Democratic candidate Angela Alsobrooks and Republican candidate Larry Hogan during the 2024 Maryland Senate Debate addressed and clarified their stance on critical issues pertinent to Marylanders. Alsobrooks challenged Hogan’s Republican affiliation, asserting that his policies on reproductive rights and gun control pose threats to progressive values. In response, Hogan emphasized his independent approach and bipartisan achievements, defending his pro-choice stance and commitment to public safety. TANTV has thoroughly fact-checked these exchanges. This objective analysis ensures that the Black and Multicultural African diaspora community receives accurate, unbiased information to make informed voting decisions.
- Hogan’s Party Affiliation and Independence:
- Angela Alsobrooks claimed that Hogan’s candidacy was supported by Mitch McConnell and the Republican leadership, framing him as a tool for advancing the Republican agenda, particularly in the Senate.
- Larry Hogan disputed this, stating that his decision to run was independent and not influenced by McConnell or any party leader. He emphasized his history of bipartisan governance and independence from party control, arguing that his campaign is about finding common-sense solutions, not party politics.
TANTV FACT CHECK: Larry Hogan’s Senate run is backed by Mitch McConnell and GOP leaders
The claim that Larry Hogan’s Senate run is fully independent, without GOP leadership backing, is somewhat misleading. Larry Hogan’s Senate run is surrounded by conflicting narratives. Hogan claims he decided to run independently, without influence from GOP leadership. However, reports suggest that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republican leaders actively recruited him. McConnell reportedly referred to Hogan as his “best recruit,” and the National Republican Senatorial Committee made significant efforts to persuade him. This discrepancy has led to accusations that Hogan is misrepresenting the circumstances of his candidacy. The situation highlights the strategic importance of Hogan’s run for both parties, as Republicans see an opportunity in a traditionally Democratic state, while Democrats warn of potential shifts in Senate control.
(Maryland Reporter) (CNS Maryland).
- Gun Control Legislation:
- Alsobrooks accused Hogan of vetoing important gun control legislation, including a bill that would have banned “ghost guns” and created waiting periods for long guns.
- Hogan responded by highlighting his strong record on public safety and gun control, emphasizing that he had supported various measures to reduce crime and address gun violence. He countered that his focus has been on balancing gun rights and public safety.
TANTV FACT CHECK: Hogan vetoed gun control legislation, including bans on ghost guns and long gun waiting periods
Alsobrooks’ claim about Hogan’s gun control record is partially accurate but oversimplified. Hogan did veto a 2020 bill expanding background checks for long guns, which was later overridden. However, he didn’t veto the 2022 ghost gun ban, instead allowing it to become law without his signature. Hogan’s approach to gun legislation has been mixed, supporting some measures while opposing others. He often cites a need to balance public safety with gun rights. Overall, Hogan’s stance on gun control is more nuanced than the claim suggests, reflecting a complex rather than uniformly oppositional position.(The Maryland Democratic Party)(wusa9.com).
- Handling of the Defund the Police Movement:
- Hogan criticized the “defund the police” movement, claiming that Alsobrooks and others aligned with her were part of a group pushing this agenda, which he opposed vehemently.
- Alsobrooks refuted this, stating that she never supported defunding the police and had instead worked closely with law enforcement to lower crime rates. She cited her record as a prosecutor and county executive as proof of her leadership in maintaining public safety.
TANTV FACT CHECK: Alsobrooks supported the “defund the police” movement
Larry Hogan’s claim that Angela Alsobrooks supported the “defund the police” movement is not fully accurate. While Alsobrooks did implement police reforms after the 2020 George Floyd protests, including reallocating $20 million from a police training facility to a mental health center, this does not equate to defunding the police. In fact, she has increased police funding during her tenure as Prince George’s County Executive, including a 2% budget increase to recruit more officers. Alsobrooks has consistently emphasized her collaboration with law enforcement to reduce crime, and she refutes Hogan’s allegations, highlighting her record on public safety. Overall, the characterization of Alsobrooks’ actions as supporting “defund the police” appears to be an overstatement.
(The Baltimore Post)(Larry Hogan for Maryland)(Washington Examiner).
- Supreme Court Justices and Judicial Appointments:
- Alsobrooks argued that Hogan supported Donald Trump’s Supreme Court appointments, calling his stance dangerous for issues like reproductive rights and gun control.
- Hogan countered by clarifying that while he praised the qualifications of the justices, he did not endorse Trump’s broader agenda. He reiterated that his focus has been on appointing qualified judges, regardless of party, during his time as governor.
TANTV FACT CHECK: Hogan supported Trump’s Supreme Court appointments
Alsobrooks’ claim about Hogan praising Trump’s Supreme Court appointees is accurate, as Hogan called them “incredible justices” in a 2022 speech. However, this doesn’t fully reflect Hogan’s complex stance. He has distanced himself from Trump’s broader agenda and criticized him. Hogan emphasizes a non-partisan approach to judicial appointments, focusing on qualifications rather than ideology. While he did praise the justices, Hogan’s campaign has tried to contextualize this statement. Overall, Hogan’s position on Trump’s appointees and judicial nominations is more nuanced than the claim suggests, balancing praise for specific justices with a broader moderate stance. (The Maryland Democratic Party)(The Maryland Democratic Party).
- Economic Performance and Affordability:
- Alsobrooks claimed that Hogan’s policies did little to help low-income families and exacerbated economic inequality in Maryland.
- Hogan disputed this, citing his record of cutting taxes for low-income families, investing in infrastructure, and improving Maryland’s economic standing during his tenure as governor. He emphasized that his policies made life more affordable for Marylanders by reducing taxes and creating jobs.
TANTV FACT CHECK: Hogan’s policies worsened economic inequality
Angela Alsobrooks’ claim that Larry Hogan’s policies did little to help low-income families and worsened economic inequality lacks full accuracy. Hogan’s administration implemented significant tax cuts aimed at low-income families and retirees, including a $1.86 billion tax relief package benefiting small businesses and lower-income individuals. Hogan also invested in infrastructure and job creation, which he claims helped improve Maryland’s economic standing and affordability. However, some critics argue that his policies disproportionately favored higher-income groups, potentially widening economic disparities. Overall, while some of Hogan’s economic initiatives are confirmed, the full impact on affordability and inequality remains unclear based on the provided data. (Tax Policy Center)(The Maryland Democratic Party).
These disputed statements reflect the candidates’ contrasting records and visions for leadership, particularly on issues related to governance, public safety, economic policy, and judicial appointments.
