Even in this real estate market, a for-sale sign can create a buzz. A "STUNNING/ELEGANT" 6BR, 31/2 BA house for sale in Reisterstown has people talking.
It's not the "updated" kitchen that's generating interest. Nor the "lush landscaping." It's the political intrigue.
Jim Smith, the term-limited Baltimore County exec, is selling the house and moving to an apartment in Andy Harris' state Senate district, where he'll mull a run for that seat. Smith and his wife, whose four children are grown, put their house up for sale two weeks ago.
"My wife and I are planning to downsize," Smith said.
But the empty nest isn't the only reason for the move.
"I am taking a serious look at the Senate seat in the 7th District," Smith said.
The Smiths plan to move by early November, regardless of whether the house sells.
Maryland law requires that a state Senate candidate live in the district at least six months prior to election, said Ross Goldstein, the deputy state elections director.
The Smiths' West Chestnut Hill Lane home is listed for $445,000. No nibbles yet, according to Smith's real estate agent, Jeff Mohler, the son of Smith spokesman Don Mohler.
But if buyers haven't taken an interest yet, Maryland politicos have. Many are surprised to hear that Smith might aspire to the state Senate. He would not be the first outgoing county executive to take that path; Jim Robey went from Howard County exec to state Senate.
But Smith's county is larger, his ties to Gov. Martin O'Malley are tight and his campaign war chest has hit seven figures. He considered a run for state comptroller earlier this year. He was thought to be a likely candidate for U.S. Senate if Barbara Mikulski had opted to retire. Most observers figured Smith, a Democrat, would seek statewide office, a state Cabinet post or judgeship.
"I find it hard to believe," said Del. J.B. Jennings, a Republican seeking the seat, which Harris is expected to vacate to run for Congress against Rep. Frank Kratovil.
Del. Pat McDonough called Smith, a county council member and judge before he became exec, "a carpetbagger looking for a fourth government pension."
"It's not a step up," McDonough said. "This is a fellow who was being talked about running for the [U.S.] Senate or comptroller. And the other part of the story is, he has $1 million."
