2006 United States Senate election in Maryland

{{Short description|none}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2017}} {{Use American English|date=March 2023}} {{Infobox election | election_name = 2006 United States Senate election in Maryland | country = Maryland | type = presidential | ongoing = no | previous_election = 2000 United States Senate election in Maryland | previous_year = 2000 | next_election = 2012 United States Senate election in Maryland | next_year = 2012 | election_date = November 7, 2006 | image_size = 150x150px

| map_image = 2006 United States Senate election in Maryland results map by county.svg | map_size = 300px | map_caption = County results '''Cardin:''' {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} '''Steele:''' {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}} | title = U.S. Senator | before_election = Paul Sarbanes | before_party = Democratic Party (United States) | after_election = Ben Cardin | after_party = Democratic Party (United States) }} {{Elections in Maryland sidebar}} 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, attorney<ref>{{cite web | title=Joseph Werner | url=http://www.joewerner.com | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080203234904/http://www.attorneywerner.com/joewerner/index.php | archive-date=February 3, 2008 | access-date=January 13, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> * Lih Young, perennial candidate

==== Withdrew ==== * Lise Van Susteren, psychiatrist and sister of Greta Van Susteren<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/21/AR2006042101868.html | first=Matthew | last=Mosk | title=Van Susteren Quits, Citing Fundraising Lag | newspaper=The Washington Post | publisher=washingtonpost.com | date=April 22, 2006 | access-date=January 13, 2010 | archive-date=October 24, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024152357/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/21/AR2006042101868.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Declined ==== * Chris Van Hollen, U.S. representative<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/11/AR2005071101496.html |title=Van Hollen Says He Won't Run for Senate |first1=Tim |first2=John |last2=Wagner |last1=Craig |date=July 12, 2005 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=August 6, 2017 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220034458/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/11/AR2005071101496.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/31/AR2006083101684.html |title=Mfume, Cardin Stress Contrasts In TV Debate |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Matthew |last=Mosk |date=September 1, 2006 |access-date=January 13, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vovak.politicalgateway.com/cand.php?id=305&prid=682&page=press |title=Free Campaign websites, Free Candidate Search engine, 24/7 elections and politics |publisher=Vovak.politicalgateway.com |access-date=January 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061118152537/http://www.vovak.politicalgateway.com/cand.php?id=305&page=press&prid=682 |archive-date=November 18, 2006 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/31/AR2006083101684.html |title=Mfume, Cardin Stress Contrasts In TV Debate |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Matthew |last=Mosk |date=September 1, 2006 |access-date=January 13, 2010}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-11-18 |title=Allan J. Lichtman |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2006/11/18/allan-j-lichtman/ |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=Baltimore Sun |language=en-US |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601233252/https://www.baltimoresun.com/2006/11/18/allan-j-lichtman/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Debates === *[https://www.c-span.org/video/?194109-1/maryland-democratic-senate-primary-debate Complete video of debate], August 31, 2006

=== Polling === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- style="background:lightgrey;" ! Source ! Date ! style="width:75px;"| Ben Cardin ! style="width:75px;"| A. Robert Kaufman ! style="width:75px;"| Allan Lichtman ! style="width:75px;"| Kweisi Mfume ! style="width:75px;"| Josh Rales ! style="width:75px;"| Dennis F. Rasmussen

|- | align=left |The Washington Post<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_mdpolitics_062706.htm Washington Post]</ref> | June 25, 2006 | 26% | 2% | 4% | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''33%''' | 0% | 4%

|- | align=left |The Baltimore Sun<ref>[http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.poll17jul17,0,549888.story?coll=bal-home-headlines Baltimore Sun] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822014524/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.poll17jul17,0,549888.story?coll=bal-home-headlines |date=August 22, 2006 }}</ref> | July 17, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''32%''' | 1% | 1% | 28% | 1% | 1%

|- | align=left |Public Opinion Strategies<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2006/08/poll_shows_ehrlich_omalley_tie.html#23985 |title=Public Opinion Strategies |access-date=August 15, 2006 |archive-date=May 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523062955/http://blog.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2006/08/poll_shows_ehrlich_omalley_tie.html#23985 |url-status=live }}</ref> | August 1–2, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''31%''' | — | — | 25% | 4% | 6%

