Larry Hogan talks Senate campaign, Trump and SCOTUS in ‘The Final 5’

WASHINGTON – It may have been a decade since Larry Hogan first ran for governor of Maryland, but he doesn’t think much has changed in one of the most anticipated Senate elections in the country.

“I’m still working like I was with the first campaign. You know, I shake hands.”

The Republican Senate candidate joined Jim Lokay on FOX 5’s “The Final 5” for a wide-ranging interview about a race that political observers say could determine control of the upper chamber.

READ MORE: Maryland Senate race: Democrat Alsobrooks leads Republican Hogan in closely watched contest

While polls show a slight advantage for his opponent, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, which in itself is a feat in a state with a clear Democratic advantage in voter registration, a recent Washington Post/University of Maryland poll suggests she has an 11-point lead lead advantage. Hogan calls this an “outlier.”

“I think a week before the (2014) election they said I would lose by 12 points and we won by 5. So I’m just convincing the voters… I think we have a great chance to win. “

But Democrats don’t take history for granted. On Monday, Axios reported that a political action committee affiliated with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) would spend $1.1 million to support Alsobrooks.

Still, unlike many other congressional races, the tone of Hogan and Alsobrooks’ coverage has been largely free of personal attacks, but in recent weeks a report suggesting that Alsobrooks took advantage of tax breaks she wasn’t entitled to has sparked some controversy. (Alsobrooks promised to return $14,000 to tax authorities in Washington and Prince George’s County).

But will it ultimately matter to Maryland voters?

READ MORE: Hogan believes Biden deserves “praise” after withdrawing from the presidential race

“If you’re talking about raising taxes on everyone else… but she took advantage of a tax break that was supposed to go to poor seniors… I think that’s something she’s going to have to respond to.”

On reproductive rights, an issue raised by Alsobrooks in the post-Dobbs America decision, Hogan defended his position on codifying Roe v. Wade, despite criticism from some groups. “I said that not only would I vote that way, but that I would sponsor a bill on day one… to codify Roe,” Hogan said, expressing frustration that opponents had spent millions on what he called misleading ads.

Regarding his approach to bipartisanship, Hogan pointed to Senator Joe Manchin as an example of an outstanding leader. “The person who probably stands out to me the most is Joe Manchin…he stood up and stood out,” Hogan noted. He added that Manchin’s support for his Senate bid was significant, and Manchin crossed party lines to support him.

But Manchin has also emerged as a wildcard when it comes to one of the Senate’s most important responsibilities: confirming Supreme Court nominees. He supported two of former President Donald Trump’s picks, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanagh, but opposed the third, Amy Coney Barrett. Manchin also encouraged the Senate to consider former President Barack Obama’s 2016 nomination of Merrick Garland, but it was never brought to a vote by then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

READ MORE: Report Finds Alsobrooks Wrongfully Claimed DC Property Tax Breaks, Maryland: What We Know

This precedent could prove significant if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election but Republicans regain control of the Senate. In recent days, the two leading contenders to replace McConnell as leader have not made it clear whether they will try to block Harris’ candidate.

Hogan said he would support an up-or-down vote if elected to the Senate.

“With all due respect to Senator (John) Cornyn and Senator (John) Thune, I think this is an outrageous position… I am willing to provide a fair hearing and will support any qualified candidate if Kamala Harris becomes president or if Donald Trump is president.”

Hogan, who was a vocal critic of Trump while he was in the White House, also reiterated that he would not support his re-election, even though Trump had signaled his support: “We didn’t ask for his endorsement… I’m not going to be a rubber stamp for anybody.”

Lokay ended the interview by asking if he could move from being CEO to one of the 100 members of the Senate.

“I didn’t really aspire to be a senator… but I really think we’re in serious trouble. And I think we need leadership… It’s a different job, but I think I can play a key voice.”

FOX 5 invited Democratic candidate Angela Alsobrooks to participate in “The Final 5.” We will keep you updated on her possible future appearance.