Group questions Smith donations

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith ignored his obligation to return excessive campaign donations, according to a political watchdog group that is asking state prosecutors to investigate.

Despite several contributions that exceed state limits, Smith?s campaign expense reports do not indicate he has issued any refund checks this election cycle, according to a complaint Common Cause Executive Director Bobbi Walton sent to state prosecutors Monday. Even if he is forced to return the money, his campaign has had the advantage of using the money as interest-free loans in the interim period, she said.