|- | align=left |Gonzales Research<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/metro/20060830-122040-2370r.htm |title=Gonzales Research |newspaper=The Washington Times |access-date=August 30, 2006 |archive-date=October 18, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018053551/http://www.washingtontimes.com/metro/20060830-122040-2370r.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> | August 30, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''43%''' | — | — | 30% | 6% | —

|- | align=left |SurveyUSA<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=26d679ed-7ba8-4dba-827f-b782b0159f5f |title=SurveyUSA |access-date=August 31, 2006 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930200757/http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=26d679ed-7ba8-4dba-827f-b782b0159f5f |url-status=live }}</ref> | August 31, 2006 | 38% | — | — | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''42%''' | 7% | —

|- | align=left |SurveyUSA<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=e4e21d40-39a8-48eb-969f-51f49ae8be8c |title=SurveyUSA |access-date=September 16, 2006 |archive-date=November 18, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061118151920/http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=e4e21d40-39a8-48eb-969f-51f49ae8be8c |url-status=live }}</ref> | September 11, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''47%''' | — | — | 38% | 7% | —

|}thumb|300px|Results by county:{{Collapsible list | title = Map legend|{{legend|#7996e2|Cardin—50–60%}}|{{legend|#a5b0ff|Cardin—40–50%}}|{{legend|#bdd3ff|Cardin—30–40%}}|{{legend|#d0a828|Mfume—60–70%}}|{{legend|#fde387|Mfume—40–50%}} }}

=== Results === {{Election box begin no change | title = Democratic primary results<ref name="state">{{cite web | url=http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2006/results/primary/office_US_Senator.html | author=Maryland State Board of Elections | publisher=elections.state.md.us | title=Official 2006 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for U.S. Senator | access-date=November 13, 2016 | archive-date=August 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819221826/http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2006/results/primary/office_US_Senator.html | url-status=live }}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Benjamin L. Cardin | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 257,545 | percentage = 43.67 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Kweisi Mfume | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 238,957 | percentage = 40.52 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Josh Rales | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 30,737 | percentage = 5.21 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Dennis F. Rasmussen | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 10,997 | percentage = 1.86 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Mike Schaefer | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 7,773 | percentage = 1.32 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Allan Lichtman | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 6,919 | percentage = 1.17 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Theresa C. Scaldaferri | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes =5,081 | percentage = 0.86 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = James H. Hutchinson | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 4,949 | percentage = 0.84 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = David Dickerson | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 3,950 | percentage = 0.67 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = A. Robert Kaufman | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 3,908 | percentage = 0.66 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Anthony Jaworski | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 3,486 | percentage = 0.59 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Thomas McCaskill | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 3,459 | percentage =0.59 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = George T. English | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 2,305 | percentage = 0.39 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Bob Robinson | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 2,208 | percentage = 0.37 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Lih Young | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 2,039 | percentage = 0.35 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Blaine Taylor | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 1,848 | percentage = 0.31 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Joseph Werner | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 1,832 | percentage =0.31 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Charles Ulysses Smith | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 1,702 | percentage = 0.29 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 589,695 | percentage = 100 }} {{Election box end}}

== 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".<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2006/08/26/maryland-politicssenate-candidates-get-national-airingthe-candidates/ | title=Maryland: Politics – Senate candidates get national airing | newspaper=The Baltimore Sun | date=August 26, 2006 | access-date=September 25, 2013}}</ref> Among a field of nine other candidates, the only Republican receiving sufficient media coverage was Daniel Vovak.

=== Results === {{Election box begin no change | title = Republican primary results<ref name="state"/> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Michael S. Steele | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 190,790 | percentage = 86.96 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = John Kimble | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 6,280 | percentage = 2.86 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Earl S. Gordon | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 4,110 | percentage = 1.87 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Daniel "Wig Man" Vovak | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 4,063 | percentage = 1.85 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Thomas J. Hampton | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 3,946 | percentage = 1.80 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Corrogan R. Vaughn | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 2,565 | percentage = 1.17 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Daniel Muffoletto | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 2,335 | percentage = 1.06 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Richard Shawver | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 2,298 | percentage = 1.05 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Ray Bly | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 2,114 | percentage = 0.96 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Edward Raymond Madej | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 902 | percentage = 0.41 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 219,403 | percentage = 100 }} {{Election box end}}

