Carroll County Politicians Travel to the Big Game, Show Off Purple Fever

Maryland is buzzing in anticipation for Sunday’s American Football League Championship game between the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots, with local businesses using sidewalk chalk to show their support and local fans wearing every purple item of clothing from their wardrobe.

Local politicians are also in on the madness as well. Del. Susan Krebs was decked out in purple in her office in Annapolis Friday, and Carroll County Commissioners Doug Howard and Haven Shoemaker are making a road trip out to the event, carpooling together to the game in Howard’s hometown of Boston.

“I think it’s going to be a fantastic game,” Howard said. “Haven’s a huge Ravens fan. Sitting next to him is an experience for sure.”

“Well, I've missed four home games since the Ravens came to Baltimore, and I usually go to at least one road game a year. You might say I'm a fan,” said Shoemaker.

As for the car ride there, Howard said they’re going to try to stick to talking about sports.

“I hope we talk only about the Ravens and not about politics,” said Howard, laughing. “It’s actually nice when you get to know the people you work with I think it will be fun.” 

Commissioner Robin Frazier will also be cheering on her team back at home in Carroll County, she said.

“As a former quarterback of a girls flag football team, die-hard Colts fan in the day of Johnny Unitas, Raymond Berry, Lenny Moore and John Mackey, and cheerleader for the 1978 Tri-state winning Owls, I love the game of football,” said Frazier.

“I am looking forward to catching some of the game on Sunday. I was a commissioner when the Ravens were the 2000 Super Bowl Champs and look forward to participating in championship festivities this year, she said. “Go all the way Ravens!” 

Howard also added that he thinks the Baltimore team has a good chance of making it to the end. 

“I think the Ravens are going to win. They’re very strong this year,” said Howard. “I love the Patriots, but I’d really like to see the Ravens take home this win.”