J.B. Van Hollen expects to be the next attorney general. The Republican candidate spoke with Democrat Kathleen Falk this morning; "obviously, she wasn't conceding at the time, she wanted to get a better look at the numbers, and I told her I fully understood that." While Falk was not officially conceded the race, Van Hollen says the numbers are in his favor. "I think they clearly indicate that I'll be the next attorney general," Van Hollen, noting the most recent numbers he'd seen showed his campaign up by 9,000 votes over Falk. "That is a considerable margin that is very difficult to overcome. The governor and others have already called to congratulate me."
Van Hollen is ready to work with the former attorney general who was reelected as governor. "I've know Governor Doyle for years," said Van Hollen. "I'm confident that we're going to have a good working relationship."
Van Hollen says addressing the backlog at the state crime lab remains a high priority, one he believes will be "tackled head on" by his office, the governor and the legislature.