Pat McDonough

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Republican Pat McDonough decided to drop out of the unofficial 7th District state Senate race because of his opponents' fundraising strength, according to one of the campaigns still in the hunt.

Sergio Vitale's campaign advisor, John Fiastro, said his candidate's campaign is the real reason McDonough changed his plans, rather than McDonough's stated reason, which was trying to become the Baltimore County executive.

"The strength of his fundraising effort and the strength of his campaign -- despite what McDonough says -- is the reason why McDonough backed out of the race," Fiastro said in an interview with PolitickerMD.com.

McDonough, a Republican delegate from Middle River dropped his plans to seek the potentially open Senate seat on Tuesday. The seat would open up if state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) wins his race for the U.S. House.

Three contenders are left for the seat without McDonough: Former Del. Al Redmer (R), Del. J.B. Jennings (R) and restaurant owner Sergio Vitale (R).

McDonough has thrown his support behind Jennings, saying "it's practical to promote the delegate to the Senator's seat."

Vitale announced his interest for Harris' seat during a fundraiser in early August, which he says brought in $28,000 to his campaign war chest.

"Sergio was gonna come to the convention - decided against it. Decided to stay in Maryland. Continue fundraising. The goal is in October - the goal - is to have a six figure bank account," said Fiastro. "If he becomes Senator and J.B. retains his seat, we have two very strong leaders, very strong young leaders in the district and that's what we're excited about."

McDonough called the claim ridiculous.

Del. Pat McDonough (R-Middle River) has dropped his plans to seek Maryland's 7th District state Senate seat which would open up if state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) wins his race for the U.S. House.

McDonough says he "never had an overwhelming desire to be in the state Senate" and that his "county executive exploratory committee is growing by leaps and bounds," according to Explore Baltimore County.

Harris is currently running against state's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) for Maryland's 1st Congressional District seat. If Harris wins, the 7th District seat would be open, and Harris' successor would have to be approved by the central committees of the respective counties in the district to fill the empty spot.

In May, McDonough told PolitickerMD.com that he was very interested in seeking the office of Baltimore County executive as well. Democrat Jim Smith, the current county executive, is bound by term limits and cannot seek re-election in 2010.

Today (or tonight depending on when you are reading this,) I would like to send a personal message to Del. Patrick McDonough (R) who represents District 7 in Baltimore and Harford Counties…YOU’VE PICKED THE WRONG FIGHT…in regards to Maryland Public Television last year.

In August of last year, MPT decided to use one of its digital sub-channels to broadcast “V-me,” a public television service in Spanish. In response to this, McDonough vowed to write a bill to establish a commission to decide what goes on the digital sub-channels. This was something I could not agree with him on the basis that it is completely un-American to control content of the airwaves, outside of things indecent…make that reasonably indecent. Don’t worry, I still believe that English should be encouraged, immigration laws should be enforced and fencing the border is a waste of time.

Del. Pat McDonough: Politicker PhotoDel. Pat McDonough (R-Middle River) confirmed that he has "great" interest in seeking the position of county executive for Baltimore County in 2010.

"I think it is the second most powerful position in the state," McDonough said of Baltimore County executive, "behind only the governor."

Saying he would have the authority "to get things done" on issues ranging from education to "deteriorating neighborhoods," McDonough said his "high name recognition" and ability to "get Democratic voters" would increase his chances at winning.

Del. Barry GlassmanTonight, the Harford County Republican Central Committee is interviewing candidates seeking to replace retiring state Sen. J. Robert Hooper. They will announce their recommendation immediately afterwards at the Pat McDonough Annual Legislative Update Dinner and Fundraiser.

The committee is widely expected to recommend District 35A Del. Barry Glassman, who Sen. Hooper personally endorsed. If appointed to the Senate, the race for Glassman’s House seat would be wide-open.

Hooper, whose resignation takes effect December 31, is retiring for health reasons – he’s weathered both colon cancer and a mild heart attack in recent years. He told the Baltimore Sun that November’s special legislative session convinced him that he cannot keep up with the demands of the office. He was elected to the Senate in 1998.

Glassman, 45, is a former Harford County Councilman and was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1998.