Sauerbrey campaign aides reiterated her position that challenging the executive order now could open the state up to expensive legal battles. She said she would review the policy when the current contract expires.
"This is not a waffle. She has held this position for quite some time now," said campaign spokeswoman Anne Hubbard.
The high-profile flap over Sauerbrey's position on the issue could undercut her integrity attacks on Glendening. But Hubbard invoked three prominent Democrats to keep those doubts about the governor fresh.
"Our only suggestion is to ask Kurt Schmoke, Wayne Curry or Sid Kramer about Parris Glendening's integrity," she said.
Republican accuses Nelson of disloyalty
Victoria "Vikki" Nelson drew criticism last week from a fellow Washington County Central Committee member for her decision to challenge state Sen. Donald F. Munson in the GOP primary.
Although he did not mention her by name, Mark Thomas said at a candidates forum last week that Republicans who challenge GOP incumbents should resign from the central committee.
"I don't understand how an incumbent member of the central committee can run against an incumbent Republican office-holder," he said.
After the forum, Nelson defended her right to challenge Munson, who she said is not doing a "competent" job.
Nelson said Munson's 24 years in the legislature is too long and said his vote to overturn the Washington County Commissioners' vote to decertify a union was antidemocratic.
Nelson said she is doing nothing wrong by running simultaneously for the state Senate and the central committee.
"I see no reason not to be part of the local central committee," she said.
North headlines fund-raiser
Joseph R. Bartlett and Alex X. Mooney brought in the big guns at a fund-raiser on Friday: Iran-Contra figure Oliver L. North.
The retired lieutenant colonel and former Virginia Senate candidate headlined the event, which Mooney said brought in more than $3,000 for his campaign to unseat state Sen. John W. Derr, R-Frederick/Washington.
Mooney and Bartlett, who is the son of U.S. Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, held separate fund-raisers. Bartlett is running for delegate from District 3, which includes the northeastern part of Washington County and about half of Frederick County, Md.
Mooney said he was excited to have someone of North's stature at his fund-raiser.
Baby Poole joins team
Del. D. Bruce Poole welcomed his newest supporter last week.
The Washington County delegate's wife, Kathy, gave birth Tuesday night to their first child.
David Graham Poole weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces.
The boy's first name is the same as that of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His middle name is Kathy's maiden name, said Poole, who is campaigning for a fourth term.
"It does put it all in perspective," he said.
Endorsements
The Central Maryland AFL-CIO Council has announced endorsements for state and local races.
For the Democratic primary:
- Governor - Parris N. Glendening
- Comptroller - William Donald Schaefer
- Attorney General - J. Joseph Curran Jr.
- U.S. Senate - Barbara A. Mikulski
- Congress - Timothy McCown
House of Delegates:
- District 2B - D. Bruce Poole
- District 2C - John P. Donoghue
- District 3 - Sue Hecht and Richard L. Stup
Washington County Commissioners:
Democrats: Ronald L. Bowers, William M. Breichner, Andrew R. Humphreys, John L. Schnebly and Sue Tuckwell.
Republicans:
Timothy A. Bonds, Albino J. Trujillo, Clinton H. Wiley and William J. Wivell.
Maryland Classified Employees Association:
Incumbent state legislators in Washington County got the union's endorsements: Sens. Donald F. Munson and John W. Derr and Dels. D Bruce Poole, John P. Donoghue, Robert A. McKee, Sue Hecht and Louise V. Snodgrass.
- Brendan Kirby