== General election == === Candidates === * Michael S. Steele (R) – lieutenant governor * Ben Cardin (D) – U.S. congressman * Kevin Zeese (G) – ([http://www.kevinzeese.com/ 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.<ref>[http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-politicsqa0516,0,3579484.story?coll=bal-home-headlines David Nitkin on state politics issues; Editor addresses energy rates, upcoming elections, personnel probe] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211134634/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-politicsqa0516,0,3579484.story?coll=bal-home-headlines |date=February 11, 2007 }}, ''The Baltimore Sun'', May 16, 2006.</ref><ref>John Wagner, [https://web.archive.org/web/20120224074646/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2006/06/zeese_wins_the_triple_crown.html Zeese Wins the Triple Crown], ''The Washington Post'', June 13, 2006.</ref>

=== 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 === {{Main|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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1835435218560670454 | title=Zeese, Steele, Cardin Debate | access-date=January 13, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519201932/http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1835435218560670454 | archive-date=May 19, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/25/AR2006102501809.html | title=Cardin, Steele Square Off in Televised Debate | newspaper=The Washington Post | publisher=washingtonpost.com | date=October 26, 2006 | first1=Matthew | last1=Mosk | first2=Ann E. | last2=Marimow | access-date=January 13, 2010 | archive-date=April 1, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401004409/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/25/AR2006102501809.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/29/AR2006102900240.html | title=Debate Puts Steele on Defense | newspaper=The Washington Post | publisher=washingtonpost.com | date=October 30, 2006 | first1=Matthew | last1=Mosk | first2=Ann E. | last2=Marimow | access-date=January 13, 2010 | archive-date=March 29, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329012358/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/29/AR2006102900240.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8173803568179928897 | title=Final Debate For Maryland U.S. Senate Race | access-date=January 13, 2010}}</ref>

Cardin primarily attacked Steele over his close relations with President Bush, including pictures of Bush and Steele in Cardin's TV ads.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://progressivemaryland.org/files/public/images/SteeleHuggingBush051130.jpg |title=Archived copy |access-date=2006-06-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060622224926/http://progressivemaryland.org/files/public/images/SteeleHuggingBush051130.jpg |archive-date=June 22, 2006 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Steele focused on low taxes, less government spending, free markets and national security.<ref>{{cite web | last=Steele | first=Michael | url=http://www.townhall.com/columnists/MichaelSteele/2008/02/07/now_is_the_time_to_act | title=Michael Steele : Now Is the Time to Act | publisher=Townhall.com | date=February 8, 2008 | access-date=January 13, 2010 | archive-date=February 2, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202040132/http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelsteele/2008/02/07/now_is_the_time_to_act | url-status=live }}</ref>

*[https://www.c-span.org/video/?195094-1/maryland-senate-debate Complete video of debate], October 25, 2006 *[https://www.c-span.org/video/?195180-1/maryland-senate-debate Complete video of debate], October 29, 2006

=== Predictions === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- ! Source ! Ranking ! As of |- | align=left | The Cook Political Report<ref>{{cite web | title=2006 Senate Race Ratings for November 6, 2006 | url=https://cookpolitical.com/races/report_pdfs/2006_sen_ratings_nov6.pdf | website=The Cook Political Report | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605093937/https://cookpolitical.com/races/report_pdfs/2006_sen_ratings_nov6.pdf | access-date=September 30, 2021| archive-date=June 5, 2008 }}</ref> | {{USRaceRating|Tossup}} | November 6, 2006 |- | align=left | Sabato's Crystal Ball<ref>{{cite web | title=Election Eve 2006: THE FINAL PREDICTIONS | url=https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/ljs2006110601/ | website=Sabato's Crystal Ball | date=November 6, 2006 | access-date=June 25, 2021 | archive-date=May 5, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505164311/https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/ljs2006110601/ | url-status=live }}</ref> | {{USRaceRating|Lean|D}} | November 6, 2006 |- | align=left | Rothenberg Political Report<ref>{{cite web | title=2006 Senate Ratings | url=https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2006-senate-ratings6 | work=Senate Ratings | publisher=The Rothenberg Political Report | access-date=June 25, 2021 | archive-date=June 25, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625230732/https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2006-senate-ratings6 | url-status=live }}</ref> | {{USRaceRating|Lean|D}} | November 6, 2006 |- | align=left | Real Clear Politics<ref>{{cite web | title=Election 2006 | url=https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/writeup/election_2006-21.html | publisher=Real Clear Politics | access-date=June 25, 2021 | archive-date=May 6, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506041734/http://www1.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/writeup/election_2006-21.html | url-status=live }}</ref> | {{USRaceRating|Tossup}} | November 6, 2006 |}

