Misplaced Pages

2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Maryland

← 2006 November 4, 2008 (2008-11-04) 2010 →
All 8 Maryland seats to the United States House of Representatives
Majority party Minority party   Party Democratic Republican Last election 6 seats, 64.63% 2 seats, 32.15% Seats won 7 1 Seat change 1 1 Popular vote 1,677,490 762,587 Percentage 67.15% 30.53% Swing 2.52% 1.62%
Democratic   40–50%   60–70%   70–80%   80–90% Republican   50–60%

Elections in Maryland
Federal government Presidential elections 1788–89 1792 1796 1800 1804 1808 1812 1816 1820 1824 1828 1832 1836 1840 1844 1848 1852 1856 1860 1864 1868 1872 1876 1880 1884 1888 1892 1896 1900 1904 1908 1912 1916 1920 1924 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020 2024 Presidential primaries Democratic 2000 2004 2008 2016 2020 2024 Republican 2008 2012 2016 2020 2024 U.S. Senate elections 1788 1790 1791 1793 1793 sp 1795 1796 1796 sp 1797 sp 1800 sp 1801 sp 1802 1806 1806 sp 1808 1809 1813 sp 1816 sp 1819 1819 sp 1821 1822 sp 1825 1826 sp 1827 1831 1833 1835 sp 1836 sp 1837 1838 sp 1839 1839 sp 1841 sp 1843 1849 1850 sp 1851 1855 1861 1864 sp 1865 sp 1868 sp 1874 1878 1880 1884 1886 1890 1892 1892 sp 1896 1898 1902 1904 1908 1908 sp 1910 1913 sp 1916 1914 1920 1922 1928 1926 1932 1934 1938 1940 1944 1946 1950 1952 1956 1958 1962 1964 1968 1970 1974 1976 1980 1982 1986 1988 1992 1994 1998 2000 2004 2006 2010 2012 2016 2018 2022 2024 U.S. House of Representatives elections 1789 1790 1791 3rd sp 1792 1793 2nd sp 1794 2nd sp 3rd sp 1796 2nd sp 3rd sp 1798 7th sp 1801 1802 2nd sp 1803 1804 4th sp 1806 7th sp 1808 1810 4th sp 7th sp 1811 6th sp 1812 1814 1816 3rd sp 5th sp 1818 1820 1822 1823 5th sp 1824 1826 2nd sp 1829 1831 1832 6th sp 1833 1834 1st sp 1835 1837 1839 1841 1843 1844 1845 1847 1849 1851 1853 1855 1857 1859 1861 1863 1864 1866 1868 1870 1872 1874 1876 1878 1880 1882 1884 1886 1888 1890 1892 1st sp 1894 1st sp 5th sp 1896 1898 1900 1st sp 1902 1904 1906 1908 1910 1912 1913 3rd sp 1914 1st sp 1916 1918 2nd sp 1920 1922 1924 5th sp 1926 1928 1930 1932 4th sp 1934 1936 1938 1939 1st sp 5th sp 1940 1941 6th sp 1942 1944 1946 1947 3rd sp 1948 1950 1952 1954 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1971 1st sp 1972 1973 1st sp 1974 1976 1978 1980 1981 5th sp 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 7th sp 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 4th sp 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 7th sp 2022 2024 6th
State government General elections 2006 2010 2020 2022 2024 Gubernatorial elections 1838 1841 1844 1847 1850 1853 1857 1861 1864 1867 1871 1875 1879 1883 1887 1891 1895 1899 1903 1907 1911 1915 1919 1923 1926 1930 1934 1938 1942 1946 1950 1954 1958 1962 1966 1969 sp 1970 1974 1978 1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022 Attorney General elections 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022 Comptroller elections 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022 Senate elections 1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022 House of Delegates elections 1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022
County government County executive elections 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022 2025 sp County offices 2006 2010 2018 2022
Ballot measures 1992 Question 6 2012 Question 4 Question 6 2022 Question 4 2024 Question 1
Annapolis Mayoral elections 2017 2021 2025
Baltimore Mayoral elections 1899 1903 1907 1911 1915 1919 1923 1927 1931 1935 1939 1943 1947 1951 1955 1959 1963 1967 1971 1975 1979 1983 1987 1991 1995 1999 2003–04 2007 2011 2016 2020 2024 Ballot measures Question P
Government
v t e

The 2008 congressional elections in Maryland were held on November 4, 2008, to determine who would represent the state of Maryland in the United States House of Representatives, coinciding with the presidential election. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected serve in the 111th Congress from January 3, 2009, until January 3, 2011.

