David Craig Announces Run For Maryland Governor

Havre de Grace - Harford County Executive David R. Craig announced his bid for Governor today emphasizing an inclusive message with wide appeal to Marylanders that goes beyond party affiliation. Following the morning announcement, the campaign will make stops later today in Baltimore and Hagerstown. On Tuesday, it's on to Silver Spring, Prince Frederick and Annapolis. The three-day tour concludes Wednesday in Salisbury and Easton.

"Let’s make Maryland work for you" is expected to be a recurring theme throughout the campaign and marks a sharp departure from the policies of the last several years. As a gubernatorial candidate, Craig will champion policies that advance economic prosperity in Maryland with which to balance budgets and reduce taxes while realigning state government priorities to address personal rights, freedoms and fiscal responsibility. 

"If we have learned one thing in the history of human events it is this: a government that promises too much to others is one that is failing you," Craig said.

Rejecting a national political strategy that has come into vogue over the last several years, and one virtually adopted in its entirety in Maryland, Craig said political leaders have lost focus and government initiatives have devolved into appeasing various groups with which to attempt to splice together numerical advantages at the polls.

"We have lost focus," he said."Politicians of late seem to be more like rock stars and celebrities. The best leaders do not seek fame on a stage, they advance ideas that fit the times in which we live. At this very moment, our government spends more and it takes more from you. It creates more and more programs and divides us into groups."

The county executive highlighted areas where years of political monopoly has created inertia to the point where state government essentially now "works for itself ," at the expense of everyday Marylanders. With over 30 years of experience in local and state elected office, Craig said counties and cities are getting left behind as well. Punishing tax increases, foundational cracks in the state's much-vaunted public education system and removal of funds intended for local roads are conspiring to create conditions that are driving generations of Marylanders to other states, according to the county executive. 

A widely publicized study of Internal Revenue Service data shows over 30,000 Marylanders moved away since 2007, the highest net-exodus rate among surrounding states. 

Craig is a tenth-generation Marylander who is married with three children and eight grandchildren. He will be seeking the Republican nomination for Governor leading up to the June 2014 primary. Currently the Harford county executive, Craig's experience include teaching and administrative positions in the public school system and serving as city councilman and mayor of Havre de Grace and as state delegate and senator. 

Craig said he looks forward to giving Marylanders a real choice and a true debate on the issues.