So she filed to run for office (a fairly easy process in Maryland) and soon after hired campaign manager, Daniel Ford.

FORBES: Wendy Rosen's Quixotic Congressional Campaign Gets Serious

"We are in some very traditional Republican districts, " said Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen, the campaign chief for House Democrats.

WSJ: Democrats Expand Majorities in Congress

But in the governor's race in Maryland, gun violence has emerged as a campaign issue, and the battle lines are familiar.

CNN: Attacks puts fresh focus on gun control

At Maryland, attendance at Comcast Center has dropped 24% in six years, prompting a student-led online campaign to encourage others to show up.

WSJ: College Basketball: The ACC Is Seeing Empty Seats