Maryland has eight seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States census. Its 2007–2008 congressional delegation consisted of six Democrats and two Republicans. Following the election, the delegation became seven Democrats and one Republican. District 1 was the only seat which changed party (from Republican to Democratic), and was the only district CQ Politics had forecast to be at some risk for the incumbent party.

Overview

District 1

The district encompasses the entire Eastern Shore of Maryland, as well as parts of Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Harford Counties, and was represented by Republican Wayne Gilchrest since 1991.

Incumbent Wayne Gilchrest, a Republican, lost to state senator Andy Harris in the Republican primary, in which E.J. Pipkin also ran. Gilchrest was one of only two Republicans to vote for the bill to set a timetable on the Iraq War, which passed, 218–212; he also voted on April 25, 2007, for another Democratic Iraq War bill, which passed, 218–208. Harris was first elected to the Maryland Senate in 1998 and served as Minority Whip, 2003–2006. He has worked as an anesthesiologist, an associate professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine, and chief of obstetric anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Harris entered the February 12 primary with endorsements from the Club for Growth, former Governor Bob Ehrlich, seven of ten state senators who represent parts of the Congressional district, and House minority leader Anthony J. O'Donnell. Despite Gilchrest's endorsement by The Baltimore Sun, Harris defeated him by 10 points in a relatively bitter race.

Queen Anne's County State's Attorney Frank M. Kratovil, Jr., went into the February 12 primary as the Democratic frontrunner, with primary endorsement from The Baltimore Sun, governor Martin O'Malley, and Maryland comptroller Peter Franchot. Kratovil became Assistant State's Attorney in 1997, State's Attorney in 2003, and president of Maryland State's Attorney's Association, 2005–2007. He defeated his closest opponent, Cambridge lawyer Christopher Robinson, by nine points in a primary that was considered much more civil than on the Republican side.

While Harris had stated his belief that "the 1st Congressional District was drawn by Democrats to elect Republicans" and Gilchrest had carried the district for nine terms, Democratic leaders believed the district had "a moderate character" and was ready to support Kratovil competitively. In addition to targeting by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Gilchrest staffers held "Republicans for Kratovil" events. Gilchrest hinted early on that he would endorse Kratovil, being quoted as saying, "Let's see, the Republican Party, or my eternal soul?" and "Party loyalty, or integrity?" On April 17, 2008, an article in Politico announced that long-time Wayne Gilchrest campaign manager Lynn Caliguri, spouse of Gilchrest chief of staff Tony Caliguri, had joined the Kratovil campaign. In early September 2008, Gilchrest officially endorsed Kratovil.

District 2

The district comprises parts of Harford, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel Counties, as well as small portions of the City of Baltimore, and has been represented by Democrat Dutch Ruppersberger since 2003. Prior to serving in Congress, Ruppersberger was Baltimore County Executive from 1994 to 2002. Ruppersberger serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the House Committee on Appropriations, and the Democratic Steering Committee.

The Republican candidate is Richard Matthews, a 28-year-old computer systems engineer from Orchard Beach, who is also the Anne Arundel County, Maryland organizer for the Ron Paul 2008 Presidential campaign. Matthews is a moderate Republican with libertarian political views on civil liberties and economic freedom. He opposes the Iraq War, and generally supports freedom of choice in both personal and economic matters.

District 3

The district comprises portions of Baltimore, Howard and Anne Arundel counties, as well as a significant part of the independent city of Baltimore, and has been represented by Democrat John Sarbanes since 2007. Sarbanes faced off against Republican candidate Thomas Harris; in this staunchly liberal district, Harris faced little chance against the popular Sarbanes.

