Friday, February 2, 2018

Gauging the Democratic Gubernatorial Field in Maryland

Towson, MD - Live from the Pit, hit the road. On site at the Goucher College for the Young Voters Forum featuring the Democratic candidates who want to replace current Governor Larry Hogan (R). It's clear from Mileah Kromer, the Polling Director, for the Sarah T. Hughes Politics Center, Governor Hogan is popular (62%). The interesting part of her polling, should he continue as Governor drops to just under 50%. Why? She hopes to dig down on this issue in her next poll.

The Forum

So if you noticed from the picture, Rushern Baker, Prince Georges County Executive is not on the stage. Baker remains the front runner among most of the field. Each one of the candidates vying to lead the Democratic nominee has qualities you may like, conversely there are a number of challenges for each of these individuals. Let me suggest there is a lot of opposition research on each of them by the Hogan administration (not unusual). 

"Despite what you've heard we aren't only interested in legalization of marijuana," according to Ashely Alyward, a Goucher College student. It gets a giggle from the audience. As the candidates are peppered with questions, you realize there is more to this age group. There were solid questions about providing tax breaks for Amazon; the issue of day #MeToo was addressed; holding police accountable for wrongdoing; and student debt/college affordable. The answers were enlightening. This is still a strange feeling on the stage. In our current environment, having no experience seems to an asset. Those with experience must tread lightly. I still point to the visual, seven people on the stage looking for one job...to take on a popular governor.

Looking at trends in recent elections this would appear to be a good year for Democrats...maybe?

Take a listen to Live from the Pit with Mileah Kromer.

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