A new poll out Wednesday suggests the Maryland governor's race is closer than many had thought, though for weeks observers have been pointing to signs this contest is more of a squeaker than Maryland is used to seeing.
In a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a two-to-one margin, Democratic Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown should be a shoe-in to win the Governor’s mansion. But for weeks, readers of political tea leaves have been breathlessly waiting for solid proof that Republican Larry Hogan could pull off an upset.
And the new poll could be just that...kind of. It shows Brown leading Hogan by just four points – 47 to 43 percent – almost within the margin of error. One big caveat, though: The poll was paid for by a Republican super PAC, even though it was done by a reputable firm.
But it fits with other evidence that the race might be tight; namely, attack ads paid for by the Democratic Governor’s Association. They could signal that national party leaders think Brown needs added firepower to win.
