Early last week, state Sen. Brian Frosh (D-Montgomery County) threw his name into the hat of candidates bidding to become Maryland’s attorney general in 2014. And, if elected, Frosh said it’s a position he hopes to remain in for the foreseeable future.
“I’m not seeking the office of the attorney general as a springboard for anything else,” Frosh said. “It’s the job I want. I don’t expect to run for any other office.”
Frosh, currently serving his fifth consecutive term in the Maryland Senate, said that he believes the role would give him the opportunity to make an even greater contribution than he’s made in the General Assembly.
He officially announced his campaign launch through an email to his supporters in which he said he endeavors to be “the people’s lawyer.”
What exactly does he mean?
“I’ve spoken to people all over the state. They have basically the same concerns,” Frosh said. “They want to feel safe in their neighborhoods, they want clean air and clean water [and] they want a shot at economic security — the American dream. They often don’t feel they have someone on their side and someone who will stand up for them against special interests. That’s the job I want.”
Frosh, 66, said he plans to emphasize many of the same causes he championed during his time in the Maryland legislature, including environmental protection, consumer protection and public safety. He highlighted the state government’s recent revamped gun laws as one of his more important and proud achievements while in office.
Prior to Frosh’s announcement, Del. Jon S. Cardin (D-Baltimore County), unveiled his campaign with an Internet video. His office had this to say regarding Frosh’s plans to run:
“This campaign is going to be about which candidate has the right skill set to tackle the new, 21st-century challenges facing Maryland families — and we believe without question, that’s Del. Jon Cardin,” said Cardin’s campaign manager Andy Carton in an email. “We look forward to a civil debate.”
In addition to Cardin, Frosh joins Del. C. William Frick (D-Montgomery County) and Del. Aisha N. Braveboy (D-Prince George’s County) in what figures to be a jam-packed Democratic primary. The position is currently held by Doug Gansler, who has already announced plans to run for governor in 2014.
“Doug respects all of the Democrats campaigning for Maryland attorney general,” said Doug Thornell, a strategist for Gansler for Maryland. “He is confident Maryland will be well-served by any of the talented Democrats running for the office.”
David Snyder is a staff reporter for WJW’s sister publication, the Baltimore Jewish Times.
