In the chess game of political candidacy, the objective is not just to play, but to win. William F. Buckley Jr.'s enduring advice to conservatives was to support "the rightward-most viable candidate." As Maryland Republicans approach the pivotal decision this May 14, the choice should be clear and, following Buckley’s rule, it certainly isn't John A. Myrick.
Polls within the Maryland GOP suggest a concerning trend for Myrick: he consistently ranks as voters' second, third, or even fourth choice. This is a stark warning sign in a race critical to the state and the entire balance of the U.S. Senate. A candidate who struggles to galvanize support within his own party's primary is hardly positioned to succeed in a general election. Myrick’s disconnect from the core Republican base and his inability to emerge as a frontrunner reflect a broader misalignment with the values and priorities of Maryland Republicans.
The specter of losing the Senate majority looms large over this election. With high stakes involved, the GOP cannot afford the risk of endorsing a candidate like Myrick, who fails to resonate with a significant portion of the party and jeopardizes the broader Republican agenda on a national scale. His candidacy could demoralize the base, suppress voter turnout, and ultimately hand over a winnable seat to the Democrats, upsetting the Senate's fragile balance.
Contrastingly, Larry Hogan emerges as the epitome of the Buckley rule in this scenario. Hogan’s tenure as governor showcased his capability to navigate complex political landscapes and appeal to a broad spectrum of voters, including independents and moderates, crucial demographics in Maryland’s political equation. His pragmatic approach to governance, focusing on economic issues and bipartisan cooperation, has already proven successful in a state that leans Democratic.
Hogan’s appeal extends beyond traditional party lines, which is precisely what the GOP needs in this critical election cycle. His track record offers hope and a tangible blueprint for success in a Senate race. Maryland Republicans' choice, therefore, should be strategic and clear-cut: support the candidate who can actually win in November.
John A. Myrick, with his lower rankings in preference polls and apparent disconnect from vital electoral segments, represents a risky bet at a time when the stakes could not be higher. His candidacy risks the immediate race and the broader Republican objectives nationally.
As Maryland Republicans gear up for the primaries on May 14, they face a critical decision. Will they follow Buckley’s rule and choose the most viable rightward candidate, Larry Hogan, or will they gamble on John A. Myrick, risking a Senate majority? The answer should hinge on pragmatism and the strategic foresight that has long guided successful political campaigns. In the interest of the state and the nation, the choice is clear: Larry Hogan is the viable candidate who can uphold conservative values and secure a win for the GOP in Maryland.
Sorry Larry, You didn’t mind Biden over Trump or Wes Moore as Governor. Will vote against you in the primary and write in my father in the general(if you win the primary), just like you did.