Redmer closer to senate announcement

By Bryan P. Sears
Posted: October 13, 2009

Al Redmer appears to be within weeks of officially making his expected entrance into the 7th District senate race.

In a September e-mail to potential supporters, Redmer wrote:

“As you have no doubt heard, I have been considering my own bid for the State Senate in District 7.  My announcement and kickoff will  occur in the next four-six weeks.

While early money in any campaign is a good thing, there are nine months left before the filing deadline for the ‘10 election.

Make no mistake, the Senate race in D7 is critical to the state and to the Republican party.  It is widely known that long-time democrat Councilman Vince Gardina is considering this race.  Vince has terrific name recognition and about $250K in his campaign fund. To keep this seat it will take a strong Republican nominee with proven fund-raising experience, name recognition and work ethic to succeed.

If possible, I would appreciate it if you would delay your decisions for the next few weeks.”

Redmer, in a phone interview with me late last week, confirmed the e-mail.

Redmer, the former state insurance commissioner and Republican delegate, has long been expected to run for the seat being given up by Republican Sen. Andy Harris.

Harris has represented the district that stretches from Cockeysville to Honeygo to Middle River since 2002. He’s forgoing a run for a third term in the district for a rematch against first-term Democratic Rep. Frank Kratovil in the 1st District congressional race.

Redmer declined to answer questions about when he would make his announcement beyond what was in the e-mail.

Republican Del. J.B. Jennings has already announced he will not seek a third term in the House of Delegates and will instead run for the 7th District senate seat.

In addition to Gardina, Democratic County Executive Jim Smith is also considering moving into the district from Reisterstown to run for the open seat.

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