HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) - Republican gubernatorial hopeful Larry Hogan is celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a campaign swing through western Maryland.
Hogan has appearances scheduled Monday in Oakland, Cumberland, Hagerstown and Frederick.
He says it's his first trip to the mostly rural, largely conservative region since he formally announced his candidacy in January.
Hogan's schedule includes an afternoon keynote speech at the opening of a new Allegany County Republican Party office in Cumberland.
He's scheduled to end the tour by greeting St. Patrick's Day revelers at a Frederick tavern.
Hogan served as appointments secretary to Gov. Robert Ehrlich from 2003 to 2007.
He says Marylanders are ready for the change that would come from electing another Republican chief executive.
