Smith's Planned Move Fuels Talk Of Possible Run For State Senate

Some speculate he will seek state Senate seat

Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith Jr. is selling his home of 41 years in Reisterstown and plans to move next month into an apartment in Cockeysville, a downsizing that has set off speculation that he will run for the state Senate in the legislative district there.

Term-limited in the executive job, Smith, a lifelong Democrat who has served as county councilman and judge, has stated repeatedly that he intends to remain in public service. He told The Baltimore Sun in May that he was looking at statewide offices, and with a campaign account in excess of $1 million, he had been expected to challenge Democratic Comptroller Peter Franchot in a primary.

But he announced in July that he was not seeking the job as state tax collector, saying it would not be a good fit for him.

By establishing residency in the 7th District, which includes sections of Baltimore and Harford counties, he could seek the Senate seat held since 1999 by Republican Andrew P. Harris, who is planning to run for Congress a second time.

"I will have plenty of time ... to decide," said the 67-year-old Smith. "This move just makes it possible to run for the Senate. I am considering it as an available option."

Harris lost his first bid for Congress last year in a close contest with Democrat Frank Kratovil in the 1st District. He said yesterday he expects to quit the Senate and challenge Kratovil next year.

"I will probably vacate my Senate seat," Harris said, adding that he has months before the filing deadline to make an official announcement.

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