Democrats Bash Republican Governor For Not Being Anti-Trump Enough
Democrats are ramping up their campaign against Maryland’s GOP Senate candidate, Larry Hogan, by painting him as a “fake Never Trumper.” This narrative suggests that Hogan, who served as a centrist Republican governor for two terms, is not genuinely opposed to Donald Trump, despite his critical remarks about the former president.
Hogan’s main opponent, Angela Alsobrooks, has taken the lead in rebranding him as a “MAGA”-enabler, claiming he would hand over the Senate to Republicans who support Trump’s agenda. However, Hogan’s campaign is countering this narrative by emphasizing his long-standing role as a prominent critic of Trump. “Governor Hogan has been a leading voice against Donald Trump from the start,” campaign spokeswoman Blake Kernen asserted. “He has consistently stood up for Maryland voters, even when it meant challenging his own party.”
As Hogan’s candidacy gains traction in a state where President Joe Biden won by over 30 points, Democrats have been quick to question his commitment to opposing Trump. They argue that Hogan’s refusal to embrace progressive policies during his governorship indicates a failure to confront Trump’s actions. Rep. Jamie Raskin criticized Hogan for not taking a strong stance against the Trump administration, stating, “When Trump was in office, Governor Hogan did not act decisively to oppose many of his policies.”
Sen. Chris Van Hollen echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Hogan’s recent criticisms of Trump are merely election-year tactics. “Larry Hogan has been vocal about standing up to Trump, but that’s not how I remember his actions,” Van Hollen stated. The pushback from Hogan’s opponents points to various legal battles initiated by the Democratic attorney general during Hogan’s tenure, claiming the governor did little to oppose Trump’s policies.
Despite these attacks, Hogan has remained steadfast in his campaign strategy, promising not to support Trump but indicating he would work with Senate Republicans if elected. His campaign has highlighted a past advertisement where Van Hollen commended Hogan for putting the country over party lines. Hogan has also pointed out that many Democrats have praised his leadership, indicating that he is not simply a pawn of the GOP.
While Hogan’s statements about Trump have provided ammunition for his opponents, his campaign insists that he is committed to Maryland’s interests over party loyalty. As the race heats up, it’s clear that Hogan’s ability to navigate this narrative will be crucial for his success in a politically diverse state. The challenge remains for him to solidify his stance as a genuine leader while fending off Democratic accusations that could undermine his credibility among voters.
