As Trump Attacks Dr. Blasey Ford, Hogan Must Step Up

Annapolis, MD—At a rally in Mississippi last night, Donald Trump callously mocked Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee last Thursday. In Maryland, Governor Larry Hogan has refused to disavow Maryland Republican Congressman Andy Harris’ “vile” comments referring to Dr. Blasey Ford as a “troubled woman” with “psychological problems.” In the more than 120 hours since Dr. Blasey Ford’s testimony, Larry Hogan has ignored multiple calls for him to state clearly and unequivocally whether he believes her earnest, convincing and credible allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. On Sunday, Kellyanne Conway refused to say if President Trump believes Dr. Blasey Ford and questioned the veracity of Dr. Blasey Ford’s testimony.

While Hogan appears to have doubts about Dr. Blasey Ford’s testimony, Republican Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker made his position clear, telling reporters, “I believe Professor Ford.”

Maryland Democratic Party chair Kathleen Matthews issued the following statement renewing her call for Larry Hogan to let Maryland voters know if he supports Dr. Blasey Ford:

“When Donald Trump callously mocks Dr. Blasey Ford, he mocks every woman who has been assaulted and abused, and makes it harder to share their experiences publicly. Governor Hogan has a choice to make: he can stand by Donald Trump’s mean-spirited mocking of Dr. Blasey Ford or he can take this opportunity to stand with all women who have been assaulted or abused. It is more important than ever that Maryland survivors know that when they come forward, they will be believed and supported by Maryland’s leaders.”