ANNAPOLIS, Md. – This week, political prognosticator, Inside Elections (formerly Rothenberg Political Report), revised their ratings for the Maryland gubernatorial race. Inside Elections changed their rating from Leans Republican to Likely Republican. This comes on the heels of paltry fundraising figures released by Ben Jealous’ campaign, and a rough month for the Jealous campaign highlighted by disunity in his own party, the useage of vulgar language while addressing a reporter, and an endorsement of hateful anti-police rhetoric.
Inside Elections:
“Former NAACP president Ben Jealous finished first in the crowded Democratic primary with 40 percent, more than 10 points ahead of Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker (29 percent). For much of the cycle, Democratic strategists conceded Hogan’s popularity but countered with GOP Gov. Bob Ehrlich’s 2006 loss when he was still relatively popular. But time is running out for Democrats to change the dynamic of the race. The governor had a $9.4 million to $386,000 cash advantage over Jealous through Aug. 21. And Jealous still needs to shed some of the progressive label after winning the primary with Bernie Sanders’ endorsement. The state is Democratic enough that it will never be safe for Hogan, but Democrats probably have a better chance of winning in Georgia and Kansas this year than they do in Maryland. Move from Lean R to Likely R.”