Among the Marylanders sending checks to U.S. Sen. Alfonse M. D'Amato of New York near the end of this year's campaign was one of the state's most loyal and generous Democratic backers -- Baltimore Orioles owner Peter G. Angelos.

Angelos said his October contribution of $25,000 to a political action committee controlled by D'Amato was not connected to an effort by the Maryland racing industry and others here to help D'Amato in exchange for his assistance raising money for Republican gubernatorial candidate Ellen R. Sauerbrey.

Rather, Angelos said, the contribution was a show of support for D'Amato for his stances on issues affecting trial lawyers and labor unions, with whom Angelos has close ties.

"I was asked to give him a hand," Angelos said. "He's a strong supporter of the construction trades and he supports lawyers."

Angelos said he was asked by D'Amato's camp to send his contribution to Renew New York, a Long Island-based PAC that is part of D'Amato's extensive web of fund-raising entities.

A week before Angelos' contribution, the same PAC sent an $8,000 check to Sauerbrey as part of a joint fund-raising effort for her and D'Amato.

Angelos said he was not aware that the PAC had recently given money to Sauerbrey.

He said his contribution to D'Amato was his first to a Republican candidate after years of supporting Democrats. During this election cycle, Angelos gave at least $285,000 to the national Democratic Party and Democratic candidates.

Pub Date: 12/22/98