[the OlLine Rebel]

Just sayin’, as a MDer born of Baltimoreons and with roots/current relations and contacts in western MD, I am well aware of the major southern sympathies all the way from the Eastern Shore, through the Baltimore riots (Fed Hill guns set on the city), to Cumberland and environs.

It is not to be taken lightly.

[BroJoeK]

the OlLine Rebel: "I am well aware of the major southern sympathies all the way from the Eastern Shore, through the Baltimore riots (Fed Hill guns set on the city), to Cumberland and environs."

Today, as in 1861, Maryland is more conservative in its eastern and western counties.
Liberal Democrats dominate central counties, especially Baltimore.
In 1861 conservatives were Unionists, Liberal Democrats were slave-owning secessionists.

The fact that some conservatives today identify with slave-holding secessionists illustrates the success of Lost Causer mythology.

Maryland's 2014 governor's race results by county: