Montgomery Council Endorses Chris Van Hollen for Senate

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All nine members of the Montgomery County Council on Monday endorsed Rep. Chris Van Hollen for the United States Senate being vacated by Sen. Barbara Mikulski.

Van Hollen, from Montgomery County, was the first Democratic contender to publicly say he will seek the United States Senate seat now held by retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski.

Other supporters of Van Hollen’s candidacy are Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh and Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, according to Congressman Van Hollen’s office.

Van Hollen, elected to Congress in 2002, represents the Eighth District, made up of much of Montgomery County, along with Westminster and Eldersburg.

Van Hollen, described in a WTOP story as the chief budget strategist for Democrats in the House, made his announcement in an email to supporters two days after Mikulski said she would not run for another termin 2016.

At Monday’s endorsement event Congressman Van Hollen said, “I’m very grateful to have my colleagues here today, to have their endorsement for the United States Senate, and to have had the opportunity to work with them on so many issues important to our community. On transportation issues, on our local school issues, on trying to make sure that the quality of life in Montgomery County and our community is the best it can be. On making sure that we are a welcoming place for all people and we recognize the potential of every individual to recognize and achieve the American dream if they are given that chance. And with the help of the people of Maryland, we’ll have the opportunity to do the same thing for the people of the entire state.”

Montgomery County Council President George Leventhal said, “Ten elected officials don’t always agree on everything, but there’s one thing that we agree on - and that is that we have complete confidence in Congressman Chris Van Hollen as the best candidate to be our next United States Senator from Maryland. We know that he will work equally hard for the watermen on the Eastern Shore, we know he will work just as hard to stimulate the economy of Western Maryland, he understands the needs of Baltimore and Central Maryland. This is an extraordinary leader in the United States Congress. He has our complete confidence. We know him. He’s our colleague. We are testifying to our experience built over many years of friendship and mutual respect.”

Council member Tom Hucker was unable to attend but joins in endorsing Congressman Van Hollen.

»Photo: Congressman Chris Van Hollen with members of the Montgomery County Council, who endorsed his U.S. Senate candidacy.

SEE ALSO:

• Rep. Chris Van Hollen to Seek Mikulski’s Senate Post
• Sen. Barbara Mikulski Announces Retirement