=== Polling === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- style="background:lightgrey;" ! Source ! Date ! style="width:100px;"| Ben Cardin (D) ! style="width:100px;"| Michael Steele (R) ! style="width:100px;"| Kevin Zeese (G)

|- | align=left |The Baltimore Sun<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/ |title=Baltimore Sun |access-date=October 25, 2005 |archive-date=September 24, 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010924180033/http://www.baltimoresun.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | April 2005 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''41%''' | 37%

|- | align=left |The Baltimore Sun<ref>[http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.briefs25oct25,1,4187725.story?coll=bal-mdpolitics-headlines Baltimore Sun]{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | October 25, 2005 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''47%''' | 38%

|- | align=left |Potomac Survey Research<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.insideelections.com/news/article/md-senate-steele-memo-cites-dead-heat-poll |title=Potomac Survey Research |access-date=January 5, 2022 |archive-date=January 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105015141/https://www.insideelections.com/news/article/md-senate-steele-memo-cites-dead-heat-poll |url-status=live }}</ref> | November 1, 2005 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''41%''' | 32%

|- | align=left |Rasmussen<ref>[http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2005/Maryland%20Senate%20Nov%2021.htm Rasmussen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051125045433/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2005/Maryland%20Senate%20Nov%2021.htm |date=November 25, 2005 }}</ref> | November 21, 2005 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''49%''' | 41%

|- | align=left |Rasmussen<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060427060241/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/January%202006/Maryland%20Senator%20January%2010.htm Rasmussen]</ref> | January 13, 2006 | 40% | {{party shading/Republican}} | '''45%'''

|- | align=left |Zogby<ref>[http://www.zogby.com/Soundbites/ReadClips.dbm?ID=12562 Zogby]</ref> | January 20, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''49%''' | 43%

|- | align=left |Rasmussen<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060319210316/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/February%202006/Maryland%20Senator%20February.htm Rasmussen]</ref> | February 22, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''49%''' | 35%

|- | align=left |Zogby/The Wall Street Journal<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft |title=Zogby/Wall Street Journal |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074631/http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft |url-status=live }}</ref> | March 31, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''49%''' | 39%

|- | align=left |Gonzales Research<ref>[http://www.garesearch.com/Surveys/Maryland_Media_Poll_April_2006.htm Gonzales Research] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060420204109/http://www.garesearch.com/Surveys/Maryland_Media_Poll_April_2006.htm |date=April 20, 2006 }}</ref> | April 18, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''49%''' | 35%

|- | align=left |Rasmussen<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060512210450/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/April%202006/Maryland%20Senate%20April.htm Rasmussen]</ref> | April 25, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''45%''' | 35%

|- | align=left |Zogby/The Wall Street Journal<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft |title=Zogby/Wall Street Journal |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074631/http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft |url-status=live }}</ref> | June 21, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''51%''' | 40%

|- | align=left |The Washington Post<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_mdpolitics_062706.htm |title=Washington Post |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201045105/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_mdpolitics_062706.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> | June 25, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''49%''' | 39%

|- | align=left |The Baltimore Sun/Potomac Inc.<ref>[http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.poll17jul17,0,549888.story?coll=bal-home-headlines Baltimore Sun/Potomac Inc.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822014524/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.poll17jul17,0,549888.story?coll=bal-home-headlines |date=August 22, 2006 }}</ref> | July 6–10, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''47%''' | 36%

|- | align=left |Rasmussen<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060719225735/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/July%202006/mdSenate.htm Rasmussen]</ref> | July 17, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''47%''' | 41%

|- | align=left |Zogby/The Wall Street Journal<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft |title=Zogby/Wall Street Journal |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074631/http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft |url-status=live }}</ref> | July 24, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''50%''' | 42%