District 4

The district comprises portions of Prince George's and Montgomery Counties, and has been represented by Democrat Al Wynn since 1993.

Coming off a close primary against progressive advocate Donna Edwards in 2006, Wynn faced a competitive primary against her again in 2008. While Wynn made an effort to appear more progressive, he remains one of the most conservative members of the Congressional Black Caucus. This time, Edwards defeated Wynn in the primary. Wynn then announced he would be leaving Congress before his term's expiration in January 2009, which triggered a special election.

District 5

The district comprises all of Charles, St. Mary's, and Calvert Counties, as well as portions of Prince George's and Anne Arundel Counties. The seat has been represented by Democrat and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer since 1981. He was challenged by Collins Bailey, a businessman and fourth-term elected member of the Charles County Board of Education.

District 6

The district comprises all of Garrett, Allegany, Washington, Frederick and Carroll Counties, as well as portions of Montgomery, Baltimore, and Harford Counties, and has been represented by Republican Roscoe Bartlett since 1993.

Bartlett's district is one of the more Republican seats in heavily Democratic Maryland, and includes several western cities such as Frederick and Hagerstown. Bartlett was 82 as of June 3, 2008. While he still managed to receive 58% of the vote in 2006 against little-known Democratic opponent Andrew J. Duck, a stockbroker and U.S. Army veteran, it was nine points lower than his 2004 showing. Although there were early rumors that Bartlett would retire rather than run again, he subsequently filed his candidacy for re-election. Duck, too, ran again in 2008. In a surprise, former Cumberland Mayor Frank K. Nethken announced that he would be a candidate for the GOP nomination even if Bartlett sought re-election.

While Andrew Duck ran for the Democratic nomination, he lost to Jennifer Dougherty, the former Mayor of Frederick. Roscoe Bartlett won the Republican nomination.

District 7

The district encompasses parts of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County, and has been represented by Democrat Elijah Cummings since 1996. Cummings did not face any opposition in the Democratic primary or general election in his last election, but faced Republican Michael Hargadon and Libertarian Ronald Owens-Bey, whom he easily defeated.

District 8

The district mostly consists of the larger part of Montgomery County, but also includes a small portion of Prince George's County, and has been represented by Democrat Chris Van Hollen since 2003. Van Hollen has achieved national prominence as head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

References

1. "Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives".
2. "1998 Gubernatorial General Election Results". Maryland State Board of Elections. October 24, 2000. Retrieved April 8, 2008.
3. "Club for Growth Endorses Andy Harris". Andy Harris for Congress. August 13, 2007. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2007.
4. "Ehrlich supports Harris for seat". Associated Press. October 19, 2007. Archived from the original on February 20, 2008. Retrieved October 19, 2007.
5. CQ Staff (October 2, 2007). "Eleven Republican Incumbents Have to Watch Their Backs in House Primaries". Retrieved October 19, 2007.
6. ^ "Sun endorsements: Experience counts". The Baltimore Sun. February 7, 2008. Archived from the original on October 11, 2008. Retrieved April 8, 2008.
7. "Representative in Congress Results". Maryland State Board Of Elections. Retrieved March 26, 2008.
8. ^ Olson, Bradley (February 2, 2008). "GOP brawling in the 1st: Democrats hope for Gilchrest loss". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved April 8, 2008.
9. Brody, Alan (February 22, 2008). "Dems ready to spend big on Kratovil: Van Hollen, Hoyer say District 1 seat is in play". Gaithersburg Gazette. Maryland Community Newspapers. Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. Retrieved April 8, 2008.
10. "2008 Races Map: South Region". Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Archived from the original on March 18, 2008. Retrieved April 8, 2008.
11. LoBianco, Tom (March 14, 2008). "Gilchrest staffers support Democrat". The Washington Times. Retrieved April 8, 2008.
12. Edge, Wally (February 29, 2008). "Top Gilchrest staffer kicks-off 'Republicans for Kratovil'". Politicker MD. Archived from the original on May 9, 2008. Retrieved April 8, 2008.
13. The Crypt's Blog – Politico.com
14. Gilchrest crosses party lines, endorses Democrat Kratovil, even cutting an ad for him (baltimoresun.com)
15. Bourg, Allison (February 9, 2008). "Local challengers have difficult task". The Capital. Retrieved March 21, 2008.
16. O'Malley To Push For One Special Election To Replace Wynn Archived October 31, 2008, at the Wayback Machine Michael Teitelbaum, CQ Politics, April 3, 2008

