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Senator Ben Cardin Democrat of Maryland
For U.S Senate in 2012Statistics
Party: Democrat
Born: October 5, 1943; Baltimore, Maryland
Education: University of Pittsburgh, B.A. Economics, 1964; University of Maryland, J.D., 1967
Occupation:
Family: Myrna Edelman, 1 daughter
Religion: Judaism
Political Career: Maryland House of Delegates 1967-1986; Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee 1974-1979 Speaker of Maryland House of Representatives, 1979-1986; U.S. House of Representatives, 1987-2006; elected U.S. Senate 2006.
Committees: Environmental and Public Works (EPW), Finance, Foreign Relations, Budget and Small Business Entrepreneurship. Chairs International Development and Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs and International Environmental Protection Subcommittee of the Foreign Relations Committees.
Why Your Support
Senator Ben Cardin has been called a "legislator's legislator" by the Washington Post. In more than 20 years in the Congress, he has become a national leader on health care, retirement security, the environment, homeland security and the economy.. One of twelve Jewish Senators,and with strong ties to the Baltimore Jewish community, Cardin stands with JAC on all our issues. He has voted against all federal attempts to ban women’s reproductive freedom and choices. JAC has supported Cardin as a member of the House and when he ran for the Senate in 2006. Recently Cardin was the Lead Sponsor of S. Res. 185 - Opposing Palestinian Efforts to Seek Unilateral Recognition at U.N. His voting record on Israel, choice and separation of religion and state is perfect. Senator Ben Cardin is a principled leader who is also a popular and savvy politician.
He should not have difficulty keeping this seat, although in 2012 anything could happen. He does have a primary challenger in st. Sen. Anthony Muse. One Republican, former Secret Service agent Daniel Bongino, has declared. Cardin's continued service is a priority for JAC.
Background
The Census Bureau estimated that Maryland has a population of approximately 5.7 million people. Maryland has the highest median household income and the lowest poverty rate of any state in the country. Maryland is a major center for life sciences research and development. Democrats currently hold the majority of both chambers of the state legislature. There are 6 Democratic U.S. Representatives and 2 Republican Representatives. Both U.S. Senators are Democrats.
About The Candidate
Born and raised in Baltimore and a graduate of University of Maryland law school (where he was #1 in his class), Cardin has Maryland politics and a commitment to public service in his bloodlines. His father, Meyer Cardin, served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1935 to 1937, and later sat on the Supreme Bench of Baltimore City from 1961 to 1977. First elected to the state House while still attending law school, Ben Cardin served in the seat once held by his uncle, Maurice Cardin, who had decided to not run for re-election so that his nephew could instead pursue the seat. At age 35, he was one of the youngest Speakers of the House in Maryland history. During 10 terms in the US House of Representatives, Cardin was commended for his work with fiscal policy. He was honored by Worth Magazine and by Treasury and Risk Management for his work protecting retirement plans and government-support medical care for the elderly. He has also received 100 percent ratings from the League of Conservation Voters and the NAACP, indicating favorable views on environmental protection and civil rights. He voted against going to war in Iraq. In 2006, Cardin was elected to succeed Paul Sarbanes in the U.S. Senate, soundly defeating Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele, who went on to become the controversial head of the RNC. In the 112th Congress, Senator Cardin has seen many of his financial proposals enacted into law, including: increasing the amount Americans can save for retirement, expanding Medicare to include preventive benefits and improving the foster care system.
