Where There Is A Will...

As Republicans dream of a sea change that will bring them to power, prompted by the recent visit of Ken Mehlman, one is tempted to point out that the opportunities for change in offices in the US generally, and Maryland specifically, are myriad.

Grassroots mobilization is weak, many elected office holders are distant from their constituents, parties are weak, and many office holders seem to be hanging on mostly because of unchallenged inertia. If a reasonably capable candidate is really willing to work, outside organizations decide to give real money, and an effective organization can be built, then even relatively entrenched candidates can be defeated.

In two diverse legislative districts the energetic, hungry candidates with experience as delegates are pushing long-time state senators of the same party out the door.

In a Gaithersburg/Rockville area district, former Delegate Cheryl Kagan is challenging Sen. Jennie Forehand.

For the first time in her career as a state senator from District 17, Sen. Jennie M. Forehand may face a serious challenger in next year's Democratic primary.

Cheryl Kagan , a longtime Democratic activist who served in the House of Delegates from 1995 to 2003, announced Tuesday that she is forming an exploratory committee to consider whether to challenge Forehand.

"While state Senator Jennie Forehand has served us honorably for 28 years, she has become a predictable vote for the status quo," Kagan said in a statement. "I believe it's time for a tougher, stronger leader to represent mid-Montgomery County in the state Senate."

Kagan retired from the House of Delegates in 2003. Since then, she has been executive director of the Carl. M. Freeman Foundation and served as co-chairman of Sen. John F. Kerry's Montgomery campaign last year.

And in western Maryland, Sen. Hafer says that he is not running for reelection because of pressure from Del. George Edwards, the House Minority Leader.

--OnBackground