Ali fundraises for 2010, pledges to run for re-election

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) was among those in attendance at a fundraiser for Del. Saqib Ali (D-Gaithersburg) at the home of family friends in Potomac, Saturday.

"It is a campaign event for my re-election," Ali told PolitickerMD.com over the weekend.

The 33-year-old legislator, who represents District 39 in Montgomery County, is thought to be considering a run for higher office in the future, but pledged that he would "run for delegate" in 2010.

"It's possible," Ali said when asked about higher office plans. "But right now I'm running for re-election."

Ali estimated that roughly 100 people attended the event, and said he did not know how much money was raised. 

While the cost to attend was listed as $75 per person and $100 per couple (with higher costs for VIP slots), Ali said he "welcomed everybody" to the fundraiser, saying those who could not afford to pay were "welcomed without charge."

Ali also said he hoped the event would "dissuade any challengers" from seeking his seat in 2010.

Ali thanked O'Malley for "graciously agreeing to come" to the fundraiser, saying he invited the governor.

"I consider the governor a friend of mine," Ali said.

The delegate, who keeps a blog of his activities during the legislative session, openly encouraged reporters and bloggers to attend.

"I blog myself," he told PolitickerMD.com. "I'm a big fan of transparency and access."

Discussing the ever changing world of Internet media, Ali said, "The ease at which anyone with a computer can feel like they are part of the process is very important. The average person can read about an event-they see the pictures, and are more likely to get involved."

"Not everybody can drive to Annapolis," he added. "(Internet media) democratizes the process."

He said the coverage of politics on the Internet was of particular importance to young people, saying, "It brings them in. They participate more."