Benoit to Decide on Congressional Campaign by Thanksgiving

Anne Arundel County Councilman Jamie Benoit said he hopes to decide by Thanksgiving whether to pursue a seat in the Maryland legislature.

The former Odenton resident, who now represents District 4 on the County Council, announced last week the formation of an exploratory committee to pursue the Democratic nomination for Maryland redrawn 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The seat is currently filled by Donna Edwards, a Democrat from Fort Washington who was elected in 2008.

Benoit said he had never considered running for federal office before this year, but began thinking about it after listening to rhetoric during the debate over Congressional redistricting in Maryland.

“Obviously this is a profoundly important time in our nation’s affairs,” he said. “I don’t think there are enough serious people in Congress. 2012 is a chance to get some serious people in government.”

He accused District 4 incumbent Donna Edwards of being too dismissive of Anne Arundel County when it appeared that some eastern portions of the county would be rolled into the new district. Edwards had argued during the redistricting process that the shift to add voters from Anne Arundel County was a violation of federal law, and would dilute the voting power of African Americans.

 Gov. Martin O'Malley signed the new district maps into law on Oct. 20.

“There appears to be a reluctance or an unwillingness from [Edwards] to represent Anne Arundel County,” Benoit said. “I’d be happy to rid her of that obligation.”

The Washington Post reported that former Prince George’s County District Attorney Glenn Ivey may also seek the Democratic nomination for District 4.

Benoit said the decision to run is not one that he will take likely, given that he has two children and another on the way. But he said his wife, Kari, has offered him her full support.  

“I have no doubt that if I run, I would have a good chance of winning,” Benoit said.

The councilman was first elected to the County Council in 2006 and was re-elected last year. If he were elected to Congress, that would leave two years on his county term. The council would then appoint a replacement from the same party.