The Reps Attempt Annapolis Takeover.

Maryland represents one of the bluest states in the Union.  Governor Martin O'Malley, the democratic incumbent who is stepping down, ran with little opposition in 2010. O'Malley intended his successor to be his Lieutenant Governor, Anthony Brown. However, the gubernatorial race has been surprisingly close. Brown faces criticism for heading the problematic Obama-care in MD and the possibility that his term will be a continuation the O'Malley administration.  Anthony Brown runs against Republican Larry Hogan and Libertarian Shawn Quinn.While Quinn has virtually no chance of winning, his 4% of voters may be enough to fracture the republican vote is such a close race. One of the crucial demographics in this race are African American voters. The majority of Maryland's liberal voters live in big cities like Baltimore, and D.C. suburbs with large African American populations. This voter base would be even stronger for Brown because if Brown wins he will be Maryland's first African American Governor. However, as support of the Obama administration wanes, African American voters are less excited about coming out to vote. Michelle Obama visited Maryland in order to motivate voters to come to the polls. Hogan appeals to voters because his advocacy of tax cuts and successful record of job creation when he worked for Governor Robert Ehrlich, the last Republican Governor of Maryland. However, the fact that he has never held an elected-office causes some voters to feel he is too inexperienced for the job.

Here is Real Clear Politics, the Baltimore Sun and the Washington Post's covering of the race.