New Poll Fuel To Those Hoping Cummings Will Run For Senate

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A new poll gives fuel to those who hope Elijah Cummings will run for U.S. Senate. The Baltimore congressman is one of the state's best known representatives and continues to declare loyalty to Baltimore and the 7th Congressional District.

Political reporter Pat Warren has the poll results.

In a campaign where two Maryland representatives are running for U.S. Senate, a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll gives Congressman Cummings a double-digit lead over both of them.

Elijah Cummings, boots on the ground in Baltimore--on the frontline for peace during the Freddie Gray unrest.

"America needs to put a mirror up to itself, and I think that's what's happening right now," said Cummings.

The ranking Democrat on the House Benghazi Committee.

"I am a member of the Congress of the United States of America. I am tired of this," said Cummings.

And now, Cummings emerges as a favorite for U.S. Senate, should he decide to run.

"The thing that guides me with all my heart is how can I most effectively and efficiently lift up the people of this state. That's what it's about," Cummings said.

Elijah Cummings is the frontrunner in a race he isn't in.

According to the Washington Post-University of Maryland poll, he has 33 percent support from Democrats and Democrat-leaning Independents. That's 13 points ahead of the two declared candidates in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

"I will make that decision shortly. You all will be the first to know it. I'll call a news conference, stand before you and tell you exactly what that decision is," said Cummings.

"Is this the incentive Elijah Cummings needs?" Warren asked.

"It could be. I think for most public officials, it would be. He's the runaway favorite within the Democratic party," said political scientist Matthew Crenson.

Democrats Chris Van Hollen and Donna Edwards are tied at 20 percent in the poll that includes Cummings.

"I have no doubt that if Elijah Cummings ran in the primary, he would win," said Crenson.

But no African-American in Maryland has ever independently won a statewide general election, and that's something Crenson says that's something to be considered.

And there's no way to know yet. Cummings has said he'll announce his decision sometime after the Benghazi hearings next week.

The Washington Post-University of Maryland poll without Cummings has Donna Edwards leading Chris Van Hollen 38 percent to 28 percent.