Dr. Eric Wargotz
Former 2010 U.S. Senate Republican nominee Eric Wargotz said he will not enter the 2012 U.S. race for Senate. Citing strong support for incumbent Sen. Benjamin Cardin and President Barack Obama, Wargotz announced his decision late Thursday in a press release.
“After extensive research, I was humbled to learn that I remain popular among Republican primary voters and remain well positioned to win the Republican nomination for US Senate in Maryland once again,” Wargotz wrote. “Unfortunately, support for the incumbent Senator (and the President) remains strong in Maryland, despite the national political environment. In this political reality, we find ourselves in the position of being able to win the Republican nomination but falling short in the general election.”
Wargotz won the Republican nomination in the 2010 election, but lost handily to four-term incumbent Sen. Barbara Mikulski, who got 62% of the vote.
Wargot’z exit from the race will leave newcomer Daniel Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, and a handful of other relatively unknown Republican candidates to contend for the spot to challenge Cardin, who formally announces his reelection bid on Sunday.
The deadline to file for candidacy is Wednesday, Jan. 11 for the April 3 primary. Early voting for the primaries is March 24 through March 29.
–Glynis Kazanjian
I am fed up with the demobrats in this state.
Wargotz thinking like a liberal now. As a many year conservative Democrat many of my democrat family and friends just have the attitude nomatter what you do you can’t win so they give up and don’t vote. This is just wrong. Although Democrat I now vote for the person and their views rather then stick to one party or another. Why vote for a hobo because they democrat? This is just wrong and I won’t do it. I urge all my democrat friends and associates to take a good hard look at what Md has become. 4th highest taxed state in the country because of omalley and now he is ready to sign plan maryland which will give him full control of your land. He’ll have powers to change it from residential to heavy industry or vice versa. Wargotz, I didn’t view you as a quitter..
I think Dr. Wargotz is a thoughtful, intelligent candidate who is doing his research. I think he jumped in in 2010 and did an admirable job against Mikulski. I am a scientist and a political analyst and I understand that numbers don’t lie. If numbers don’t look good for him against Cardin one year out from the general election, then it is best to spend ones time and energy on more productive endeavors. Maryland is a tough state for R’s. He knew and knows that. I do not think it is a matter of being a “quitter” but rather a matter of making an intelligent decision based on real facts regarding the political landscape.
So just give up Jimmie.. “The American Way” especially in Md. I wouldn’t think of voting for a layed back quitter..
Marge, you sound like you need to learn a little about what it takes to win a race. Ha! Gotcha – good luck with your candidate. Remember, put your candidates attributes forward and there in no need to denigrate others. I think folks are tired of negative campaigning. Have fun.