Mark Arness and his wife Mila and their two daughters 

Mark Arness, M.D. is one of two Republican candidates for the Fifth District Congressional seat in the Maryland primary election. Arness, 52, lives in Calvert County. This is his third election bid.

Arness graduated from the University of Virginia and the Federal Medical School in Bethesda. He went on to specialize in aviation medicine. He is a decorated combat veteran, having been awarded the USAF Air Medal for gallantry in the war on terror in 2008. After retiring, Dr. Arness operated a private practice in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties and now practices as a private consultant.

Arness observed that a number of Republicans in the congressional district haven’t voted in the last 10 years and a number of independents are fair game. He said they could tip the scales against the heavy Democratic registrations in Charles and Prince Georges counties. The Fifth District also includes Calvert and St. Mary’s and a portion of Anne Arundel, which are now majority Republican. Those Democrats in Charles and P.G. have elected Steny Hoyer to 16 terms in Congress and he is seeking re-election this time.

Arness is optimistic about the future of Pax River NAS and debunks Hoyer’s claims to having saved the base. He said that was done by the BRAC process that concluded, “These bases (in Southern Maryland) serve a valid national need.”

Arness said that conservative candidates in general are more pro-defense. But he also said, “Having actual service experience will help.”

Conceding that Maryland has lagged in the economic recovery, he blames it on taxation. “It is an extremely challenging tax environment to live in Maryland.”

For a short clip of the Bay Net’s interview with Arness click on the video posted above.

For the complete interview, including comments on gun control, abortion and gay rights go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUoc3j-8KV4

For more information on Mark Arness and how to volunteer for his campaign go to: http://www.arnessforcongress.com/

Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com