While there is very little certainty in American politics these days, as the 2016 presidential primary season has amply demonstrated, to be the nominee of the Democratic Party for a US Senate seat in Maryland might cause even the best politician to become overconfident. The state has not elected a Republican to the Senate since 1982, but this important bit of Maryland history has had little effect on the current Democratic nominee, Representative Chris Van Hollen.
In fact, Van Hollen seems to be running faster and harder than during the primary season, when he faced a serious challenge within his own party from Rep. Donna Edwards this spring. The congressman eventually won a significant victory over Edwards, with almost 54% of the vote, so it is all the more surprising to note the candidate’s intensity and hectic scheduling as he runs against Republican state Delegate Kathy Szeliga in the general election.
In his second interview with the Spy this year, Van Hollen talks about the 2016 race and his aggressive campaign to win a decisive victory in November. He also speaks of the negative political culture that Donald Trump has brought to the process and his desire for real bipartisan leadership in Congress, following in the footsteps of his mentor and former boss, the last Republican elected to the Senate from Maryland, Charles “Mac” Mathias.
This video is approximately ten minutes in length
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