2006 United States Senate election in Maryland

none November 2017 March 2023 2006 United States Senate election in Maryland Maryland presidential no 2000 United States Senate election in Maryland 2000 2012 United States Senate election in Maryland 2012 November 7, 2006 150x150px Ben Cardin portrait.jpg Ben Cardin Democratic Party (United States) 965,477 54.21% Michael Steele.jpg Michael Steele Republican Party (United States) 787,182 44.19% 2006 United States Senate election in Maryland results map by county.svg 300px County resultsCardin: #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% Steele: #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #d72f30 70–80% U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes Democratic Party (United States) Ben Cardin Democratic Party (United States) The 2006 United States Senate election in Maryland was held Tuesday, November 7, 2006. Incumbent Democrat Paul Sarbanes, Maryland's longest-serving United States senator, decided to retire instead of seeking a sixth term. Democratic nominee Ben Cardin, a U.S. representative, won the open seat, defeating Republican lieutenant governor Michael Steele. Democratic primary Candidates Declared Benjamin L. Cardin, U.S. representative David Dickerson, engineer George T. English, economist James H. Hutchison, psychiatrist Anthony Jaworski A. Robert Kaufman, social activist and perennial candidate Allan Lichtman, professor at American University Thomas McCaskill, physicist Kweisi Mfume, former U.S. representative and former president of the NAACP Josh Rales, entrepreneur Dennis F. Rasmussen, former Baltimore County Executive Bob Robinson Theresa C. Scaldaferri Mike Schaefer, attorney Charles Ulysses Smith, activist Blaine Taylor, writer Joseph Werner, attorneyJoseph Werner http://www.joewerner.com https://web.archive.org/web/20080203234904/http://www.attorneywerner.com/joewerner/index.php February 3, 2008 January 13, 2010 dead mdy-all Lih Young, perennial candidate Withdrew Lise Van Susteren, psychiatrist and sister of Greta Van Susterenhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/21/AR2006042101868.html Matthew Mosk Van Susteren Quits, Citing Fundraising Lag The Washington Post washingtonpost.com April 22, 2006 January 13, 2010 October 24, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121024152357/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/21/AR2006042101868.html live Declined Chris Van Hollen, U.S. representativehttps://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/11/AR2005071101496.html Van Hollen Says He Won't Run for Senate Tim John Wagner Craig July 12, 2005 The Washington Post August 6, 2017 December 20, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161220034458/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/11/AR2005071101496.html live Campaign Kweisi Mfume, a former congressman and NAACP President, was the first to announce for the position, in March 2005. Ben Cardin, then a congressman since 1987, was the only other major candidate until September 2005, when former Baltimore County Executive Dennis F. Rasmussen, American University professor Allan Lichtman, and wealthy Potomac businessman Josh Rales entered the contest. Thirteen other candidates subsequently also entered the primary. As of August 2006, Cardin had raised more than $4.8 million and collected endorsements from a number of Democratic politicians, the AFL–CIO, and The Washington Post; Mfume had raised over $1.2 million and collected endorsements from the Maryland State Teachers Association, Progressive Maryland, former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening, the National Organization for Women, and Maryland Congressmen Elijah Cummings and Al Wynn. On August 31, 2006, Maryland Public Television (MPT) and the League of Women Voters (LWV) sponsored a debate between the two leading Democratic Primary Candidates.https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/31/AR2006083101684.html Mfume, Cardin Stress Contrasts In TV Debate The Washington Post Matthew Mosk September 1, 2006 January 13, 2010http://www.vovak.politicalgateway.com/cand.php?id=305&prid=682&page=press Free Campaign websites, Free Candidate Search engine, 24/7 elections and politics Vovak.politicalgateway.com January 13, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20061118152537/http://www.vovak.politicalgateway.com/cand.php?id=305&page=press&prid=682 November 18, 2006 dead mdy-all The LWV of Maryland and MPT arbitrarily excluded most of the FEC qualified candidates from the only televised debates in the primary election. There were 18 candidates in this race, only 2, Ben Cardin and Kweisi Mfume, were allowed to debate, despite the strenuous protests of the excluded candidates. Lichtman, Rales, and Rasmussen petitioned MPT and LWV for inclusion in the debate but received no response. On the day of the debate, Lichtman, his wife, and a campaign aide were arrested for trespassing while protesting during the taping of the debate.https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/31/AR2006083101684.html Mfume, Cardin Stress Contrasts In TV Debate The Washington Post Matthew Mosk September 1, 2006 January 13, 2010 They were found not guilty on all charges. The judge in the case said it should never have been brought to court and was a gross violation of the parties' constitutional rights.2006-11-18 Allan J. Lichtman https://www.baltimoresun.com/2006/11/18/allan-j-lichtman/ 2024-06-01 Baltimore Sun en-US June 1, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240601233252/https://www.baltimoresun.com/2006/11/18/allan-j-lichtman/ live Debates Complete video of debate, August 31, 2006 Polling Source Date BenCardin A. RobertKaufman AllanLichtman KweisiMfume JoshRales Dennis F.RasmussenThe Washington PostWashington Post June 25, 2006 26% 2% 4% 33% 0% 4%The Baltimore SunBaltimore Sun https://web.archive.org/web/20060822014524/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.poll17jul17,0,549888.story?coll=bal-home-headlines August 22, 2006 July 17, 2006 32% 1% 1% 28% 1% 1%Public Opinion Strategieshttp://blog.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2006/08/poll_shows_ehrlich_omalley_tie.html#23985 Public Opinion Strategies August 15, 2006 May 23, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110523062955/http://blog.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2006/08/poll_shows_ehrlich_omalley_tie.html#23985 live August 1–2, 2006 31% — — 25% 4% 6%Gonzales Researchhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/metro/20060830-122040-2370r.htm Gonzales Research The Washington Times August 30, 2006 October 18, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061018053551/http://www.washingtontimes.com/metro/20060830-122040-2370r.htm live August 30, 2006 43% — — 30% 6% —SurveyUSAhttp://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=26d679ed-7ba8-4dba-827f-b782b0159f5f SurveyUSA August 31, 2006 September 30, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070930200757/http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=26d679ed-7ba8-4dba-827f-b782b0159f5f live August 31, 2006 38% — — 42% 7% —SurveyUSAhttp://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=e4e21d40-39a8-48eb-969f-51f49ae8be8c SurveyUSA September 16, 2006 November 18, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061118151920/http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=e4e21d40-39a8-48eb-969f-51f49ae8be8c live September 11, 2006 47% — — 38% 7% —thumb|300px|Results by county: Map legend #7996e2 Cardin—50–60% #a5b0ff Cardin—40–50% #bdd3ff Cardin—30–40% #d0a828 Mfume—60–70% #fde387 Mfume—40–50% Results Democratic primary resultshttp://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2006/results/primary/office_US_Senator.html Maryland State Board of Elections elections.state.md.us Official 2006 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for U.S. Senator November 13, 2016 August 19, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160819221826/http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2006/results/primary/office_US_Senator.html live Benjamin L. Cardin Democratic Party (United States) 257,545 43.67 Kweisi Mfume Democratic Party (United States) 238,957 40.52 Josh Rales Democratic Party (United States) 30,737 5.21 Dennis F. Rasmussen Democratic Party (United States) 10,997 1.86 Mike Schaefer Democratic Party (United States) 7,773 1.32 Allan Lichtman Democratic Party (United States) 6,919 1.17 Theresa C. Scaldaferri Democratic Party (United States) 5,081 0.86 James H. Hutchinson Democratic Party (United States) 4,949 0.84 David