Van Hollen And Bartlett, Have Big Money Advantage

Republicans see opening to challenge Hoyer this year, but all incumbents, including Van Hollen and Bartlett, have big money advantage

Republicans in Maryland's 5th Congressional District have noticed something new this year: House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer appears to be grinding the campaign trail.

"He's done more campaigning in the last three months in the district than he's done in the last 10 years in my unofficial observation," said Collins Bailey, a Republican who lost to Hoyer in 2008.

Hoyer shrugged off assertions that this campaign is any different. "I always run an aggressive campaign, whether I have an opponent or not. And I'm always in the district," Hoyer said.

In the 8th District: Hopes are high and odds are long for Rep. Chris Van Hollen's challengers.

In the 6th District, defense PACs and name recognition boost Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, Maryland's only Republican congressman. (Click here to read more.)