Candidates for Maryland Junior Senate Seat

Maryland Junior Senate Seat

Paul Sarbanes and Barbara Mikulski have been the only two Senators from Maryland in recent memory. The Maryland Junior Senate Seat has been held by incumbent Barbara Mikulski since 1987. Mikulski has a reputation of serving her constituents' interests, and is consequently likely to win the Democratic primary and the general election. However, as the Senate currently contains 51 Republicans, 48 Democrats and one Independent, the GOP is looking to widen its slim majority and pick up another Senate seat. The Democrats also cannot afford to lose another Senate seat. As Senators only face re-election every six years, the 33 Senate races that are occurring around the country will be closely followed by both parties.

Democratic Candidates

Sid Altman

Sid Altman currently lives in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He received a B.B.A. (Bachelors of Business Administration) from City University of New York and an M.A. in Education from New York University. He considers the United States' "huge" military budget to be the biggest problem facing America today, arguing that it both drains the American economy and perpetuates war. Altman notes that European nations, who drastically cut military spending after the Cold War, are now consequently able to afford universal public health care. Altman has been a critic of incumbent Barbara Mikulski, whom he calls a supporter of "excessive military spending."

No website available

A. Robert Kaufman

While Robert Kaufman is running as a Democrat against incumbent Barbara Mikulski, he lists his occupation as "socialist organizer." Kaufman calls for changes in the economic and foreign policies of the United States, arguing that they tailor to large international corporations and impoverish third-world nations. He is a strong supporter of environmental protection, social welfare, public education and affordable housing. Kaufman also believes in "building a democratic-socialist movement to prevent the fascist alternative."

No website available

Barbara Mikulski (Incumbent)

Barbara Mikulski is the popular incumbent Junior Senator from Maryland and currently lives in Baltimore. She received a B.A. from Mount Saint Mary's College and a M.S.W. (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Maryland. Mikulski has been a member of Congress since 1977. While she believes that Maryland and the United States should be made more secure, she believes that constitutional freedoms should not be infringed upon through that effort. Mikulski also considers the economy, healthcare and education to be issues facing America today. In the past, Mikulski has fought for improving education, science and technology and considers these to be crucial aspects in the American economy and in America's dominance.

Official Campaign Website

Chips' Best Guess: Senator Mikulski is likely to win the Democratic primary and the general election due to her popularity, her incumbency and her long history as a Maryland legislator.

Republican Candidates

Coming soon