Dickerson Democratic Party (United States) 3,950 0.67 A. Robert Kaufman Democratic Party (United States) 3,908 0.66 Anthony Jaworski Democratic Party (United States) 3,486 0.59 Thomas McCaskill Democratic Party (United States) 3,459 0.59 George T. English Democratic Party (United States) 2,305 0.39 Bob Robinson Democratic Party (United States) 2,208 0.37 Lih Young Democratic Party (United States) 2,039 0.35 Blaine Taylor Democratic Party (United States) 1,848 0.31 Joseph Werner Democratic Party (United States) 1,832 0.31 Charles Ulysses Smith Democratic Party (United States) 1,702 0.29 589,695 100 Republican primary Candidates Ray Bly, small businessman Earl S. Gordon Thomas J. Hampton, accountant John B. Kimble, behavioral researcher Edward Raymond Madej Daniel Muffoletto, small businessman Richard Shawver, activist Michael S. Steele, Lieutenant Governor and former chairman of the Maryland Republican Party Corrogan R. Vaughn, perennial candidate Daniel "The Wig Man" Vovak, ghostwriter and owner of Greenwich Creations Campaign Michael S. Steele was expected to win the Republican primary, and the Baltimore Sun wrote the month before that he faced "only nominal opposition".https://www.baltimoresun.com/2006/08/26/maryland-politicssenate-candidates-get-national-airingthe-candidates/ Maryland: Politics – Senate candidates get national airing The Baltimore Sun August 26, 2006 September 25, 2013 Among a field of nine other candidates, the only Republican receiving sufficient media coverage was Daniel Vovak. Results Republican primary results Michael S. Steele Republican Party (United States) 190,790 86.96 John Kimble Republican Party (United States) 6,280 2.86 Earl S. Gordon Republican Party (United States) 4,110 1.87 Daniel "Wig Man" Vovak Republican Party (United States) 4,063 1.85 Thomas J. Hampton Republican Party (United States) 3,946 1.80 Corrogan R. Vaughn Republican Party (United States) 2,565 1.17 Daniel Muffoletto Republican Party (United States) 2,335 1.06 Richard Shawver Republican Party (United States) 2,298 1.05 Ray Bly Republican Party (United States) 2,114 0.96 Edward Raymond Madej Republican Party (United States) 902 0.41 219,403 100 General election Candidates Michael S. Steele (R) – lieutenant governor Ben Cardin (D) – U.S. congressman Kevin Zeese (G) – (Campaign website). Zeese won the nominations of the Maryland Green Party, the Libertarian Party of Maryland, and the Populist Party of Maryland, the first time all three parties had nominated the same candidate. However, a Maryland law passed in April 2006 prohibited such fusion candidacies, so Zeese, who was a registered Green Party member, was listed on the ballot as only the Green Party candidate.David Nitkin on state politics issues; Editor addresses energy rates, upcoming elections, personnel probe , The Baltimore Sun, May 16, 2006.John Wagner, Zeese Wins the Triple Crown, The Washington Post, June 13, 2006. Campaign This was Maryland's first open Senate seat since 1986, when junior Senator Barbara Mikulski was first elected. Michael Steele won the Republican nomination after facing little competition in the contest for the Republican ticket. With mostly unknown secondary candidates, Steele received 87% of the Republican Primary vote. Third District Congressional Representative Ben Cardin won the Democratic Party nomination after facing tough competition in the contest for the Democratic ticket from former congressman and NAACP President Kweisi Mfume, businessman Josh Rales, former Baltimore County Executive Dennis F. Rasmussen, and several lesser-known candidates. Cardin received 44% of the Democratic Primary vote to 40% for Mfume, his next closest competitor. All other candidates received percentages only in the single digits. Kevin Zeese, the nominee for the Green, Populist and Libertarian Parties, was also on the ballot. Though Steele lost the general election by 10% of the vote, a much wider margin than predicted, his was and remains the best showing for a Republican in a Senate race in Maryland since Charles Mathias, Jr. was re-elected in 1980 with 66.17% of the vote. Controversies Controversies of the 2006 United States Senate election in Maryland Both Steele and Cardin made controversial statements and advertising throughout the campaign. Debates The first debate of the race was held