speaking of O'Malley, Miller said, "We need to get his (approval) ratings up."

The Senate president said the governor "does not deserve" low ratings, saying he had demonstrated "leadership" on tough issues like the slots referendum.

Citing the expansion of health care benefits to Marylanders and a freeze on college tuition prices, Miller said, "We've done it with bold leadership."

In addition, Miller said he would also seek re-election as Senate president in 2009; the body elects the president each year.

"Primarily, I want to serve the two counties I represent," Miller said when asked about his decision.

He said Prince George's has "huge infrastructure needs," and cited the need to help those who had their homes foreclosed.

In Calvert, Miller said residents "want preserved open space," and said the community cared deeply about the environment and schools.

Calling government "a very subtle art," Miller acknowledged that his position "holds an awful lot of power," and said "checks and balances" needed to be "used wisely."

Concluding, Miller said, "The people have stood with me through thick and thin."