Over the course of the next week, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most hotly contested state legislative races.

Today we’ll focus in on the Senate race in District 13 in Howard County. Sen. Sandy Schrader (R) is being challenged by Howard County Executive Jim Robey (D). The Baltimore Sun took a closer look at this race last week. View the complete story here.

Sen. Sandra Schrader (R)
Schrader is a teacher, who was elected to the State Senate in 2002. In her response to the Maryland Chamber’s candidate questionnaire, she said the three key issues of her campaign are:

1. Education-There is no substitute for a well-educated workforce.

2. Taxes-hold the line on taxing businesses in order to sustain a competitive and expanding business environment. I pledge again, as I did in 2002, to oppose ant attempt to raise state income taxes or to raise (or burden) the state sales tax.

3. Moderately Priced Housing-so that people can afford to live near to where they work.

To learn more about Schrader, click the links below:

• Maryland Chamber Questionnaire
• How did Sen. Schrader vote on the Maryland Chamber’s priority bills?
• Campaign Website

James Robey (D)
Robey, a former Howard County Police Chief, was elected Howard County Executive in 1998 and again in 2002. In his response to the Maryland Chamber’s candidate questionnaire, he said the three key issues of his campaign are:

1. Transportation and Mass Transit: Road improvements and expanded transit are needed to prevent our roads from becoming more crowded than they already are; they are also needed to allow this area to continue to take advantage of the job growth opportunities we have now and the job growth that will occur in the next 5 years due to the federal Base Realignment and Closure activities at Fort George G. Meade

2. Affordable Housing: The availability of affordable housing has become a problem throughout our area, and this district is no exception

3. Health Care. Similarly, the cost of health care is an issue everywhere. The high cost of health care affects the bottom line of every business that provides health insurance to its employees and makes it impossible for many employers to offer health insurance at all.

To learn more about Robey, click the links below:

• Maryland Chamber Questionnaire
• Campaign Site