Tuesday, October 3, 2006. All three candidates were present and participated. The evening was hosted by the Baltimore Urban League and moderated by Charles Robinson from Maryland Public Television and Doni Glover from BMORENEWS.http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1835435218560670454 Zeese, Steele, Cardin Debate January 13, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110519201932/http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1835435218560670454 May 19, 2011 dead mdy-all The first televised debate of the campaign was broadcast on News Channel 8 on the program "News Talk". All three candidates participated in the debate, and were moderated by Bruce DePuyt, the host of the program. There was no audience. This debate was widely reported because of the constant bickering between the three candidates, who often interrupted and talked over one another.https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/25/AR2006102501809.html Cardin, Steele Square Off in Televised Debate The Washington Post washingtonpost.com October 26, 2006 Matthew Mosk Ann E. Marimow January 13, 2010 April 1, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120401004409/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/25/AR2006102501809.html live Another debate took place between Steele and Cardin on Sunday, October 29, 2006, as a part of the Meet The Press Senatorial debate series. Moderated by Tim Russert, the debate focused primarily on the Iraq War and stem-cell research, amongst other issues.https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/29/AR2006102900240.html Debate Puts Steele on Defense The Washington Post washingtonpost.com October 30, 2006 Matthew Mosk Ann E. Marimow January 13, 2010 March 29, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120329012358/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/29/AR2006102900240.html live The three candidates all participated in the final debate of the campaign on Friday, November 3, 2006. The event was sponsored by the Collective Banking Group and held at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden.http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8173803568179928897 Final Debate For Maryland U.S. Senate Race January 13, 2010 Cardin primarily attacked Steele over his close relations with President Bush, including pictures of Bush and Steele in Cardin's TV ads.http://progressivemaryland.org/files/public/images/SteeleHuggingBush051130.jpg Archived copy 2006-06-22 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060622224926/http://progressivemaryland.org/files/public/images/SteeleHuggingBush051130.jpg June 22, 2006 mdy-all Steele focused on low taxes, less government spending, free markets and national security.Steele Michael http://www.townhall.com/columnists/MichaelSteele/2008/02/07/now_is_the_time_to_act Michael Steele : Now Is the Time to Act Townhall.com February 8, 2008 January 13, 2010 February 2, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170202040132/http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelsteele/2008/02/07/now_is_the_time_to_act live Complete video of debate, October 25, 2006 Complete video of debate, October 29, 2006 Predictions Source Ranking As of The Cook Political Report2006 Senate Race Ratings for November 6, 2006 https://cookpolitical.com/races/report_pdfs/2006_sen_ratings_nov6.pdf The Cook Political Report https://web.archive.org/web/20080605093937/https://cookpolitical.com/races/report_pdfs/2006_sen_ratings_nov6.pdf September 30, 2021 June 5, 2008 Tossup November 6, 2006 Sabato's Crystal BallElection Eve 2006: THE FINAL PREDICTIONS https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/ljs2006110601/ Sabato's Crystal Ball November 6, 2006 June 25, 2021 May 5, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210505164311/https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/ljs2006110601/ live Lean D November 6, 2006 Rothenberg Political Report2006 Senate Ratings https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2006-senate-ratings6 Senate Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report June 25, 2021 June 25, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210625230732/https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2006-senate-ratings6 live Lean D November 6, 2006 Real Clear PoliticsElection 2006 https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/writeup/election_2006-21.html Real Clear Politics June 25, 2021 May 6, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210506041734/http://www1.