Md. Candidates For Governor Take Their Messages Around The State
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- It's a race to the finish line as Maryland's candidates for governor take their messages around the state. But will the current governor impact the way voters cast their ballots?
Political reporter Pat Warren takes a closer look at Governor O'Malley's influence.
The Hogan campaign is pointing directly to the O'Malley administration, while the Brown campaign is looking beyond.
Democrat Anthony Brown greeted students at a Rock the Vote rally at Coppin State University Wednesday morning. Republican Larry Hogan greeted volunteer firefighters in Mt. Airy.
Both campaigns are influenced by the O'Malley Administration.
"Maryland is a great state, not because of what a governor or a lieutenant governor or a legislature does. Maryland is a great state because of the people in Maryland," said Democratic candidate Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown.
But Governor O'Malley figures directly into the Hogan campaign in ads reminding the people of Maryland of taxes and fees raised under his administration.
"It is the O'Malley/Brown administration and to a certain extent I think people are deciding whether or not they want a third term of O'Malley/Brown policies," Republican gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan said.
Political analyst Don Norris doesn't see voters making up their minds strictly on their view of O'Malley.
"I don't think it's a referendum on Governor O'Malley, even though the Republicans and Republican candidate Larry Hogan would like to make it so," said Norris. "This is really a vote by voters on whether they would support Hogan as governor or Brown as governor."
Lt. Gov. Brown has promised not to raise taxes.
"Let me be clear, I don't see the need nor as governor of Maryland to raise taxes. There will be no new taxes in the Brown/Ulman administration," he said.
But Republicans argue what's happened over the past eight years is incentive enough to vote for Hogan.
"Lost businesses, lost jobs, record spending increases, record tax increases that have crushed our economy," Hogan said.
Warren: "Will we be seeing Governor O'Malley campaigning for you between now and election day?"
Brown: "You've probably seen a lot of him. He jokes around and he says he's my deputy field director. I'll take that title. He's been working real hard."
But his visibility has been low.
"Clearly, the governor supports lieutenant governor, but we don't see him out actively campaigning," Norris said.
Governor O'Malley will be casting his ballot Thursday morning.
Thursday is the last day for early voting. Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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