Pipkin launches bid to unseat Mikulski

The Baltimore Sun ^ | 10-13 | AP

[ForOurFuture]

GRASONVILLE -- Republican state Sen. E. J. Pipkin declared his candidacy today for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Barbara Mikulski, beginning what he acknowledged will be an underdog campaign against a popular three-term incumbent.

But Pipkin, who has the backing of top Maryland GOP officials, said Mikulski can be defeated.

"We're going to have a competitive race here. All I know is I got into this to win," he said.

Mikulski was elected with 60 percent of the vote in 1986 and was re-elected in 1992 and 1998 with 71 percent of the vote. Josh White, executive director of the state Democratic Party, scoffed at the idea Mikulski is vulnerable to a challenge from Pipkin.

"There is no scenario where E.J. Pipkin can defeat Barbara Mikulski, and Republicans know it," White said.

[ForOurFuture]

Maryland Politics Ping.

[cmsgop]

Rupert ?????

[ForOurFuture]

You'd have to ask him. Or read the article.

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[ForOurFuture]

Ping.

[Clemenza]

Basia Mikulski always reminded me of a truck driver named "Large Marge" or a surly waitress at an East Baltimore Coffee Shop.

I wish Pipkin the best of luck, but Basia will have that seat until she expires.

[Dan from Michigan]

Good luck. I think he has about as much chance of winning Maryland statewide as a republican would have winning Ann Arbor. It's possible(Engler in 98), but not likely.

[JohnnyZ]

Good luck Pip!

At least we have a nominee. Keeps the Party from looking completely impotent. And we'll have a Republican out there pushing an anti-tax, pro-environment message. And getting name ID for a future, more realistic run.

I'll go way out on a limb and predict he'll get 42%.

[AuH2ORepublican]

"I'll go way out on a limb and predict he'll get 42%."

---

Johnny, Pip will have to spend a lot of money to get to 42%. If he doesn't mount an air war, I doubt he'll get more than 35%.

[CurlyBill]

PING ... My fingers are crossed, but this is a very long shot. Having said that, there are many who would have thought it impossible for Maryland to elect a Republican Governor. The difference is that right or wrong, Mikulski has the reputation of being very good at helping constituents. This depsite her low IQ and left wing voting record. The apolitical see this and come out in droves for her.

[Impy]

So we have a candidate?

His state senate seats not up again is it? So there's nothing to lose.

[Bigg Red]

Go, Pipkin! Show that troll the door.

[Bigg Red]

Thanks for the flag.

[chimera]

Good luck. It would be very sweet indeed to beat that baby-killing old babushka, but I have a feeling it's a lost cause. Mikulski doesn't have the negatives that Townsend had in the governor's race, and Baltimore machine politics is as Rat-red as you can get.

[ForOurFuture]

His Senate term ends in 06.

[Clintonfatigued]

I can see some logic in Pipkin's decision. His state Senate district is not open next year. Also, he is a wealthy investment banker with personal funds to tap. I think that he is hoping to make a respectable showing (40%-45%). If he does that, he will have the name I.D. and the credibility to run for another higher office at a later time, like one of the downballot state races in 2006. Also, in the unlikely senario that Mikulski stumbles into some kind of controversy or gaffe, Pipkin will be positioned to take advantage of it.