Environmental groups back Willis for comptroller
Two of the state's largest environmental organizations endorsed Secretary of State John T. Willis yesterday in his campaign for the Democratic nomination for Maryland comptroller.
The state chapter of the Sierra Club and the Maryland League of Conservation Voters endorsed Willis over William Donald Schaefer, the incumbent.
Representatives from both organizations said they are supporting Willis because he has been a strong supporter of Gov. Parris N. Glendening's environmental agenda, including his Smart Growth policies. Schaefer has often used his position on the Board of Public Works to challenge Glendening's environmental policies.
ACORN endorses Townsend, Willis, Keating
The citizen group ACORN said yesterday that it is endorsing Democrat Kathleen Kennedy Townsend to be Maryland's next governor.
ACORN (the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) also endorsed Secretary of State John T. Willis in the Democratic primary for Maryland comptroller and Democrat Anton J.S. Keating in the primary for Baltimore state's attorney.
The endorsements were announced by ACORN's political action committee during an evening rally.
Shapiro again criticizes rival over use of funds
Eighth District congressional candidate Christopher Van Hollen Jr. was criticized - again - by fellow Democrat Ira Shapiro yesterday over his use of surplus funds from previous election campaigns.
Two weeks ago, Shapiro accused Van Hollen of circumventing election law by using the leftover funds on mailings that Shapiro believes were designed to promote Van Hollen's congressional campaign. Van Hollen says he had a letter from the state election board clearing the mailings in advance.
Yesterday, Shapiro's campaign criticized the use of a consultant who was initially paid by Van Hollen's congressional campaign, then paid for later work with funds from his state campaign account. Steve Jost, Van Hollen's campaign manager, said the division of funding for the aide's two roles was proper.