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Nearly two years after she defeated long-term Congressman Albert Wynn in the 2008 primary election, U.S. Rep. Donna F. Edwards now finds herself facing potentially serious challenges — to the surprise of many who considered the popular newcomer a lock for a second term.

"Obviously, this is a dramatic and unexpected development," said state Sen. Jamie Raskin (D-Dist. 20) of Takoma Park. "But that's the thing about politics. Anything can happen, and it usually will."

Glenn F. Ivey, Prince George's County state's attorney, announced recently that he is creating an exploratory committee for a possible run at the District 4 office held by Edwards. District 4 covers portions of Prince George's and Montgomery counties. Montgomery County Del. Herman L. Taylor Jr. (D-Dist. 14) of Ashton confirmed he is also weighing a run at the seat.

"I've been working on the prospect," said Taylor, adding that he plans to decide formally if he will run before the Maryland General Assembly starts Jan. 12. "I've been encouraged by the support I've been getting."

Edwards, a Fort Washington resident, also faces Democratic challenger George McDermott of Forest Heights, who filed to run in August, and Robert Broadus, a Republican from Clinton, who filed in September. Both Broadus and McDermott unsuccessfully sought the seat in 2008. The men did not return calls for comment by press time.

The primary election will be held Sept. 14, and the general election will be Nov. 2.

Edwards' press spokesman Dan Weber said he had been instructed not to comment on questions about the 2010 election. In an e-mailed statement to The Gazette, Edwards made no mention of her challengers and said she had been working actively on issues and committees since taking office.

"Nothing has or will distract me from that priority and from working closely with the President, our House leadership and the Maryland Delegation for the benefit of our district, state and nation," she wrote.

Edwards, a lawyer and former director of the Arca Foundation, a nonprofit social equity and justice organization, surprised many by falling just 2,700 votes short of Wynn in her first run for office in 2006. Wynn had held the seat since 1993.

She easily defeated Wynn in 2008, with 60 percent of the vote after amassing intense support and donations across the country. In that race, voters backed away from Wynn amid his support for the war in Iraq and allegations that he was not active in his district.

"For nine years, I was trying to get rid of that guy," said Seat Pleasant resident Chuck Jones, who volunteered for Edwards in 2006 and 2008 and remains an ardent supporter.

Jones said he has been pleased with Edwards for taking tough stands, including protesting genocide in Darfur and Sudan and working to improve conditions in Haiti.

"She's bright, she's more prepared," Jones said. "Yes, she's busy now, so I don't get to talk to her as much, but she's available. I can really get through to her and her staff."

Edwards' biggest weakness may be her newness, said Ronald Walters, a political science professor at the University of Maryland, College Park. Having only been in Congress for two years, Edwards has not been able to build the support system or record of delivering local aid that many incumbents rely on.

"The biggest thing she faces is that she's not entrenched," said Walters, adding that Edwards should still be considered a favored candidate. "She just hasn't been there long enough to do anything."

Ivey's background and funds make him a credible challenge, political observers say. Before becoming a prosecutor, the Cheverly resident worked in the 1980s and 1990s for several congressional leaders, including former U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D) of Michigan and former U.S. Sens. Paul Sarbanes (D) of Maryland and Tom Daschle (D) of South Dakota.

When Sarbanes retired in 2006, Daschle tried to recruit Ivey to campaign for the Maryland seat, congressional news sources reported at the time.

Ivey's strengths include fundraising acumen. According to Maryland campaign finance reports, Ivey raised more than $130,000 since 2006, placing him in the top 30 of the state's individual fundraisers.

Edwards has $55,000 in her war chest, according to Federal Election Commission reports filed in September.

Though federal election law does not allow state funds to be transferred to a federal account, Ivey said he could theoretically return the money and get new donations for a congressional run. In addition, Ivey said his past experience on Capitol Hill makes him a credible candidate.

"It's a great time to go back," he said Wednesday.

E-mail Daniel Valentine at dvalentine@gazette.net.