Shank is trying to win Donald F. Munson's Senate seat.
Poole is a contributor to Munson's campaign, having purchased two $100 fundraising tickets.
Asked how it feels to temporarily be a Republican, Poole replied, "I said my father's up in heaven and if you know him, he's just laughing right now."
Serafini's attributes
T-shirts showing allegiance to certain candidates were popular at the Aug. 25 Washington County Republican picnic.
Supporters of Del. Andrew A. Serafini had the most unusual.
Some shirts said, "Don't be a weenie -- Vote for Serafini."
Others said, "Serafini. Fiscally conservative. Pro family. Ruggedly handsome. 2 out of 3 ain't bad!"
UTU endorsements
The Maryland State Legislative Board of the United Transportation Union, based in Frostburg, has announced its picks for this year's state delegate and Senate elections. Locally, the UTU prefers:
o Sen. George C. Edwards, a Republican, in District 1
o Democrat Ronald Lohr in Subdistrict 1C
o Democrat Neil Becker in Subdistrict 2A
o Democrat Brien J. Poffenberger in Subdistrict 2B
o Del. John P. Donoghue, a Democrat, in Subdistrict 2C
o Democrat Paul Gilligan in Subdistrict 3B
The organization has not made picks in the Senate races in Districts 2 and 3.
AFL-CIO choices
The Central Maryland Council of the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) has made its picks for this year's primary elections. The council, based in Hagerstown, chose:
o 6th District Congress: Democrat Andrew Duck
o State Senate: District 1, Republican George C. Edwards; District 2, none; District 3, none
o State delegate: Subdistrict 1C, Democrat Ronald Lohr; Subdistrict 2A, Democrat Neil Becker; Subdistrict 2B, Democrat Brien J. Poffenberger; Subdistrict 2C, Democrat John P. Donoghue; Subdistrict 3B, Democrat Paul Gilligan.
The council will pick Washington County candidates in the general election, said Jon Rosenberger, the council's president.
-- Andrew Schotz
"On The Campaign Trail" will run periodically. Send campaign news and tips to Andrew Schotz at andrews@herald-mail.com. For information about local, state and federal candidates who have filed to run in the coming election, click on Tristate Elections.
