December 16th, 2021 by WCBC Radio
While not yet an official endorsement, Allegany County Commissioner Jake Shade has secured a guest appearance from Governor Larry Hogan at an upcoming fundraiser in his campaign for state senate. Without question, next year’s Republican Primary election for the state senate seat currently held by George Edwards will be one of the more intriguing contests on the ballot in Western Maryland. Just months after Edwards announced his plans to retire at the end of this term Shade and Delegate Mike McKay both filed as candidates for the seat. McKay is serving his second term in the House of Delegates, prior to that having served as a county commissioner. Shade is in his second term as commissioner and did work several years as a legislative aide. Both men are already staging aggressive campaigns via social media as well as a slew of appearances in parades, church events, VFW’s, community holiday parties and fire halls. Endorsements are a big part of any campaign and Shade, on his Facebook page, announced recently a January 6th fundraiser in Annapolis featuring Governor Hogan as special guest. The senate seat covers Garrett, Allegany and Washington Counties- all three are Republican strongholds thus Democratic candidates can face long odds. Given the numbers, the winner of the McKay/Shade June Primary stands a strong chance of being elected to the seat in the November General Election. To date no Democrats have filed.
