Security officers at the Maryland State Fair chased away volunteers for at least four campaigns who had set up tables and were handing out literature yesterday.

Fair policy prohibits distribution of fliers of any kind except in rented space in the exhibition hall.

Spokeswoman Joan Neels said five candidates -- Republican gubernatorial hopefuls Ellen R. Sauerbrey and Helen Delich Bentley, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Melvin A. Steinberg, Democratic congressional candidate Gerry L. Brewster and Roger B. Hayden, the Baltimore County executive seeking re-election -- had rented space.

She would not disclose the campaigns that violated policy.