In all but formalities, the 2010 race for Baltimore County executive is on.
County Councilman Joseph Bartenfelder said he's in, Councilman Kevin Kamenetz is doing most everything but saying so, and both Democrats continue raising money in advance of a campaign that is expected to cost more than $1 million. At least one Republican, state Del. Patrick L. McDonough, said he's thinking about running, but he also has an eye on the gubernatorial race.
Candidates can wait until July 6 to officially declare themselves, and the primary in this heavily Democratic county is not until Sept. 14, but the three veteran politicians have been spending time outside their districts meeting residents, doing things candidates do.
Kamenetz of District 2 insists he has not made a decision about running to succeed incumbent James T. Smith Jr., who is legally limited to two consecutive terms. Kamenetz's Web site invites readers to join his 2010 Club with a donation of $20.10 to "help fund my listening tour ... and my new website."
Kamenetz, 51, in his fourth term on the council, said he started holding resident meetings around the county this fall and will continue to do so for the next few months, "closely examining the needs of our county and the goals of our citizens."
He said "people have been encouraging me to run," and "I'm considering what options are available to me."
His campaign fund appears to give him some options.
The balance is now about $825,000, according to his treasurer, Charles E. Klein, who said he's operating under the assumption that Kamenetz is running and he imagines contributors are as well. Klein, who figures it could cost $1.5 million to run for county executive, said he expects the fund will be up to $1 million by the time the next campaign finance report is due in January.
Now in his fourth term representing District 6, Bartenfelder, 52, said "We've been moving ahead with plans to run." The former member of the Maryland House of Delegates said his bull roast/shrimp feast fundraiser in Rocky Point last month drew about 1,200 people and about 400 attended his crab feast at Oliver Beach in early October, helping to push his campaign fund balance to about $600,000.
