ANNAPOLIS—Maryland Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox campaigned in Allegany County Friday, speaking on local radio station WCBC’s Dave Norman Show and visiting a slew of local businesses before attending the Allegany County Republican Central Committee’s summer picnic in the afternoon.
Stops on Cox’s campaign route included a bakery, a construction equipment retailer and a mechanical workers’ training center.
Cox’s day was capped off by the GOP picnic, which included other Republican candidates for state and local offices.
Dave Caporale, owner of Caporale’s Bakery in Cumberland and a Republican member of the Allegany County Board of Commissioners, lauded Cox’s presence in a part of Maryland that Caporale said he feels is often ignored by state politicians.
“I just think areas like ours and further west sometimes feel left out, or that our voice doesn’t matter in Annapolis,” Caporale said. “We want to honor our public officials that come through here and see us and hear what we have to say.”
He also mentioned that Allegany County’s fading industry makes it an area in need of a hand up from the state.
“How do you move forward and what type of direction do you take so the smaller counties don’t feel they’re being left behind?” he asked.
Overall, Caporale was appreciative that Cox’s campaign took the time to stop at his bakery, despite the candidate’s busy schedule.
“We’re really glad he was here and wish him the best,” he said.
Allegany County voters heavily favored former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election. Trump received 68.2% to President Joe Biden’s 29.9%. Cox is endorsed by Trump and received a favorable mention at Trump’s Sep. 3 rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Cox also attended Trump’s rally Jan. 6, 2020.
Chuck Park, 63, owner of Charis Winery and Distillery in Cumberland, said he is a registered Republican but is undecided in this November’s gubernatorial election.
“I think it’s very important for someone like (Cox) to come to this area and spend some time with us and show us that we matter a little bit,” Parker said.
Larry Jackson, 57, owner of Hobbies Plus in Cumberland, was less excited about Cox’s visit.
“It’s cool that he visited and all, but personally, I refuse to back someone that supported all those crazy Trump theories and views. January 6 was one of the saddest days in my life as an American.”
Jackson, who describes himself as a “former Republican,” supported Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, R, in 2014 and 2018. He said despite his past voting history, Cox’s visit is not enough to change his views on the gubernatorial candidate.
“The stuff he talks about and stands on isn’t normal,” Jackson said.
Cox supporters and critics said the visit brought much needed spotlight to a sometimes forgotten portion of the state.
“Because of our population and how far we are, some politicians might not pay us the same attention. We have things here that need fixing and support just like anywhere else.” Park said.
Cox’s opponent, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Wes Moore, did not have any scheduled events for Friday or Saturday. The former U.S. Army captain will be attending 9/11 memorial events Sunday, his campaign staff said, but they did not say which ones. He is also scheduled to attend a fundraising reception in Pikesville.
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