'Delegate Mike McDermott Announces Run For State Senate’

State Delegate Mike McDermott formally kicked-off his campaign for the state Senate representing District 38. McDermott has earned the reputation as someone not afraid to stand up for Eastern Shore values with passion and clarity. His ability to work across party lines without compromising core beliefs led to his being awarded the “2013 Legislator of the Year” by the MSAA. His advocacy for victims of abuse resulted in Delegate McDermott being awarded the “2012 Integrity Award” by POPULAR.

McDermott has also garnered recognition as a staunch defender of Maryland business and industry while at the same time advocating for consumers. For his efforts and his 100% voting record in support of the business community, Delegate McDermott has received the coveted “Blue Ribbon Award” from the MBRG for the years 2011, 2012, and 2013. He was also named a “Consumer Committee Champion for 2013” by the MCRC for his outstanding work in trying to keep costs down for Maryland consumers.

“It’s time to take back your state,” McDermott said. “Maryland is the jewel of the mid-Atlantic, but the policy of taxing everything from small businesses to gasoline to even ‘rain’ has led us down a destructive path. When you add to that the continuing loss of jobs, and the erosion of our property and 2nd Amendment rights, it’s easy to see why people are looking for leaders who will rise from their seats and say ‘enough is enough!’

McDermott said he was urged to run for the senate “by folks who believe Maryland should be a haven for families and business, not a hindrance.” Having seen his Delegate District redistricted and moved 30-miles from his home, McDermott understands the retribution and politics that come to those viewed as a threat to the status quo of the General Assembly. “From day one in Annapolis, I’ve been a strong voice for Eastern Shore values and common sense spending,” McDermott said. “And from the way I was redistricted, it is more than obvious that my core beliefs, which they wanted me to compromise, are not their beliefs.”

McDermott made it clear that he stands up for people and not for what is politically expedient. “I make my decisions based on what is right on behalf of the folks I represent; and I do not ask permission of the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, or the Governor before casting a vote. It’s past time to elect a true senator, one who works for the people and not the boys on the other side of the bridge.”

McDermott cited just a few votes of the many cast by Senator Jim Mathias (D) which are “out-of-step” with the traditionally, conservative values of the Eastern Shore and District 38:
Mathias has voted for every O’Malley budget since taking office which has increased state spending 29% during the worst recession in Maryland history.
Mathias sponsored Obamacare and its implementation in Maryland.
Mathias sponsored legislation creating an electric surcharge/tax and higher rates on residents and business owners to pay for unproven windmills 20-miles out to sea.
Mathias sponsored legislation that requires all residential homes to be equipped with sprinkler systems increasing the cost of a rural family home by $25,000.00.
Mathias sponsored legislation that doubled, tripled, and quadrupled the fees/taxes that our Watermen must now pay to the state before they ever harvest their first crab or cast their first net.
Mathias voted in favor of the “Millionaires Tax” which increased the tax rate for incomes exceeding $1 million to 6.25% and drove citizens and capital out of our state resulting in lost jobs and revenues.
Mathias voted to deny the victims of domestic violence preferential treatment for firearms permitting which would have allowed these victims to protect themselves.
Mathias continually supports the budgetary shell games which often leads to prospective tax increases at the county level while denying cuts at the state level.
Mathias has consistently voted against floor amendments to cut wasteful spending which would have saved the taxpayers billions of dollars.

“Simply casting a vote without a word is not enough” McDermott said. “...but working in the committees, standing up, speaking out and fighting for your constituents rights is real leadership. I want people to know that, if elected, they will be getting a strong voice for the Eastern Shore, a proven leader that will work for them, and, at last, a true Senator.”

As a true Senator, Mike McDermott pledges to:
Continue to be a strong, outspoken advocate for Eastern Shore values.
Work to see Maryland return to the status of being a “business friendly” state.
Make every effort to see a moratorium on any further regulations on businesses which stifle growth and development.
Insist the state recognize and respect farmers as true conservationists and strive to see the agricultural industry protected and not crushed by over regulation.
Stand up for our Watermen and fishing traditions and work to reverse the current trend of balancing the state budget on the backs of these hard working Marylanders.
Work for a sound energy policy that includes natural gas and does not require the taxpayer or consumer to foot the bill for unproven technology and high energy costs.
Fight every effort by the state to diminish our civil rights including private property ownership and the right to keep and bear arms.
Insure that environmental policies are based upon legitimate science and not politics. To preserve and protect with balance is in everyone’s best interest.

Biographic Background

Mike and Laura McDermott recently celebrated their 30th Wedding anniversary. They have two grown children. Their son, Nate, graduated from Virginia Tech and is a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. He is married to the former Rachel Barrett of Girdletree, Maryland. Their daughter, Amanda, is a graduate of Salisbury University and is a Flight Attendant for US Airways.

McDermott has been a member of House of Delegates since January 12, 2011 where he serves as the Ranking Minority Member on the Judiciary Committee and as Chairman of the Worcester County Delegation. He is the former two-term Mayor of Pocomoke City, 2005-11.

Delegate McDermott is a career law enforcement officer beginning his service in 1988. He currently serves as the Commander of the Criminal Investigation Division for the Worcester County Sheriff's Office. He has also served as the Chief of Police for the Town of Snow Hill, Maryland from 2001-05.

Mike McDermott was born in Hawthorne, California in 1961. He is a graduate of Wake Technical College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserve from which he was Honorably discharged in 1986. He graduated from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Academy with honors in 1982. He has served as a police patrol sergeant, a chief of police and managed a family poultry farm in Willards, Maryland.

Professionally, he has served as President of the Advisory Board for the Bureau of Investigation, Worcester County, 2003-2004, President, Lower Eastern Shore Mayor’s Association, 2007-2008 and Member, Advisory Board, Worcester County Child Advocacy Center. He is a member of the Tri-County Council serving Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties.

In the community, Mike and Laura McDermott attend Glad Tidings Church. Mike is a past member of the Boy Scouts of America; Lions Club International, Pocomoke City where he was a past vice-president; National Rifle Association, Chesapeake Bay Foundation; Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce; Worcester County Republican Club and Maryland Municipal League. He is a former member of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers and Instructor for Wor-Wic Community College at the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy. He has coached baseball in the Pocomoke City little league and at Pocomoke High School.

Lieutenant Mike McDermott is a highly decorated member of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and has received the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Single Gold Star Award in 1998, 2001, and 2008 and the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation. He was recognized for heroism by the Worcester County Commissioners in 2009.