There are a number of state legislative races that are too close to call at this point. If the current numbers stand, it looks like the Democrats will gain one seat in the State Senate and as many as 10 seats in the House of Delegates. Local boards of elections across the state will begin counting absentee ballots today.

In the Senate, Sen. Sandra Schrader, from District 13 in Howard County, was defeated by County Executive Jim Robey. The race for the Senate seat in District 31, left vacant by the retiring Phil Jimeno, is too close to call.

In the House of Delegates, the following incumbents trail in close races, according to the latest numbers:

• Patrick Hogan from District 3A in Frederick County
• Joseph Boteler from District 8 in Baltimore County
• John Cluster from District 8 in Baltimore County
• Jean Cryor from District 15 in Montgomery County
• Wm. Daniel Mayer from District 28 in Charles County
• Terry Gilleland from District 32 in Anne Arundel County
• Sheryl Davis Kohl from District 34 A in Harford County
• William Frank from District 42 in Baltimore County
• Donald Dwyer from District 31 in Anne Arundel County

• Budget & Taxation Committee: 3 of 13
• Education, Health & Environmental Affairs Committee: 2 of 11
• Finance Committee: 2 of 11
• Judicial Proceedings Committee: 4 of 11

House of Delegates :

• Appropriations Committee: 5 of 26
• Economic Matters Committee: 4 of 23
• Environmental Matters Committee: 5 of 22
• Health & Government Operations Committee: 5 of 24
• Judiciary Committee: 9 of 23
• Ways & Means Committee: 8 of 22

You can take a closer look at the election results at the Board of Elections website and the Baltimore Sun’s website.

As we prepare for the 2007 General Assembly session, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce is committed to advocating a business agenda that promotes economic expansion and job creation. We also look forward to organizing events to connect members with the new faces in Annapolis.