Republicans surged forward in prominence in Maryland's election Tuesday, and nowhere was that more apparent than in eastern Baltimore County.
The GOP claimed five elected positions on the east side that previously had been held by Democrats for years: three seats in the House of Delegates, one seat in the state Senate and one seat on the Baltimore County Council.
"I see nothing but a great future," said Robin Grammer, an Essex Republican who was elected to the House of Delegates.
Grammer was joined by his four fellow GOP newcomers Friday as they waved signs during rush hour to thank voters, then held news conference at Dundalk's Boulevard Diner.
The Republicans believe they appealed to voters who are sick of taxes and fees and frustrated by the loss of jobs on the east side, including the 2012 closure of the Sparrows Point steel mill.
"We had the same message: Jobs, taxes and economic development," said Ric Metzgar of Essex, who also will join the House of Delegates when the General Assembly convenes in January.
The other new elected Republicans on the east side include Bob Long of Dundalk, who also won a delegate seat; Johnny Ray Salling of Dundalk, who won a state Senate seat, and Todd Crandell of Dundalk, who will be sworn in as a member of the Baltimore County Council on Dec. 1.
The Republicans worked together in their campaigns and hitched their fortunes to Larry Hogan, who won election as governor, defeating Democrat Anthony G. Brown. On election day, campaign volunteers passed out black and gold "Larry Hogan Team Ballots" that featured the east side Republicans.
With Republicans winning on Tuesday, Dundalk residents will no longer see the familiar Democratic name of Olszewski representing them in politics. Johnny Olszewski Sr. retired after 16 years on the Baltimore County Council. His son, Johnny Olszewski Jr. failed in his attempt to move from the House of Delegates after two terms to the state Senate. He was beaten by Salling.
"There was a Triple O fatigue: Obama fatigue, O'Malley fatigue, Olszewski fatigue," said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, a Democrat who was re-elected on Tuesday.
John Fiastro, the outgoing chairman of the Baltimore County Republican Central Committee, has been having a little fun with his party's success in Dundalk.
"It's now pronounced 'Runralk,'" he said. "There's nothing but R's down here."
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