Hoyer pounds Bailey in 5th District

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008

Despite spending hardly any time campaigning in the district, routs have become the norm for the 14-term incumbent from Mechanicsville.

Tuesday was no different, as Hoyer (D-Md., 5th) trounced Republican challenger Collins A. Bailey, 71 to 27 percent, receiving mandates throughout the 5th Congressional District, according to preliminary election returns. The district includes all three jurisdictions in Southern Maryland and southern portions of Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties.

In Charles County, Hoyer defeated Bailey 70 to 27 percent.

In Calvert, Hoyer had 60 percent to Bailey's 37 and in St. Mary's, Hoyer had 62 to 37 percent.

Prince George's County's 5th District precincts had Hoyer with 84 to 13 percent with 47 percent of precincts reporting. Anne Arundel County had not posted results for 5th District precincts by press time.

With the convincing win, Hoyer, 69, ran his streak to six consecutive elections when he received at least 65 percent of the vote. He has only twice registered less than 60 percent of the vote, in 1994 and 1996.

Record-low congressional approval ratings have not hurt Hoyer, who was elected House Majority Leader in 2006 in a vote of his House colleagues and is highly regarded in Southern Maryland for his advocacy of the region's military installations and his success in delivering federal aid for key transportation projects.

Still, Bailey appealed to voters who believe Hoyer has fallen out of touch with constituents and is more focused on his national profile, a theme that previous opponents have used to no avail. He ran on a platform of less spending, limited government and returning to constitutional values.

Hoyer raised far more money than Bailey during the campaign — outraising him $3.4 million to less than $20,000 — but used very little of it on his own race. The Democratic kingmaker traveled extensively in the past year to districts with vulnerable incumbents or promising candidates.

Bailey, 54, will retain his seat on the Charles County Board of Education, where he is serving his fourth term.

abrody@somdnews.com