| Hogan Fights For Change In Maryland (Cont.) |
| In 1992, after overwhelmingly defeating three strong challengers in
a primary, Larry Hogan took on the seemingly impossible challenge of
facing Steny Hoyer, who was at the time the number three leader in the
majority in Congress, and Chairman of the Democratic Caucus. Written off
by many as impossible, in the heavily Democratic District, Larry Hogan
promised to give him the fight of his life, and Larry delivered on the
promise. Because of his powerful position, Hoyer raised more money than
any Congressional candidate in history up to that point, mostly liberal
special interest money from out of state. Larry was outspent by more
than six to one, and couldn’t even afford to run television commercials.
He ran one of the most exciting grass roots, shoe-leather, volunteer
campaigns ever run. His message of fighting for change was so powerful
that the people of Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s
Counties overwhelmingly elected Larry Hogan to be their Congressman.
Most of the media declared the win for Hogan, calling it the most
amazing upset in the nation. But, this was the year Bill Clinton beat George Bush, and it turned out to be the largest black voter turnout in Prince George’s County history. Although Hogan ran way ahead of President Bush, and the Senate candidate, Alan Keyes throughout the entire district, and won 4 out of 5 counties convincingly, the next day when the massive returns finally came in from Prince George’s County, Hoyer had barely survived with 51%. The surprising victory had become a surprising defeat. The Executive Director of the Republican Party called Larry Hogan, “Steny Hoyer’s worst nightmare”. A former Governor called it the best Congressional Campaign any Republican challenger has ever run. Even Steny Hoyer said it was the toughest race he has ever had in his entire political career. National Republican Leaders and national media called Larry Hogan one of the best candidates and brightest rising stars of the Republican Party in the nation. Most observers believe that had Hogan run two years later, in 1994, he most certainly would have beaten Hoyer. Unfortunately, the downturn in the market and tough economy gave small businessman Larry Hogan no choice but to return his focus to his small business. While struggling to meet a payroll and create jobs and build a successful business over the next decade, he stepped out of the political limelight and instead supported his friends and other candidates in their political pursuits in Maryland. In 1994 Hogan supported Delegate Ellen Sauerbrey in her exciting grass roots campaign for Governor that almost beat Parris Glendening. In 1994, during the Contract for America, Republican sweep of Congress, Larry’s long time friend, Delegate Bob Ehrlich won an open Republican seat vacated by Helen Bentley. A newcomer, Michael Steele followed in Larry Hogan’s footsteps winning Larry’s old seat on the Republican Central Committee, and later became State Party Chairman. Several people who got their start as volunteers in Larry’s campaigns went on to get elected as State Senators and Members of the House of Delegates, including Minority Leaders of both the House and the Senate. |
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Marc Rose
President, Michael T. Rose Companies
Marc Rose
President, Michael T. Rose Companies