Washington County campaign notes

October 20, 2008

Brightman speaks against Williams' 'slate'

Russell F. Williams II, who is running for a seat on the Washington County Board of Education, has been endorsing a slate of candidates that includes himself.

At each forum for the eight candidates in the Nov. 4 general election, he asks the audience to cast their votes for him and for three people with whom he has previously sat on the school board.

He made the same plea during Wednesday's candidate forum hosted by the Retired Washington County Administrators Association.

Williams says he has experience on the school board working with Jacqueline B. Fischer, W. Edward Forrest and Wayne D. Ridenour. He says they would make excellent choices and encourages the audience to vote for them.

During that same forum, Donna Brightman, an incumbent who is also running, said voters should not be swayed by Williams. She said each candidate should be evaluated on his or her merits as an individual and a critical thinker.

Another candidate at the forum, Margaret Lowery, signaled her approval of Brightman's statement.

-- Erin Cunningham

Bartlett with large cash edge over Dougherty

U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md., has a large lead in campaign cash over his Democratic challenger, Jennifer Dougherty, according to the latest financial records.

In data filed with the Federal Election Commission, Bartlett is listed as having $374,142 cash on hand through Sept. 30.

That's more than 13 times as much as Dougherty, who had $27,986.

In the 2007-08 cycle, Bartlett -- who is seeking his ninth two-year term -- took in $275,230 and spent $98,323.

Dougherty took in $117,608 and spent $89,619.

The FEC did not list campaign contributions or expenses for Libertarian Gary W. Hoover Sr., who also is running against Bartlett.

Generally, campaigns that take in or spend little money are not required to file financial forms.

-- Andrew Schotz

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