WASHINGTON (AP)- The Washington Post is endorsing Rep. Chris Van Hollen, saying he has the "potential to be a very good senator."
The Post's editorial board endorsed Van Hollen in Monday's newspaper, calling him a "talented successor" to Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski, who announced last year that she wouldn't seek re-election. The primary is set for April 26.
The Post says Van Hollen and his rival, Rep. Donna Edwards, are both qualified, but it deems Van Hollen the "better candidate," who "could contribute meaningfully to breaking Washington's legislative logjam."
The endorsement comes as the race has tightened considerably with Van Hollen getting 38 percent in the latest public opinion poll to Edwards 36 percent.
Edwards has narrowed the gap from a 14 point deficit just this last November.
Van Hollen, who was elected to the House in 2002, represents Maryland's 8th District, which includes Montgomery, Frederick and Carroll counties.
The Post notes that Van Hollen ascended quickly through Democratic leadership, becoming the party's senior member of the Budget Committee.
