Bill Frank

OWINGS MILLS -- Republican Marilyn Booker has her sights on the state House's 7th District seat.

Booker, a cousin of Del. Bill Frank (R-Baltimore County), has never run for public office before, but says she has a passion for service.

"I want to take that passion to public service," Booker told PolitickerMD.com at a House Republican Victory Fund fundraiser on Thursday. "As a registered nurse, I've been serving my patients for years."

OWINGS MILLS -- Maryland's House Republicans are sick of what they call a one party system and are ready to end the monopoly with a new fundraising plan to challenge vulnerable state Democrats.

The House Republican Victory Slate is one way the state's minority party is trying to achieve this goal. The Slate -- designed to provide cash for Republican state House candidates challenging incumbents -- held its first fundraiser Thursday evening.

The group is in its earliest stages. With less than ten members and a war chest filled with about $10,000 -- all from Thursday's fundraiser -- the Slate still has no formal structure or specific plan. 

Del. Stephen LaffertyDel. Stephen Lafferty (D-Stoneleigh) told PolitickerMD.com that he would look at the prospects of running for state Senate if Sen. James Brochin (D-Towson) declines to seek re-election in 2010. Brochin has expressed interest in running for the position of county executive in Baltimore County, but has yet to announce any formal plans.

"One always has to keep their options open," Lafferty said, adding that the current buzz surrounding a possible Senate run is "speculation" and "premature."