![Annapolis, MD--Feb. 21, 2012--Senator Jamie Raskin of Montgomery County, a member of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, answers a question about H.B. 438, which would allow same sex marriage. The measure was passed by the committee. Barbara Haddock Taylor [Sun Photographer] #7942](https://www.baltimoresun.com/resizer/u3uDo0L3mASmYqENsqMTRKXjyYU=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tronc.s3.amazonaws.com/public/TIFA53UZQNHQXG6U6G7DEUUL34.jpg)
WASHINGTON -- State Sen. Jamie Raskin's campaign for Maryland's 8th Congressional District said Wednesday it had secured support from dozens of prominent women in a crowded race that will feature several prominent female candidates.
Raskin, who is running for the seat currently held by Rep. Chris Van Hollen, said that Karyn Strickler, former executive director of Maryland NARAL, and Rosalyn Levy Jonas, a longtime progressive activist, were among the Democrats forming a "Women for Jamie" campaign.
Raskin is running for the Democratic nomination against Kathleen Matthews, the former WJLA anchor who has frequently touted her role as a "working mom" while pitching income equality as a central component of her campaign. Other women in the race include former Montgomery County Council president Valerie Ervin and Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez.
The Raskin campaign said more than 250 women are involved in the effort.
In making his pitch to women voters, Raskin brings a name that will be recognized by some. His late mother, Barbara Raskin, was a prominent feminist writer who won praise for the 1987 novel "Hot Flashes." That novel, which tells the story of three middle aged women, appeared for months on the New York Times best seller list.
Del. Kumar Barve, former Obama administration aide Will Jawando and David M. Anderson are also running for the Democratic nomination.