Cardin Considers Comptroller Campaign

Add another name, a local one, to the list of those interested in running for state comptroller should Peter Franchot opt to run for governor in 2014.

Del. Jon Cardin said on Monday that he is eying the office which is responsible for tax collection in Maryland, as well as being one of three spots on the state Board of Public Works.

"I'm testing out the waters," Cardin said. "I think it would be something of great interest to me."

Part of Cardin's toe-dipping includes speaking recently to campaign contributors and other elected officials about the 2014 campaign for statewide office.

Another part is trying to read Franchot's interest in running for governor.

Franchot has certainly been signaling his interest in the position for several years but a crowded field could change things.

"A lot of it depends on how much money (Franchot) can raise," Cardin said. "That could determine if he decides to run for governor. If he does, the comptroller's office is something that's interesting to me."

The delegate, who represents Pikesville, Owings Mills and part of Timonium, said it's too early to start talking about the financing and organization for a 2014 state office campaign. (Tell that to Franchot who seems to spend as much time in Baltimore County as he does his native Takoma Park.)

"We're three years out," Cardin said. "There's a lot going on for me to consider."

Cardin is the latest person to express an interest in the position.

Last week, Del. Galen Glaggett, a three-term Democrat from Frederick County, told the Frederick Gazette that he would not seek a fourth term in the House of Delegates and was considering running for comptroller.

The Washington Post in June reported that Del. Kumar Barve, a six-term Democrat from Montgomery County and the House Majority leader, was also considering a run.

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