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The Maryland Senate race shows Hogan with solid by Raoul

leads over his two likely Dem opponents: Alsobrooks (Prince Georges County executive) and Trone (House member and money from the Total Wine fortune). Trone leading Alsobrooks though she claims it is tightening up.

If Hogan wins the primary, at minimum Dems will have to spend time and money trying to hold onto the seat held by Ben Cardin and before him Paul Sarbanes as a very reliable Dem seat for nearly 50 years.

That Hogan even decided to run was a surprising gift to the GOP that really turned this race around. I assume the GOP had no one even remotely capable of winning a Senate race other than Hogan who was toying with the No Labels outfit.

Curious about any thoughts from Maryland voters on this one. Did his even running surprise you? Did it change which party you would vote for this fall in Senate election? Or at least change your level of enthusiasm either way?