Maryland’s primary elections are 11 months away, but that hasn’t stopped a number of area residents from tossing their hats into some of the 2010 election races.

One of those is a newcomer to the local political scene.

Brian McDaniel, a 40-year-old criminal defense attorney from Beltsville, is running for state delegate for District 21.
In a campaign reminiscent of incumbent Joseline Peña-Melnyk’s 2006 run for the same position, McDaniel said he hopes to be elected as a voice for the “lesser-heard” constituents of District 21.

“There is a disconnect between the representation of this district and its constituents,” McDaniel said. “The ICC and Konterra: These are projects that have a direct impact on the district. But its voters were not sure about the legislation of either until it was already done and voted on.”

McDaniel said he has “no personal problems” with any of District 21’s representatives, but believes he would bring a “different perspective” that would “aid the legislative process.”

McDaniel is a graduate of Howard University and its law school. He has operated a private law practice since 1995, specializing in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. He has a wife and two daughters.

He vowed that, if elected, he would be open with voters on what legislation is being considered and its implications for voters.

“Once elected, we’ll turn my campaign Web site into a page where voters can see what is being considered and can give their feelings on the issues,” he said. “I want to hear what they have to say. I might not agree, but I will listen.”
McDaniel said he’s putting together the rest of his platform, but has developed a “parental support initiative” that he
hopes to present, if elected.

“In my years as an attorney, I have had a number of young clients who made bad decisions based on circumstance,” he said. “Unemployment, no vocational training or education or broken homes.”

The initiative would identify “broken homes” — homes that, he says, discourage children from seeking an education — and develop plans to improve those conditions and help parents be responsible.

“You don’t have a choice whether you want to be a responsible parent, you just have to be,” he said. “I want to help them be good parents. If they’re drug addicted, we’ll get them addiction support. We’ll do what needs to be done.”
It won’t be an easy race for McDaniel, however. He is facing three incumbents for the District 21 delegation.

Last week, state Sen. James Rosapepe — a College Park Democrat — confirmed that he will seek re-election.

He confirmed that the District 21 ticket, which in addition to Rosapepe includes Peña-Melnyk and state delegates Barbara Frush and Ben Barnes, is running together in next fall’s election.

In confirming his re-election campaign, Rosapepe also denied rumors that he had considered running for county council.

The same cannot be said for Rosapepe’s previous ticket-mate, Brian Moe. Moe, a former District 21 delegate who ran alongside Rosapepe in the 2006 primary before being upset by Peña-Melnyk, said late last week that he has  formed an exploratory committee to campaign for Prince George’s County Council.

Moe, the younger brother of Laurel Mayor Craig Moe, said that while he is not yet officially in the race for county council, he will decide one way or another in the next 30 days or so.

“I’m looking at it seriously,” he said. “I’d like to see what kind of responses I get for my candidacy.”

Moe said he’s already spoken with some delegates and senators, but hopes to “take a look” at the opinions of some others before making an official decision.

If he does opt to run, Moe would be the third person seeking to succeed West Laurel resident Tom Dernoga for the District 1 seat of the county council.

Community activist Mary Lehman declared her candidacy for Dernoga’s seat this summer, followed quickly by union activist Sam Epps.

Dernoga, who is term-limited after two terms on the County Council, has already said he is planning to run for State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County.

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