Cardin Fundraises In Chicago for Possible AG Bid

Del. Jon Cardin took his fundraising efforts for a possible Maryland attorney general campaign all the way to Chicago last week.

Cardin held a small event at Mercat a la Planxa, a Catalan-inspired tapas restaurant on Michigan Avenue in the Windy City. The Aug. 8 event was held in conjunction with the delegate's attendance at the National Conference of State Legislators last week.

The three-term Democratic delegate had been considering a possible run for state comptroller but said Monday that his plans have changed.

"I'm exploring the attorney general position," said Cardin, who represents Owings Mills, Pikesville and part of Timonium. "I'm not exploring the comptroller position."

About 30 people connected to the conference paid between $100 and $500 to attend. Cardin said he did not yet know how much money he raised at the event.

He's holding another event later this week in Ocean City during the Maryland Association of Counties convention—provided the General Assembly can complete its work on legislation on expanded gaming and pit bulls.

Current Attorney General Doug Gansler is expected to vacate the position to run for governor in 2014. The opening would provide an opportunity for Cardin and others who are also said to be exploring the position such as Montgomery County Democratic Senators Brian Frosh and Jamie Raskin.