Feb 1, 2008 8:50 pm US/Eastern
Obama Brings Campaign Ads To Maryland
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Democratic Candidate Barack Obama is running ads in Maryland already.
Maryland's decision to move the primary up three weeks means our state could play a key role in the presidential race.
Mike Hellgren reports Democratic candidate Barack Obama is running ads here already.
Big banners cover a campaign office in Fells Point.
Opponent Hillary Clinton is not yet advertising in Maryland. Her campaign staffed phone banks at a union near Federal Hill.
"I do think that states subsequent to Super Tuesday, they are going to have a say. And I think Maryland will be in the spotlight a little more than they thought months ago," said political science professor Richard Vatz.
The spotlight will be brighter here if the race isn't sewn up on Super Tuesday when 22 state hold primaries.
Maryland has 99 delegates for the Feb. 12 primary.
"The earlier you are the more attention that's going to be paid to the state, and Maryland wants a say, both Democrats and Republicans, in who's going to be nominated," said Vatz.
Some top Maryland political leaders have already chosen sides.
Governor Martin O'Malley and Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon recently agreed to disagree on their choice in nominees.
O'Malley is endorsing Clinton while Dixon has put her name behind Obama.
A recent poll showed the Democratic candidates just three percentage points apart in Maryland.
Obama leads Clinton, but within the margin of error.
On the Republican side, Senator John McCain was in neighboring Delaware Friday.
Vatz says he believes you may see some Republican ads and appearances, but he feels Maryland's primary isn't as critical to the GOP frontrunners.
Still, with Maryland holding greater influence, it could bring in many more ad dollars to the state.
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