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The day after the candidate filing deadline passed last month, Sen. Jamie B. Raskin started getting more calls from his Democratic colleagues.

Many asked whether the unopposed incumbent would transfer some of his campaign money to their war chests or to others who faced competitive and potentially expensive contests.

Raskin (D-Dist. 20) of Takoma Park, along with nine other senators, faces no opposition in either the primary or general elections, giving them more latitude to aid other candidates and slates across the state.

"As soon as it hits the paper that you don't have a race, you find that you have a lot of new friends," said Sen. Barry Glassman, who joins Sen. George C. Edwards (R-Dist. 1) of Grantsville as the only Republican senators without competition this fall.

So far, Glassman (R-Dist. 35) of Churchville has given less than $1,000 to other campaign accounts, but said he plans to dish out more than usual in the coming months.

Although he has a free pass, Glassman said he is staging a post-primary fundraiser, and contributions still are coming in. In August, he reported more than $48,000 on hand.

"The other side of the sword on not having a race is folks know you're definitely coming back to the Senate, and people like to support a winner," he said. "People know that whatever financial support they throw to you, it's not going to go to waste."

For those who are unopposed, it's important to strike a balance between supporting other candidates and saving money for future campaigns and other uses, said Sen. Paul G. Pinsky.

"I don't want to feel like Johnny Appleseed," he said of the legendary figure known for his generosity. "I understand people give money to me, so I don't want to be willy-nilly with it. But if there are candidates who support a progressive agenda, then I think that does benefit me and my constituents."

Pinsky (D-Dist. 22) of University Park already has transferred $12,000 this year, mostly to the Northern County Democrats for Progress Slate, which consists of the all-Democratic District 22 delegation to the General Assembly and Rushern Baker, a candidate for Prince George's County executive.

He also has given $1,000 to Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) and $500 apiece to Del. Benjamin S. Barnes (D-Dist. 21) of College Park and Eric Luedtke, a District 14 House candidate. And he expects to continue helping fellow Democrats in tough general election races.

Candidates must file their latest campaign finance reports with the state elections board by Friday, which should provide a closer look at how unchallenged candidates are spending — or holding onto — their money.

Even without an opponent, Pinsky still sends out campaign literature, buys lawn signs and will produce a sample ballot for voters' reference at the polls. He also pays for a constituent newsletter with campaign funds.

But Raskin has dialed back his fundraising efforts since learning he would coast to re-election. And he's hesitant to take money from his campaign to give to others.

"I'm reluctant to do that because that money represents my supporters' faith in me, so I'm much more inclined to give my own money to people who are seeking money and need help," he said.

Money is just one way Raskin thinks he can help Democratic candidates in need. He plans to spend several days this fall on the Lower Shore — and take some volunteers with him — in support of Del. James N. Mathias Jr. (D-Dist. 38B) of Ocean City, who is running for an open Senate seat.

abrody@gazette.net