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/writeup/election_2006-21.html live Tossup November 6, 2006 Polling Source Date BenCardin (D) MichaelSteele (R) KevinZeese (G)The Baltimore Sunhttps://www.baltimoresun.com/ Baltimore Sun October 25, 2005 September 24, 2001 https://web.archive.org/web/20010924180033/http://www.baltimoresun.com/ live April 2005 41% 37%The Baltimore SunBaltimore SunAugust 2026 medicmedic October 25, 2005 47% 38%Potomac Survey Researchhttps://www.insideelections.com/news/article/md-senate-steele-memo-cites-dead-heat-poll Potomac Survey Research January 5, 2022 January 5, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220105015141/https://www.insideelections.com/news/article/md-senate-steele-memo-cites-dead-heat-poll live November 1, 2005 41% 32%RasmussenRasmussen https://web.archive.org/web/20051125045433/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2005/Maryland%20Senate%20Nov%2021.htm November 25, 2005 November 21, 2005 49% 41%RasmussenRasmussen January 13, 2006 40% 45%ZogbyZogby January 20, 2006 49% 43%RasmussenRasmussen February 22, 2006 49% 35%Zogby/The Wall Street Journalhttps://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft Zogby/Wall Street Journal March 15, 2017 March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074631/http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft live March 31, 2006 49% 39%Gonzales ResearchGonzales Research https://web.archive.org/web/20060420204109/http://www.garesearch.com/Surveys/Maryland_Media_Poll_April_2006.htm April 20, 2006 April 18, 2006 49% 35%RasmussenRasmussen April 25, 2006 45% 35%Zogby/The Wall Street Journalhttps://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft Zogby/Wall Street Journal March 15, 2017 March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074631/http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft live June 21, 2006 51% 40%The Washington Posthttps://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_mdpolitics_062706.htm Washington Post The Washington Post September 17, 2017 December 1, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171201045105/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_mdpolitics_062706.htm live June 25, 2006 49% 39%The Baltimore Sun/Potomac Inc.Baltimore Sun/Potomac Inc. https://web.archive.org/web/20060822014524/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.poll17jul17,0,549888.story?coll=bal-home-headlines August 22, 2006 July 6–10, 2006 47% 36%RasmussenRasmussen July 17, 2006 47% 41%Zogby/The Wall Street Journalhttps://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft Zogby/Wall Street Journal March 15, 2017 March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074631/http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft live July 24, 2006 50% 42%Public Opinion Strategies (R)http://blog.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2006/08/poll_shows_ehrlich_omalley_tie.html#23985 Public Opinion Strategies (R) August 15, 2006 May 23, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110523062955/http://blog.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2006/08/poll_shows_ehrlich_omalley_tie.html#23985 live August 1–2, 2006 43% 35%RasmussenRasmussen August 18, 2006 47% 42%Zogby/The Wall Street Journalhttps://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft&h=495&w=778&hasAd=1 Zogby/Wall Street Journal March 15, 2017 June 3, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160603095306/http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft&h=495&w=778&hasAd=1 live August 28, 2006 50% 41%Gonzales Researchhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/metro/20060830-122040-2370r.htm Gonzales Research The Washington Times August 30, 2006 October 18, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061018053551/http://www.washingtontimes.com/metro/20060830-122040-2370r.htm live August 30, 2006 44% 39%Zogby/The Wall Street Journalhttps://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft&h=495&w=778&hasAd=1 Zogby/Wall Street Journal March 15, 2017 June 3, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160603095306/http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft&h=495&w=778&hasAd=1 live September 10, 2006 49% 40%RasmussenRasmussen September 19, 2006 50% 43%SurveyUSAhttp://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=cc663f4e-14d9-4c94-b353-e8447a7f1f83 SurveyUSA September 20, 2006 March 12, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070312084428/http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=cc663f4e-14d9-4c94-b353-e8447a7f1f83 live September 20, 2006 47% 48% 4%The Baltimore Sun/Potomac Inc.Baltimore Sun/Potomac Inc. September 25, 2006 51% 40%VC Research (R)VC Research (R) September 27–28, 2006 44% 39%Zogby/The Wall Street Journalhttps://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft&h=495&w=778&hasAd=1 Zogby/Wall Street Journal March 15, 2017 June 3, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160603095306/http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft&h=495&w=778&hasAd=1 live September 28, 2006 52% 39%Mason-Dixon/MSNBChttps://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15047026 Mason-Dixon/MSNBC NBC News August 3, 2024 June 9, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240609100842/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15047026 live October 2, 2006 47% 41% 1%Public Opinion Strategies (R)http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/md/maryland_senate_race-114.html Public Opinion Strategies (R) October 15, 2006 October 11, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061011214334/http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/md/maryland_senate_race-114.html live October 2–4, 2006 47% 43%Reuters/ZogbyReuters/Zogby October 5, 2006 45% 37%USA Today/Galluphttps://www.usatoday.com/news/polls/tables/live/2006-10-05-maryland-races.htm USA Today/Gallup USA Today September 17, 2017 June 29, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110629092119/http://www.usatoday.com/news/polls/tables/live/2006-10-05-maryland-races.htm live October 6, 2006 54% 39%RasmussenRasmussen October 16, 2006 53% 44%SurveyUSASurveyUSA October 18, 2006 46% 46% 3%VC Research (R)http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/md/maryland_senate_race-114.html#polls VC Research (R) October 15, 2006 October 11, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061011214334/http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/md/maryland_senate_race-114.html#polls live October 22–23, 2006 41% 39%Garin Hart Yang (D)http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/md/maryland_senate_race-114.html#polls Garin Hart Yang (D) October 15, 2006 October 11, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061011214334/http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/md/maryland_senate_race-114.html#polls live October 23–24, 2006 52% 40%RasmussenRasmussen October 26, 2006 49% 42%The Washington Posthttps://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_102906.htm Washington Post The Washington Post September 17, 2017 December 5, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171205073905/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_102906.htm live October 29, 2006 54% 43% 1%Reuters/ZogbyReuters/Zogby November 2, 2006 49% 44%The Baltimore Sun/Potomac Inc.Baltimore Sun/Potomac Inc. November 2, 2006 49% 43% 2%SurveyUSAhttp://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=270b37a5-9804-4f4d-87c6-e61e82103063 SurveyUSA November 7, 2006 September 30, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070930204946/http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=270b37a5-9804-4f4d-87c6-e61e82103063 live November 3, 2006 47% 47%Mason-Dixon/MSNBCMason-Dixon/MSNBC November 5, 2006 47% 44% 1%SurveyUSAhttp://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=1fb0ff52-2bc7-4a6e-9ffd-f558bdb5ea28 SurveyUSA November 7, 2006 September 30, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181805/http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=1fb0ff52-2bc7-4a6e-9ffd-f558bdb5ea28 live November 6, 2006 49% 46% 3% Results thumb|Ben Cardin giving his victory speech following the election Despite polls days before the election showing the race at a 3% margin, Cardin won by just over 10% with a 178,295-vote margin, although y, this is the