|- | align=left |Public Opinion Strategies (R)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2006/08/poll_shows_ehrlich_omalley_tie.html#23985 |title=Public Opinion Strategies (R) |access-date=August 15, 2006 |archive-date=May 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523062955/http://blog.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2006/08/poll_shows_ehrlich_omalley_tie.html#23985 |url-status=live }}</ref> | August 1–2, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''43%''' | 35%

|- | align=left |Rasmussen<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060821185000/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/August%202006/marylandSenate.htm Rasmussen]</ref> | August 18, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''47%''' | 42%

|- | align=left |Zogby/The Wall Street Journal<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft&h=495&w=778&hasAd=1 |title=Zogby/Wall Street Journal |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-date=June 3, 2016 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref> | August 28, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''50%''' | 41%

|- | align=left |Zogby/The Wall Street Journal<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft&h=495&w=778&hasAd=1 |title=Zogby/Wall Street Journal |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-date=June 3, 2016 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref> | September 10, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''49%''' | 40%

|- | align=left |Rasmussen<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061021125201/http://rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/September%202006/MarylandSenate.htm Rasmussen]</ref> | September 19, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''50%''' | 43%

|- | align=left |SurveyUSA<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=cc663f4e-14d9-4c94-b353-e8447a7f1f83 |title=SurveyUSA |access-date=September 20, 2006 |archive-date=March 12, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312084428/http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=cc663f4e-14d9-4c94-b353-e8447a7f1f83 |url-status=live }}</ref> | September 20, 2006 | 47% | {{party shading/Republican}} | '''48%''' | 4%

|- | align=left |The Baltimore Sun/Potomac Inc.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070213180907/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.poll25sep25,0,2071896.story?coll=bal-home-headlines Baltimore Sun/Potomac Inc.]</ref> | September 25, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''51%''' | 40%

|- | align=left |VC Research (R)<ref>[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/md/maryland_senate_race-114.html VC Research (R)]</ref> | September 27–28, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''44%''' | 39%

|- | align=left |Zogby/The Wall Street Journal<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash06.html?project=elections06-ft&h=495&w=778&hasAd=1 |title=Zogby/Wall Street Journal |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-date=June 3, 2016 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref> | September 28, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''52%''' | 39%

|- | align=left |Mason-Dixon/MSNBC<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15047026 |title=Mason-Dixon/MSNBC |website=NBC News |access-date=August 3, 2024 |archive-date=June 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609100842/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15047026 |url-status=live }}</ref> | October 2, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''47%''' | 41% | 1%

|- | align=left |Public Opinion Strategies (R)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/md/maryland_senate_race-114.html |title=Public Opinion Strategies (R) |access-date=October 15, 2006 |archive-date=October 11, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061011214334/http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/md/maryland_senate_race-114.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | October 2–4, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''47%''' | 43%

|- | align=left |Reuters/Zogby<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061010213955/http://elections.us.reuters.com/top/news/usnN04395614.html Reuters/Zogby]</ref> | October 5, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''45%''' | 37%

|- | align=left |USA Today/Gallup<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/polls/tables/live/2006-10-05-maryland-races.htm |title=USA Today/Gallup |website=USA Today |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629092119/http://www.usatoday.com/news/polls/tables/live/2006-10-05-maryland-races.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> | October 6, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''54%''' | 39%

|- | align=left |Rasmussen<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061018092137/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/October%202006/MarylandSenate.htm Rasmussen]</ref> | October 16, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''53%''' | 44%

|- | align=left |SurveyUSA<ref>[http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=e94c3423-3139-4982-9544-b937767cd80f SurveyUSA]</ref> | October 18, 2006 | 46% | 46% | 3%

|- | align=left |VC Research (R)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/md/maryland_senate_race-114.html#polls |title=VC Research (R) |access-date=October 15, 2006 |archive-date=October 11, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061011214334/http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/md/maryland_senate_race-114.html#polls |url-status=live }}</ref> | October 22–23, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''41%''' | 39%

|- | align=left |Garin Hart Yang (D)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/md/maryland_senate_race-114.html#polls |title=Garin Hart Yang (D) |access-date=October 15, 2006 |archive-date=October 11, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061011214334/http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/md/maryland_senate_race-114.html#polls |url-status=live }}</ref> | October 23–24, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''52%''' | 40%

|- | align=left |Rasmussen<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070304070627/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/October%202006/MarylandSenate1026.htm Rasmussen]</ref> | October 26, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''49%''' | 42%

