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After a convincing sweep of their Republican opponents in Tuesday's general election, members of Maryland's District 16 slate say they aim to stay close to home on the issues.

"I still have the same priorities; you can expect we'll stay on the same course we've been on," said Sen. Brian Frosh (D-Dist. 16) of Bethesda.

Frosh, a 15-year senator, ran on a team ticket alongside fellow Democratic incumbents Susan Lee and C. William Frick, both delegates of Bethesda and primary winner Ariana Kelly, a Bethesda resident who ran on an education-focused campaign.

Del. Bill Bronrott (D-Dist. 16) of Bethesda did not run for a third term after taking a position in the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Lee said she attributes the team's popularity to the issues they tackle, such as supporting the Purple Line – a proposed bi-county rail system – consumer protection, education, and local environmental problems such as restoring the state's oyster population.

Personally, Lee said she will focus on supporting the economy by helping to expand cyber-security and nano-biotechnology business in Maryland; industries that complement the Bethesda area, which houses the National Institutes of Health and the National Naval Medical Center.

"It's important for us to support those basic issues," she said.

Kelly said she will fit into this kind of legislative focus well, as she plans to advocate heavily for issues such as education funding.

"I intend to be an advocate for Maryland families on issues such as education and economic security," she said. "That was my platform and it's what I know."

Kelly will have big shoes to fill, Frosh said, as Bronrott, an eight-year delegate, brought influence for Bethesda's delegation with his position on the Appropriations Committee, which allocates federal and state funding.

"The dynamic will change because there's a different person there, but we worked closely together in the election and I think [Kelly] will learn quickly," he said. "I look forward to working with her."

District 16 includes Bethesda, Potomac and Chevy Chase.

aruoff@gazette.net

House of Delegates District 16

Democrats:

Bill Frick (incumbent) 26,357 24.17 percent

Ariana Kelly 25,023 22.95 percent

Susan Lee (incumbent) 25,405 23.30 percent

Republicans:

Jeanne Allen 12,197 11.18 percent

Carol Bowis 10,381 9.52 percent

Meyer Marks 9,554 8.76 percent

Write-in Votes 139 0.13 percent

Senate District 16

Total votes: 38,721

Brian Frosh (incumbent) Democrat 27,179 70.19 percent

Jerry Cave Republican 11,503 29.71 percent