A former federal prosecutor from Davidsonville is hoping to unseat Anne Arundel County's longtime state's attorney, who is seeking a sixth term.
"I am running because six times in a row is too many for an incumbent," said Eric Grannon, 38, who said the status quo means plea bargains with lenient terms, probation for repeat offenders and too few cases going to trial.
Grannon, who filed candidacy papers for his first run for political office several days ago, said he would not consider offering probation to a defendant convicted of a crime in the previous 10 years or a defendant with a past conviction for a violent crime.
State's Attorney Frank R. Weathersbee is seeking re-election and filed his candidacy papers Wednesday.
Grannon, who earned a law degree from Howard University, served as counsel to the assistant attorney general of the antitrust division of the Department of Justice and as an assistant attorney general for the District of Columbia during the George W. Bush administration.
Now a partner in White & Case in Washington, he specializes in antitrust issues, including civil and criminal defense work, and counseling for mergers and acquisitions. For now, he has been promoting his candidacy mostly by speaking with local organizations.
Weathersbee countered Grannon's depiction of the status quo.
"Prosecution is my life. I think we do it very well in Anne Arundel County," he said, adding, "No, we are not too lenient."
The majority of Anne Arundel County voters are registered Democrats but tilt conservative and have elected many Republican candidates, including the current county executive.
Despite a tide of anti-incumbent sentiment nationally, Grannon faces an uphill battle against a man who is "a household name," said Dan Nataf, the director of the Center for the Study of Local Politics at Anne Arundel Community College.
Though Grannon and his family live in Anne Arundel County and he is licensed to practice law in Maryland, he is not a member of the local bar association and does not try cases in the county.
"I think if he hasn't practiced in Anne Arundel County, that's the kiss of death," Nataf said.