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Presidential Candidates Campaign In Maryland Before The Primary

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Maryland takes the political spotlight. The Republican presidential candidates are stopping here ahead of next Tuesday's primary election.

Political reporter Pat Warren reports Newt Gingrich is expected to campaign in Annapolis Tuesday.

For once, Maryland's primary stands out from the crowd. We are in the process of early voting.

In Baltimore County and around the state, Maryland voters are casting their primary election ballots.

"I still have some major issues health-wise, education, taxes and spending. It's too much spending," said Dave Small.

Early voting started Saturday fresh off a visit last week from Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, whose Maryland campaign is headed by former Governor Bob Ehrlich. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is scheduled to visit Annapolis Tuesday for a walk down Main Street and a possible visit to the General Assembly. Former Senator Rick Santorum's campaign is also penciled in for Tuesday in Maryland and Texas Congressman Ron Paul holds a town hall meeting in College Park on Wednesday. It's a lot more attention than Maryland Republicans have come to expect, but these are unusual times.

"Whether it's Romney or Santorum or Ron Paul or Newt Gingrich, we have four people and that's a lot to choose from. Sometimes it's hard but you have to listen to it all," said Sharon Small.

Political analyst Richard Vatz, a Romney supporter, says there are some things to be gained by making a showing here.

"Maryland's considered a very, very left-leaning state but the Republicans...are kind of moderate," Vatz said.

The winning candidate could also appeal to Libertarians and Conservatives, as well.

At this point, there are 37 delegates up for grabs. It will not be determined until after the primary who gets how many.

The primary is April 3.

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