|- | align=left |The Washington Post<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_102906.htm |title=Washington Post |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-date=December 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205073905/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_102906.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> | October 29, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''54%''' | 43% | 1%

|- | align=left |Reuters/Zogby<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070224182734/http://elections.us.reuters.com/top/news/usnN01194336.html Reuters/Zogby]</ref> | November 2, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''49%''' | 44%

|- | align=left |The Baltimore Sun/Potomac Inc.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070930030401/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/elections/bal-te.md.poll02nov02,0,614162.story?coll=bal-home-headlines Baltimore Sun/Potomac Inc.]</ref> | November 2, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''49%''' | 43% | 2%

|- | align=left |SurveyUSA<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=270b37a5-9804-4f4d-87c6-e61e82103063 |title=SurveyUSA |access-date=November 7, 2006 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930204946/http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=270b37a5-9804-4f4d-87c6-e61e82103063 |url-status=live }}</ref> | November 3, 2006 | 47% | 47%

|- | align=left |Mason-Dixon/MSNBC<ref>[http://www.realcities.com/multimedia/nationalchannel/archive/mcw/pdf/110506_maryland_poll.pdf Mason-Dixon/MSNBC]</ref> | November 5, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''47%''' | 44% | 1%

|- | align=left |SurveyUSA<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=1fb0ff52-2bc7-4a6e-9ffd-f558bdb5ea28 |title=SurveyUSA |access-date=November 7, 2006 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181805/http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=1fb0ff52-2bc7-4a6e-9ffd-f558bdb5ea28 |url-status=live }}</ref> | November 6, 2006 | {{party shading/Democratic}} | '''49%''' | 46% | 3% |}

=== Results === 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 {{As of|{{CURRENTYEAR}}|lc=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. {{Election box begin | title = Maryland United States Senate election results, 2006<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2006/results/general/office_US_Senator.html | title=Official 2006 Gubernatorial General Election results for U.S. Senator | publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections | date=December 19, 2006 | access-date=January 13, 2010 | archive-date=August 17, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817153550/http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2006/results/general/office_US_Senator.html | url-status=live }}</ref>}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link | party = Democratic Party (United States) | candidate = Ben Cardin | votes = 965,477 | percentage = 54.21 | change = -9.0 }} {{Election box candidate with party link | party = Republican Party (United States) | candidate = Michael Steele | votes = 787,182 | percentage = 44.19 | change = +7.5 }} {{Election box candidate with party link | party = Green Party (United States) | candidate = Kevin Zeese | votes = 27,564 | percentage = 1.55 | change = ''n/a'' }} {{Election box write-in with party link | votes = 916 | percentage = 0.05 | change = 0 }} {{Election box majority | votes = 178,295 | percentage = 10.01 | change = }} {{Election box turnout | votes = 1,781,139 | percentage = | change = }} {{Election box hold with party link |winner = Democratic Party (United States) |loser = |swing = }} {{Election box end}}

====Results by county====

{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ ! rowspan="2" |County ! colspan="2" {{party shading/Democratic}} |Ben Cardin Democratic ! colspan="2" {{party shading/Republican}} |Michael Steele Republican ! colspan="2" {{party shading/Green}} |Kevin Zeese Green ! colspan="2" {{party shading/Independent}} |Write-Ins Independent ! colspan="2" |Margin ! rowspan="2" |Total Votes

