This story was corrected on Jan. 4, 2012. An explanation of the correction is at the bottom of the story.

As the Jan. 11 deadline to file for 2012 congressional races approaches, several state lawmakers plan to use this week to let constituents know whether they will run for federal office.

Sens. C. Anthony Muse, David R. Brinkley and Nancy Jacobs have scheduled announcement events.

All three have been considering running for U.S. Senate or House of Representatives for weeks, drawing speculation about challenges to sitting incumbents.

Observers expect Muse (D-Dist. 26) of Fort Washington to announce a primary campaign against Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D) of Pikesville on Thursday evening in Upper Marlboro.

At least seven other Democrats, including Cardin, also have filed in that race.

Muse did not want to reveal his final campaign decision until Thursday, but said that months of traveling the state and talking to potential constituents helped him make a decision.

Brinkley (R-Dist. 4) of New Market will announce during a press conference Wednesday in Frederick whether he plans to give a primary challenge to sitting Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett (R-Dist. 6) of Buckeystown and a handful of other Republicans.

Jacobs left her role as minority leader in the Senate in October to consider campaigns for either Harford County executive, governor or Congress.

In December, she established an exploratory committee to consider a run for Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District seat, held by Democrat C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.

“We’ve made decisions and we’re going to be announcing which option we’re pursuing on Thursday,” Jacobs said.

Although she refused to confirm which office she will pursue, Jacobs did recognize that a campaign announcement in Essex likely rules out a run for executive in Harford County.

Also mum on the issues or platform she will discuss at Thursday’s announcement, Jacobs noted that “Washington needs to be fixed.”

sbreitenbach@gazette.net

This article initially misquoted Sen. Nancy Jacobs. It should have said her announcement will be Thursday.