In 3rd District GOP Race, Incumbent Rests, Competition Hustles

On the last day before today's primary election, County Council candidate Todd Huff was busy organizing volunteers at polling stations and sprucing up his blue and yellow campaign signs scattered throughout the 3^rd District battleground.

Later, the Republican businessman headed to a dinner fundraiser for former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. at Liberatore's of Timonium, a family-owned Italian restaurant. 

Meanwhile, the candidate to beat—four-term incumbent Councilman T. Bryan McIntire—took a different tact. He took the day off and relaxed at home.

"I have my own priorities, ideas, and ways to get things done," said McIntire, 80, the council's only Republican. "I am cautiously optimistic. I don't know what the people will do but I am prepared to accept the results either way."

A newcomer to politics, Huff, 42, can not afford to be as laid back. He is hoping that three years of active preparation and campaigning are enough to win the Republican primary so that he can run in November's general election.

"I think McIntire's done a great job but, unfortunately, land preservation was his only interest," said Huff, who works at his family's Brooks-Huff Tire and Auto business. "I want to work on bringing in more business and jobs, which in turn help the housing market. I'm not referring to development but the revitalization of the already existing business community. McIntire's not business friendly."

However, Huff is quick to mention that continuing land preservation efforts are a top priority for him as well.

"I'm not advocating for new businesses to take over open free land," Huff says. "There is a lot we can do with the already developed areas."

Former Republican congresswoman, Helen Bentley, 86, joined Huff on the campaign trail yesterday.

"He's a very fine, able young man," Bentley said of Huff. "We need some youth around here. The future is in their hands."

Huff said he was excited that the race was finally coming to an end.

"Confidence right now is cocky," Huff said. "One part of me is anxious but I feel good about the race. I feel I have done everything the right way. I'm really excited."

Aside from Huff, McIntire also faces challenges from Jim Christina, 52, a podiatrist from Cockeysville; George H. Harman, 66, an environmental consultant and former state employee from Reisterstown; Jeff Srnec, 51, an electrical engineer from Carney; and Glen A. Thomas, 64, an educational consultant from Phoenix.