Mikulski decries GOP 'obstructionists' as she opens campaign HQ

Dismissing recent reports of her retirement in the blogosphere as "nothing but lies," a fiery Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) on Sunday afternoon celebrated the "grand opening" of her new campaign office in Baltimore.

"I say when it's tough, it's time when the tough get going," Mikulski said, acknowledging the recent decisions by some of her Senate colleagues not to run in what is shaping up as a challenging year for Democrats.

Mikulski, a U.S. senator since 1987, said she plans to formally announce her re-election bid next month.

Dozens of supporters, nibbling on vegetables and cheeses, packed the campaign's office suite in a building in Inner Habor East, a redeveloping section of Baltimore on the outskirts of the downtown business district.

In her remarks, Mikulski said many in Maryland and elsewhere are "mad as hell" but largely blamed Republican "naysayers" and "obstructionists," whom Mikulski said are blocking President Obama's agenda on health care, jobs and other issues. She decried the Senate's rule requiring 60 votes to break a filibuster.

"It's time to say goodbye to the filibuster and hello to majority rule," Mikulski said.

Seven Republicans have either filed or said in news reports that they intend to seek Mikulski's seat this year. Among them: Carmen Amedori, a former state delegate and former member of the state parole commission; and Eric Wargotz, a Queen Anne's County commissioner.