closest a Republican has come to winning a U.S. Senate election in Maryland since Charles Mathias was reelected in 1980. On the same day, incumbent Republican governor Bob Ehrlich lost reelection to Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley. Maryland United States Senate election results, 2006http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2006/results/general/office_US_Senator.html Official 2006 Gubernatorial General Election results for U.S. Senator Maryland State Board of Elections December 19, 2006 January 13, 2010 August 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090817153550/http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2006/results/general/office_US_Senator.html live Democratic Party (United States) Ben Cardin 965,477 54.21% -8.97 Republican Party (United States) Michael Steele 787,182 44.19% +7.46 Green Party (United States) Kevin Zeese 27,564 1.55% N/A 916 0.05% N/A 178,295 10.01% 1,781,139 Democratic Party (United States) Results by county +CountyBen Cardin DemocraticMichael Steele RepublicanKevin Zeese GreenWrite-Ins IndependentMarginTotal Votes Cast#%#%#%#%#% Allegany 8396 38.87% 12892 59.69% 309 1.43% 2 0.01% -4496 -20.82% 21599 Anne Arundel 82687 44.17% 101110 54.01% 3331 1.78% 79 0.04% -18423 -9.84% 187207 Baltimore (City) 112805 74.54% 35185 23.25% 3228 2.13% 120 0.08% 77620 51.29% 151338 Baltimore (County) 145262 51.55% 131291 46.59% 5117 1.82% 140 0.05% 13971 4.96% 281810 Calvert 12687 42.46% 16703 55.90% 481 1.61% 10 0.03% -4016 -13.44% 29881 Caroline 2860 31.74% 5957 66.12% 192 2.13% 1 0.01% -3097 -34.37% 9010 Carroll 18893 30.19% 42550 67.99% 1114 1.78% 26 0.04% -23657 -37.80% 62583 Cecil 11600 40.73% 16296 57.21% 577 2.03% 10 0.04% -4696 -16.49% 28483 Charles 20938 50.77% 19743 47.87% 539 1.31% 22 0.05% 1195 2.90% 41242 Dorchester 4183 39.28% 6326 59.40% 134 1.26% 7 0.07% -2143 -20.12% 10650 Frederick 29398 40.38% 42174 57.93% 1196 1.64% 32 0.04% -12776 -17.55% 72800 Garrett 2686 27.42% 6995 71.42% 110 1.12% 3 0.03% -4309 -44.00% 9794 Harford 32590 35.82% 56703 62.32% 1664 1.83% 37 0.04% -24113 -26.50% 90994 Howard 56873 53.90% 47015 44.55% 1577 1.49% 59 0.06% 9858 9.34% 105524 Kent 3484 44.34% 4239 53.95% 134 1.71% 1 0.01% -755 -9.61% 7858 Montgomery 205264 67.16% 96619 31.61% 3578 1.17% 152 0.05% 108645 35.55% 305613 Prince George's 154798 75.01% 49484 23.98% 1948 0.94% 150 0.07% 105314 51.03% 206380 Queen Anne's 5935 33.03% 11710 65.17% 318 1.77% 6 0.03% -5775 -32.14% 17969 St. Mary's 11614 40.77% 16381 57.50% 482 1.69% 11 0.04% -4767 -16.73% 28488 Somerset 2651 39.53% 3953 58.95% 99 1.48% 3 0.04% -1302 -19.42% 6706 Talbot 5844 37.13% 9686 61.55% 200 1.27% 8 0.05% -3842 -24.41% 15738 Washington 15921 38.56% 24773 59.99% 582 1.41% 17 0.04% -8852 -21.44% 41293 Wicomico 10571 37.66% 17074 60.83% 405 1.44% 17 0.06% -6503 -23.17% 28067 Worcester 7537 37.47% 12326 61.28% 249 1.24% 3 0.01% -4789 -23.81% 20115 Total 965477 54.33% 783185 44.07% 27564 1.55% 916 0.05% 182292 10.26% 1777142 Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican Allegany (largest municipality: Cumberland) Cecil (largest municipality: Elkton) Kent (largest municipality: Chestertown) St. Mary's (largest municipality: California) Worcester (largest municipality: Ocean Pines) Anne Arundel (largest municipality: Annapolis) Calvert (largest municipality: Chesapeake Beach) Dorchester (largest municipality: Cambridge) Somerset (largest municipality: Princess Anne) Wicomico (largest municipality: Salisbury) right 300px Swing by county 300px Trend relative to the state by county Legend #d40000 Republican — >15% #ff0000 Republican — +12.5−15% #ff2a2a Republican — +10−12.5% #ff5555 Republican — +7.5−10% #ff8080 Republican — +5−7.5% #ffaaaa Republican — +2.5−5% #ffd5d5 Republican — +0−2.5% #d5f6ff Democratic — +0−2.5% #aaeeff Democratic — +2.5−5% #77e3ff Democratic — +5−7.5% #4bdbff Democratic — +7.5-10% #09ceff Democratic — +10−12.5% #00bdec Democratic — +12.5−15% #00a1c8 Democratic — >15% 300px County flips Legend Democratic #92c5de Hold Republican #f48882 Hold #ca0120 Flip See also 2006 United States Senate elections 2006 United States elections References External links Official campaign websites (archived) Ben Cardin (D) for Senate Michael Steele (R) for Senate 2006 Maryland United States Senate Category:Michael Steele