GOP Candidates For Governor Make A Run For Md. Money With Tax Relief Platforms
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)—A new Washington Post poll gives Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown a commanding lead in the Democratic primary, 20 points ahead of Attorney General Doug Gansler. In the GOP, Larry Hogan is 16 points ahead of Harford County's David Craig.
Political reporter Pat Warren reports one issue in particular may give the Republicans some traction this year.
Regardless of who wins the primary, the Republican candidate in the general election is likely to gain some traction with Marylanders voting with their wallets.
While Republicans are outnumbered 2-to-1 in Maryland, the GOP is using dissatisfaction with the current administration to woo voters.
Republican frontrunner and businessman Larry Hogan's campaign ad puts it this way: "They've never met a tax they didn't like or at least one they didn't hike."
GOP candidate and Harford County Executive Craig is running a similar campaign.
"The biggest plan is to either repeal or eliminate or lower taxes to give people tax relief," Craig said.
WJZ asked voters in Harford County how they feel about that tag line "they've never met a tax they didn't like, or at least one they didn't hike."
"That's true," one man said.
"I totally agree," a woman said.
"Who would have ever thought in the United States of America that we would need to pay for rain?" a woman said.
"Well, listen, it's time to try something new, right? I mean when something's not working you have to at least explore the alternative," a man said.
Hogan sees the GOP as that alternative in the November general election.
"Absolutely, I built the largest non-partisan grassroots organization in the state, and nearly half of our folks are Democrats and Independents who are just as fed up with politics as usual in Annapolis as I am, and they're very concerned about how the taxes are affecting families and small businesses," Hogan said.
"Honestly, I'm a Democrat, but yes, I would give the Republicans a chance," said Rachel Stewart, voter.
The first ballots will be cast on Thursday, the start of early voting.
Primary day is June 24.
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