McDonough Thinks Trump Can Help Him Win a Congressional Seat

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Republican delegate Pat McDonough is challenging 7-term congressman Dutch Ruppersberger.

Political reporter Pat Warren reports, McDonough thinks Trump can help him.

There's no question that parts of Baltimore County is a growing Republican stronghold - but there's a lot more to it than that.

"Pat McDonough has been in politics longer than I am," said Ruppersberger.

4 term Republican state delegate Pat McDonough says the 2nd district is ripe for Republicans.

"Timing is everything in politics and campaigns," said McDonough.

Maryland's 2nd congressional district jigsaws through 5 jurisdictions - Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Anne Arundel and Harford Counties.

"We're running strictly on issues - Dutch and I have known one-another for 25 years. Nothing personal here its just that I believe people need change and I certainly represent that change," said McDonough.

Both candidates say they are running on issues, but an emerging cross-over population, more Democrats voting republican can't be ignored.

"As far as trump is concerned, I think the country and my constituents in the second district are tired of the negative campaigning , and if you look at my TV ads and if you look at what I'm doing you see I'm staying above the fray and I'm talking about my record and where I see the future for our constituents," said Ruppersberger.

McDonough sees a different future.

"We have done some polling, the polling looks it's a very tight race. If there's going to be an upset in Maryland this election year this is going to be it," said McDonough.

The last state election saw voters in Baltimore County replace incumbent Democrats with Republicans.

And don't forget it was Dundalk that Donald Trump visited after an appearance at the Baltimore Convention Center last month.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook