On the Campaign Trail - Feb. 8

February 07, 2012|By ANDREW SCHOTZ | andrews@herald-mail.com

In line with the GOP?

Will Maryland Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot, a Democrat, cross party lines to endorse GOP state Sen.David R. Brinkley in the 6th Congressional District race?

Brinkley campaign spokesman Don Murphy posed that question in an email Monday, referring to a Herald-Mail Campaign Notebook item from December, when Franchot was asked if he’ll endorse state Sen.Robert J. Garagiolain a Democratic primary.

Franchot was uncommitted, but said he’d back a Democrat “who’s sticking up for the little guy.” Franchot went on to criticize recent or potential increases in the sales, gas and alcohol tax, all of which Garagiola has supported.

In Murphy’s email, Brinkley “welcomed the Comptroller’s concern for the people of Western Maryland” and noted that nearby states have lighter taxation.

On Tuesday, Franchot hosted a roundtable on Gov. Martin O’Malley proposal to phase in a 6-percent sales tax on gas over three years, calling it a “shot in the gut” for the middle class.

Franchot spokesman Joseph Shapiro said Tuesday that the comptroller is still talking with 6th District candidates, with the possibility of endorsing someone — a Democrat.

“He will not be making any endorsement in the Republican primary,” Shapiro said.

Humane group likes Bartlett

The Humane Society Legislative Fund last week endorsed U.S. Rep.Roscoe G. Bartlett, R-Md.

The group said Bartlett “has demonstrated strong leadership” on animal-protection topics such as dogfighting and cockfighting and in phasing out the use of chimpanzees in research.

He also cosponsored bills to stop horse slaughter for meat, crack down on puppy mills and create a pilot program for veterans with mental-health problems to use therapy dogs.

“On The Campaign Trail” will run periodically. Send campaign news and tips to Andrew Schotz at andrews@herald-mail.com.

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