High stakes, low attention: Dynamic Democratic field vies for Md. governor

Bruised from losing the governor’s mansion in three of the past five elections, the Maryland Democratic Party invited U.S. Sen. Cory Booker to headline its annual gala ahead of a high-stakes primary that has gone largely ignored. “I saw all the people who are running for governor,” the New Jersey Democrat said last month, “and I thought the ballot’s gonna be longer than a CVS receipt.” The enormous, dynamic field has been battling under the radar of a disengaged electorate for months, raising millions and touting impressive résumés but unable to attract attention.