Md. rep ‘flattered’ by gubernatorial chatter

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) on Sunday appeared to leave the door open to a possible future gubernatorial run in Maryland.

On C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers,” Van Hollen was asked to respond to speculation about him being a candidate for governor in a few years. 

“I’m enjoying my responsibilities right now as the as ranking Democrat on the Budget Committee. That is my focus. I’ve been spending many months actually preparing this plan and this strategy that I’m going to be talking about tomorrow at the Center for American Progress,” Van Hollen said. 

{mosads}The Maryland Democrat was then asked if he could get more done in Congress or in the governor’s office.

“You can get things done in Congress if you have a willingness on all sides to work together. Obviously, the governorship in Maryland is a great position. It has strong executive powers under the Maryland law and Constitution,” said Van Hollen, who has served in Congress since 2003.   

“I’ve been flattered by the approaches I’ve gotten with respect to running for governor in Maryland. I do want to give this new governor a chance. Let’s see what he comes up with.”

Republican Larry Hogan was elected to succeed Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) after defeating Democratic Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown in November.