"Hagerstown needs a better local representative," Hesse said.
He did not believe that President Bush's low approval rating would affect local Republican candidates despite reports to the contrary.
"That has little effect on state and local races," he said.
Del. George C. Edwards, R-Garrett/Allegany and House minority leader, is running for state Senate, and said he is enthusiastic and energized about the upcoming election.
"I think we're going to elect a lot of Republicans from this part of the state," he said.
Former Delegate Paul Muldowney again is seeking public office in House of Delegates District 2C.
"The climate (for Republicans) is as good as it was four years ago," he said. "I hope we sweep Western Maryland with Republicans."
Muldowney said his party can do that simply by talking about everything the current administration has accomplished. Fiscal responsibility, increased funding for education and new jobs were just some of the accomplishments that should be talked about, said Bo Harmon, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s campaign coordinator.
Del. Christopher B. Shank, R-Washington, said the atmosphere moving into the 2006 elections was positive.
"The momentum is there," he said. "Particularly in Washington County."
Steele said while the momentum is there, the political climate for Republicans is "poisonous" and "tough."
"It can become a distraction," he said. "They will try to make it a distraction."
Steele described the upcoming election as an election of change, and said he looks forward to working for the people of Maryland in the U.S. Senate.
"People ask me why I'm running for Senate, and it's to get something done," Steele said.
