FRESHMAN Del. Kenneth C. Holt has an uphill fight to unseat three-term Democratic Sen. Michael J. Collins. But voters should rally behind Mr. Holt.

The 47-year-old stockbroker offers more vigorous and thoughtful leadership for the 6th District, which stretches from the bay-area communities of Essex and Middle River to rural Baldwin and Kingsville and includes a sliver of southwest Harford County.

As a former teacher, Mr. Collins has shown much interest in education and the environment. This is commendable. His misguided meddling, however, is largely responsible for the highly politicized mess that befell Baltimore County's community colleges. Similarly, despite his visible committee role in ethics matters, Mr. Collins himself has disregarded ethics rules by conducting campaign activities from his government-paid district office.

Mr. Holt, whose early inspiration in politics was Robert F. Kennedy, became a Republican later. He is a legislative bridge builder who would serve the district well.

For delegates in the 6th, we endorse Democrats Michael H. Weir, seeking his seventh term as delegates, and Nancy Hubers, an Essex businesswoman. Instead of Democrat Del. Diane DeCarlo, whose term has been erratic and tarnished by a drunken driving conviction, voters should elect Republican Joseph A. DiCara, a Middle River builder and community activist.

In the 7th District, eight-term Democratic Sen. Norman R. Stone Jr. merits re-election, as do incumbent Democratic delegates John S. Arnick, Joseph Minnick and Jacob J. Mohorovic Jr.

In the 8th District, four-term Sen. Thomas L. Bromwell has earned re-election. So have two delegates, Democrat Katherine Ann Klausmeier, seeking her second term, and Alfred W. Redmer Jr., an effective two-term Republican.

For the third seat, Democrat J. Joseph Curran III, son of Attorney General J. Joseph Curran Jr., gets our nod over Republican Del. James F. Ports Jr., who has been ineffective during two terms.

Tomorrow: Districts 11 and 12

Pub Date: 10/14/98