James Brochin

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. 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."

Businessman Martin G. Knott, Jr. (D-Pinehurst) confirmed his interest in seeking the Democratic nomination for state senator seat in the 42nd Legislative District – the seat currently held by Sen. James Brochin (D-Towson) – during an interview with PolitickerMD.com.

Knott, the president of Knott Mechanical a HVAC and plumbing services company, said he had a “relatively high” interest level, but said he had yet to make a decision.

If he runs, Knott may not necessarily face Brochin. The senator has expressed interest in a potential run for Baltimore County Executive.

“The reality is—I haven’t made up my mind,” Knott said. “It’s a pretty big decision.”

State Sen. James Brochin (D-Towson) confirmed that he is “very interested” in running for the position of county executive in Baltimore County.

Sure, a lot of people are talking about the possibility of state Sen. Jim Brochin facing a primary challenge in 2010.

But unspoken is ...

ANNAPOLIS- Sen. James Brochin (D-Towson) often finds himself at odds with the state’s Democratic leadership. From his support for the death penalty, to his opposition to tax increases brought about by the governor’s plan to balance the budget, Brochin is often courted by Republicans, and his willingness to cooperate might be hurting him within his own party.

Brochin told PolitickerMD.com that his views on several key issues make him “more of a Democrat than a Republican,” calling himself a “moderate to conservative” Democrat.

“I’ve always believed in things like choice and stem-cell research,” Brochin said, adding that he was “very anti-war” and “very liberal on the environment.” He also described himself as “pro-union.”

But Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, for whom Brochin once worked as a legislative analyst, actually moved his colleagues’ seat to the back row of the Senate chamber after Brochin sided with Republicans during last fall’s legislative special session in their attempt to filibuster Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan to balance the budget, which raised taxes by $1.3 billion.