External links

• Maryland State Board of Elections
• U.S. Congress candidates for Maryland at Project Vote Smart
• Maryland U.S. House Races from 2008 Race Tracker
• Campaign contributions for Maryland congressional races from OpenSecrets

v t e Elections in Maryland
General	1946 1948 1950 1952 1954 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1982 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024
Governor	1777 1778 1779 1780 1781 1782 1783 1784 1785 1786 1787 1788 1789 1790 1791 1792 1793 1794 1795 1796 1797 1798 1799 1800 1801 1802 1803 1804 1805 1806 1807 1808 1809 (sp) 1809 1810 1811 1812 1813 1814 1815 1816 1817 1818 1819 1820 1821 1822 1823 1824 1826 1827 1828 1829 1830 1831 1832 1833 1834 1835 1836 1837 1838 (Jan.) 1838 (Oct.) 1841 1844 1847 1850 1853 1857 1861 1864 1867 1871 1875 1879 1883 1887 1891 1895 1899 1903 1907 1911 1915 1919 1923 1926 1930 1934 1938 1942 1946 1950 1954 1958 1962 1966 1969 (sp) 1970 1974 1978 1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022
State Senate	1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022
House of Delegates	1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022
U.S. President	1788 1792 1796 1800 1804 1808 1812 1816 1820 1824 1828 1832 1836 1840 1844 1848 1852 1856 1860 1864 1868 1872 1876 1880 1884 1888 1892 1896 1900 1904 1908 1912 1916 1920 1924 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020
U.S. Senate	1788 1790 1791 1793 1793 (sp) 1795 1796 1796 (sp) 1797 (sp) 1800 (sp) 1801 (sp) 1802 1806 1806 (sp) 1808 1809 1813 (sp) 1816 (sp) 1819 1819 (sp) 1821 1822 (sp) 1825 1826 (sp) 1827 1831 1833 1835 (sp) 1836 (sp) 1837 1838 (sp) 1839 1839 (sp) 1841 (sp) 1843 1849 1850 (sp) 1851 1855 1861 1864 (sp) 1865 (sp) 1868 (sp) 1874 1880 1884 1886 1890 1892 1892 (sp) 1896 1898 1902 1904 1908 1908 (sp) 1910 1913 (sp) 1914 1916 1920 1922 1926 1928 1932 1934 1938 1940 1944 1946 1950 1952 1956 1958 1962 1964 1968 1970 1974 1976 1980 1982 1986 1988 1992 1994 1998 2000 2004 2006 2010 2012 2016 2018 2022 2024
U.S. House	1789 1790 1792 1794 1798 1803 1806 1822 1826 1829 1831 1833 1835 1837 1839 1841 1844 1845 1847 1849 1851 1853 1855 1857 1859 1861 1863 1864 1866 1868 1870 1872 1874 1876 1878 1880 1882 1884 1886 1888 1890 1892 1894 1896 1898 1900 1902 1904 1906 1908 1910 1912 1914 1916 1918 1920 1922 1924 1926 1928 1930 1932 1934 1936 1938 1940 1942 1944 1946 1948 1950 1952 1954 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024
Attorney General	1895 1899 1903 1907 1911 1915 1919 1923 1926 1930 1934 1938 1942 1946 1950 1954 1958 1962 1966 1970 1974 1978 1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022
Comptroller	1895 1897 1899 1901 1903 1905 1907 1909 1911 1913 1915 1917 1919 1921 1923 1926 1930 1934 1938 1942 1946 1950 1954 1958 1962 1966 1970 1974 1978 1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022
County Executive	2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022 2025 sp
County offices	2006 2010 2014 2018 2022
See also: Political party strength in Maryland

• United States House of Representatives elections in Maryland
• 2008 United States House of Representatives elections
• 2008 Maryland elections