Maryland Republican Party
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The Maryland Republican Party is the branch of the Republican Party located in the state of Maryland. Historically the underdog in state politics, the party currently seems to be gaining steam with a popular Senate candidate and control of the state governorship.
The Republican Party is currently the minority party in both houses of the Maryland General Assembly. In the House of Delegates, the Republicans control a mere 43 seats to the Democrats' 98. In the Maryland State Senate, the Republicans control 14 seats to the Democrats' 33. Because of this nearly two-to-one government majority, predominantly Republican areas of Maryland such as the Eastern Shore become worried that their representatives' voices are not being heard.
The Republican Party enjoys widespread support from western Maryland and the Eastern Shore, both of which are mainly rural. In other areas of the state such as heaviy populated Montgomery County, Republicans are a miniscule minority.
In comparison to the national Republican Party, the Maryland Republican Party is far more moderate, liking to see itself as being in the vein of Reagan and Lincoln rather than Pat Buchanan. This is especially true concerning social issues. For example, Republican Congressman Wayne Gilchrest is pro-choice on the abortion issue.
Important current members of the Maryland Republican Party include Robert L. Ehrlich, former Governor of Maryland, Michael S. Steele, former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, John M. Kane, Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, Wayne Gilchrest, United States Representative, Roscoe Bartlett, United States Representative, and others.
Important historical members of the Maryland Republican Party have included Spiro T. Agnew and Charles Mathias.