Cast |- !{{party shading/Democratic}} |# !{{party shading/Democratic}} |% !{{party shading/Republican}} |# !{{party shading/Republican}} |% !{{party shading/Green}} |# !{{party shading/Green}} |% !{{party shading/Independent}} |# !{{party shading/Independent}} |% !# !% |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Allegany''' | 8396 | 38.87% | '''12892''' | '''59.69%''' | 309 | 1.43% | 2 | 0.01% | -4496 | -20.82% | 21599 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Anne Arundel''' | 82687 | 44.17% | '''101110''' | '''54.01%''' | 3331 | 1.78% | 79 | 0.04% | -18423 | -9.84% | 187207 |- |{{party shading/Democratic}} | '''Baltimore (City)''' | '''112805''' | '''74.54%''' | 35185 | 23.25% | 3228 | 2.13% | 120 | 0.08% | 77620 | 51.29% | 151338 |- |{{party shading/Democratic}} | '''Baltimore (County)''' | '''145262''' | '''51.55%''' | 131291 | 46.59% | 5117 | 1.82% | 140 | 0.05% | 13971 | 4.96% | 281810 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Calvert''' | 12687 | 42.46% | '''16703''' | '''55.90%''' | 481 | 1.61% | 10 | 0.03% | -4016 | -13.44% | 29881 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Caroline''' | 2860 | 31.74% | '''5957''' | '''66.12%''' | 192 | 2.13% | 1 | 0.01% | -3097 | -34.37% | 9010 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Carroll''' | 18893 | 30.19% | '''42550''' | '''67.99%''' | 1114 | 1.78% | 26 | 0.04% | -23657 | -37.80% | 62583 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Cecil''' | 11600 | 40.73% | '''16296''' | '''57.21%''' | 577 | 2.03% | 10 | 0.04% | -4696 | -16.49% | 28483 |- |{{party shading/Democratic}} | '''Charles''' | '''20938''' | '''50.77%''' | 19743 | 47.87% | 539 | 1.31% | 22 | 0.05% | 1195 | 2.90% | 41242 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Dorchester''' | 4183 | 39.28% | '''6326''' | '''59.40%''' | 134 | 1.26% | 7 | 0.07% | -2143 | -20.12% | 10650 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Frederick''' | 29398 | 40.38% | '''42174''' | '''57.93%''' | 1196 | 1.64% | 32 | 0.04% | -12776 | -17.55% | 72800 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Garrett''' | 2686 | 27.42% | '''6995''' | '''71.42%''' | 110 | 1.12% | 3 | 0.03% | -4309 | -44.00% | 9794 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Harford''' | 32590 | 35.82% | '''56703''' | '''62.32%''' | 1664 | 1.83% | 37 | 0.04% | -24113 | -26.50% | 90994 |- |{{party shading/Democratic}} | '''Howard''' | '''56873''' | '''53.90%''' | 47015 | 44.55% | 1577 | 1.49% | 59 | 0.06% | 9858 | 9.34% | 105524 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Kent''' | 3484 | 44.34% | '''4239''' | '''53.95%''' | 134 | 1.71% | 1 | 0.01% | -755 | -9.61% | 7858 |- |{{party shading/Democratic}} | '''Montgomery''' | '''205264''' | '''67.16%''' | 96619 | 31.61% | 3578 | 1.17% | 152 | 0.05% | 108645 | 35.55% | 305613 |- |{{party shading/Democratic}} | '''Prince George's''' | '''154798''' | '''75.01%''' | 49484 | 23.98% | 1948 | 0.94% | 150 | 0.07% | 105314 | 51.03% | 206380 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Queen Anne's''' | 5935 | 33.03% | '''11710''' | '''65.17%''' | 318 | 1.77% | 6 | 0.03% | -5775 | -32.14% | 17969 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''St. Mary's''' | 11614 | 40.77% | '''16381''' | '''57.50%''' | 482 | 1.69% | 11 | 0.04% | -4767 | -16.73% | 28488 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Somerset''' | 2651 | 39.53% | '''3953''' | '''58.95%''' | 99 | 1.48% | 3 | 0.04% | -1302 | -19.42% | 6706 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Talbot''' | 5844 | 37.13% | '''9686''' | '''61.55%''' | 200 | 1.27% | 8 | 0.05% | -3842 | -24.41% | 15738 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Washington''' | 15921 | 38.56% | '''24773''' | '''59.99%''' | 582 | 1.41% | 17 | 0.04% | -8852 | -21.44% | 41293 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''Wicomico''' | 10571 | 37.66% | '''17074''' | '''60.83%''' | 405 | 1.44% | 17 | 0.06% | -6503 | -23.17% | 28067 |- |{{party shading/Republican}} | '''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)

==References== {{Reflist}}

== External links == '''Official campaign websites (archived)''' *[https://web.archive.org/web/20061029232553/http://bencardin.com/ Ben Cardin (D) for Senate] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20061031065934/http://steeleformaryland.com/ Michael Steele (R) for Senate]

2006 Maryland United States Senate Category:Michael Steele

2006 United States Senate election in Maryland

Connections

Linked from (29 total)

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