Commentary by David Noss
CALIFORNIA, Md. (November 2, 2010)—Incumbent Steny Hoyer (D) took 60.55% of the
district-wide vote for the 5th congressional district seat. Republican Charles Lollar made a respectable showing with 38.31% and political newbie Gavin Shickle claimed 1.1%.
Lollar cleaned up in St. Mary's County, claiming 17,151 votes (58%) to Hoyer's 12,523. Shickle took 359. Voters here apparently did not put much weight
in Hoyer's claims that he was instrumental in the prosperity of the local military bases NAS Patuxent River and Webster Field—the major economic engines in the county. Registered Democrats here slightly outnumber Republicans.
Lollar did not fare as well in Charles County. Hoyer took 60.82% of the vote to Lollar's 38.16%—much inline with the
district-wide results. Shickle took 1.0%.
Although included in the statewide results, Calvert County's results have not been separately published at this time.
The 5th district also includes portions of Prince George's and Anne Arundel
Counties.
If the Democrats lose control of the House of Representatives to the
Republicans, as expected, Hoyer will lose his House Majority Leader title come
January. It is however likely that his party will once again vote him into
a party leadership role under the auspices of their minority status, e.g. his
former role as minority whip.