[img_assist|nid=2401|title=Del. Pat McDonough|desc=Politicker Photo|link=none|align=right|width=140|height=157]Del. Pat McDonough (R-Middle River) confirmed that he has "great" interest in seeking the position of county executive for Baltimore County in 2010.

"I think it is the second most powerful position in the state," McDonough said of Baltimore County executive, "behind only the governor."

Saying he would have the authority "to get things done" on issues ranging from education to "deteriorating neighborhoods," McDonough said his "high name recognition" and ability to "get Democratic voters" would increase his chances at winning.

McDonough and a crowd of roughly 30 supporters gathered at Jad's Caddy Shack Restaurant in Essex for a fundraising dinner, this evening. The delegate, who is not up for re-election until 2010, said the fundraiser was intended to be a "small event for heavy hitters," and included members of the business community and representatives from Political Action Committees. McDonough said his campaign expected to raise around $15,000 for the night.

Current Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith (D) is bound by term limits and may not seek re-election in 2010. Should he choose to seek the position, McDonough may join a field of candidates that includes state Sen. James Brochin (D-Towson). In April, Brochin confirmed to PolitickerMD.com that he is "very interested" in seeking the seat.

McDonough has represented the people of District 7, which covers Baltimore and Harford Counties, since 2003. Previously, he served from 1979-1983.

State Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville), who also represents District 7, was penciled-in to appear at the fundraiser but was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.

Ironically, McDonough's political future may depend on whether or not Harris is elected to the U.S. Congress in November.

If Harris wins the seat in Maryland's First Congressional District, McDonough has been mentioned as a potential successor to Harris' seat in the state Senate.

Should he have to decide between running for county executive or senator in 2010, McDonough said he would prefer county executive.

Calling himself "somewhat of a maverick," McDonough said he was confident that he could compete with the Democratic candidate for county executive in 2010, should he seek and win the GOP nomination.

"In my district there are 35,000 registered Democrats and 27,000 Republicans, so I've always been able to attract Democrats," McDonough said.

He said his viewpoints on issues like illegal immigration and electric rate reductions "appeal to both sides."

If elected county executive, McDonough said "illegal aliens" are going to be "run out of Baltimore County."

Asked how much he would have to raise to run a competitive campaign for county executive, McDonough said, "I think $500,000 would do the job."