Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is openly courting Vice President Kamala Harris’ voters, hoping that ticket-splitters will give his GOP bid an upset victory on Election Day.
Mr. Hogan, a popular Republican who served two terms in the deep blue state, released a 30-second ad that appeals directly to people who are comfortable putting a “Harris” sign next to a “Hogan” one in the yard.
“I like Hogan. He works with both parties,” a voter identified as Rebecca of Rockville says in the ad that compares Mr. Hogan to Democratic rival Angela Alsobrooks, the executive of Prince George’s County.
“Look, they’re both pro-choice,” the voter says. “But Hogan cut taxes, tolls and fees in Maryland.”
The former governor needs all the support he can get. Ms. Alsobrooks is up by 11 percentage points in the Real Clear Politics average of polls.
Mr. Hogan considered a presidential run this cycle as voters grumbled about their choices at the top of the ticket. After passing on a presidential run, he opted for a Senate bid after GOP leaders pleaded for him to run.
Despite his popularity, Mr. Hogan is trailing as Democrats focus on the overall math in the Senate.
Democrats are clinging to a slim majority in the Senate, so a Hogan win could tip the scales in favor of Republicans, allowing the GOP to set the agenda and wield the chairmen’s gavels next year.
Mr. Hogan’s bid for ticket-splitters mimics efforts by vulnerable Democrats in battleground states to cater to supporters of former President Donald Trump.
Sen. Bob Casey, Pennsylvania Democrat, released an ad that says he “bucked Biden” to protect fracking for natural gas and “sided with Trump to end NAFTA and put tariffs on China.”
An ad for Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin Democrat, plays both sides, saying she got “President Trump to sign her ’Made in America’ bill, and then she got President Biden to make it permanent.”
In Maryland, Ms. Alsobrooks is trying to keep Democrats on her side by highlighting direct support from Ms. Harris.
Ms. Harris, speaking to the camera in one ad, says Ms. Alsobrooks is a valuable partner in fighting crime, lowering costs and creating job opportunities.
“We need Angela Alsobrooks in the United States Senate because she gets results,” Ms. Harris says. “Control of the United States Senate could come down to Maryland, so I am counting on you to support my friend Angela Alsobrooks.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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