Year after year, Gov. Larry Hogan’s annual speech to the fundraising lunch of the Maryland Free Enterprise Institute brings Hogan (R) some of his greatest accolades. It’s an audience that loves his pro-jobs message and largely shares his fears about all-Democratic rule in Annapolis.
So it was no surprise that Hogan’s valedictory address to the group Thursday, delivered remotely to a packed audience in a hotel ballroom in Towson because he tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, was a particular lovefest, as the governor has just 2 1/2 months left in office.
Speaking to the group in a Q&A format led by Maryland Free President Duane Carey, Hogan returned to familiar themes and boasts: That he turned around the state’s economy after “43 tax increases” during the administration of his predecessor, Democrat Martin O’Malley; that he held the line on taxes, created jobs and improved the state’s business climate; and that he was able to accomplish it all despite the presence of “70% progressive majorities” in the General Assembly — all while winning high approval ratings from the voters.
“That’s exactly what we said we were going to do,” Hogan said.
Hogan received the most enthusiastic introduction imaginable from his Commerce secretary, Michael Gill.
