113th Congress: John Delaney, D-Md. (6th District)

By John Cranford, CQ Staff

John Delaney, a successful financier, brings a somewhat unconventional resume and little sign of past legislative ambition. Asked why he would step away from a fast-paced career to run for Congress, he replies simply, “I think I can make a difference.”

Campaigning on the alliterative themes of employment, education, energy, environment and ethics, Delaney says he wants to focus on improving economic opportunities for his constituents and for the country at large. “The United States has a competitiveness problem,” he says.

He will be the first Democrat to represent western Maryland in 20 years, benefiting from a district map drawn to give his party the electoral advantage and his ability to outspend GOP incumbent Roscoe G. Bartlett by about 3-to-1.

The 6th ranges 200 miles from the Allegheny Mountains on the West Virginia line to close-in Washington suburbs. Delaney will represent some of Maryland’s most well-to-do residents, as well as some of the poorest corners of the state. He acknowledges that the needs of his diverse constituency vary considerably.

To accomplish his aims, Delaney would like a seat on the Energy and Commerce Committee. And the fact that he joins a high-powered House delegation that includes Steny H. Hoyer, the No. 2 Democrat, might help him in that endeavor.

Delaney lists Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, who also made his name in finance, as one of a handful of friends currently serving in Congress.