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By Jason Le Miere
Politics and World Editor
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Kevin Kamenetz, a Democratic candidate in the Maryland gubernatorial race, died suddenly Thursday morning following a cardiac arrest. He was 60 years old and is survived by his wife, Jill, and two sons.
"Kamenetz was at his home in Owings Mills, asleep, when he awoke at about 2 a.m. and complained of feeling ill," read a statement from Baltimore County police. "He was transported by the Garrison Fire Station's Medic 19 to St. Joseph, where doctors pronounced him deceased at 3:22 a.m."
Kamenetz spent 24 years as a council and executive in Baltimore County and was serving his second term as Baltimore County executive. The County Council will now be required to vote on a replacement to serve the remaining seven months of Kamenetz's term.
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His death will also disrupt the race for governor, a position currently held by Republican Larry Hogan, who is running for a second term. Hogan ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff Thursday.
"The First Lady and I are shocked and grieved by the sudden passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz," Hogan said in a statement. "Our prayers go out to his family and many loved ones this morning."
He added: "He was a dedicated public servant in Baltimore County for more than two decades, and we housing the citizens of Baltimore County and all Marylanders in mourning."
Kamenetz's former Democratic rivals for the party's nomination also paid tribute.
"I'm incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz," Ben Jealous said. "He dedicated his life to public service, to making a difference and he helped to move Maryland forward. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with Jill and their two sons."
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