Steve Burns
WMAL.com

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – (WMAL) It started with Larry Hogan’s upset victory in 2014.

Since then, fundraising numbers have spiked and top Maryland Republicans say they are more competitive in certain places today than they have been in decades.

“The party has always been strong on the outreaches of Maryland, and we’re looking to concentrate more in the middle of the state,” Maryland GOP Executive Director Joe Cluster told WMAL. “We’re participating in elections that we really have never participated in before.”

Exhibit A, Cluster said, is the victory office he’s setting up in Baltimore City’s District 1, where the first Republican could be elected to the City Council in around 80 years. Momentum is also building in Montgomery County as a result of the term limits referendum set to appear on the November ballot.

“I hope the citizens of Montgomery County use the petition drive to the fullest extent, which will give Republicans a better opportunity,” Cluster said.

Republicans are also quick to point out the Democratic monopoly in Washington hasn’t always been this way. As recently as 2002, a Republican, Connie Morella, represented Montgomery County in Congress. She said Republican candidates need to emulate Hogan’s gameplan if they want continued success.

“Republicans have got to get together and have a strong organization, and find some people who have a purpose, a reason they want to run,” Morella told WMAL. “Look at Governor Hogan. He’s a great example. Find your issues, have a passion, have a plan, and then radiate and multiply.”

Republican candidates also need to be careful not to alienate Democrats, she said.

“What (Hogan) is showing is what I think the people want: a center plan,” she said. “One that’s going to attract both Democrats and Republicans, so that the crossover does not become verboten, but becomes something that means you’re an independent thinker and that you’re looking at the issues.”

However, Morella said their efforts this fall may be halted by Donald Trump’s place at the top of the ticket. She has endorsed Hillary Clinton.

Cluster was noncommittal on whether Trump will help or hurt the GOP’s efforts in November.

“I think Donald Trump is going to help us in turn out with non-traditional Republican voters, which might help in certain areas.”

Copyright 2016 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved (PHOTO: MD Republican Party)