Del. Barry Glassman joined a group of lawmakers denying an e-mail from U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest claiming they were part of his campaign team.
Gilchrest, R-District 1, sent an e-mail dated Sept. 4 naming his Harford County campaign team members, including Harford County Executive David Craig.
When Glassman, R-Harford, learned his name was on the list, he contacted Gilchrest and demanded he remove his name and send a revised e-mail, he said.
But that e-mail was only sent to about 25 people, telling them Glassman and the others would be attending a fundraiser for Gilchrest, said Tony Caligiuri, Gilchrest?s spokesman.
Glassman asked not to be included in any public releases, and his name was removed from them, Caligiuri said.
Glassman has not endorsed Gilchrest nor his challenger, State Sen. Andrew Harris, R-Baltimore and Harford.
“Since Senator Harris is part of my delegation, I had a deference to him, and I?ve known Congressman Gilchrest for a long time,” Glassman said. “But I?ve told both of them that?s not my district, and I don?t have anything to do with that.”
Bob Thomas, a Harford County spokesman, also was listed, and although he attended a fundraiser with Craig for Gilchrest earlier this year, he said he did not give Gilchrest permission to use his name.
He blamed the implied endorsements on a lack of communication.
“I?m rather disappointed there wasn?t more communication to avoid confusion, but that type of thing happens in political campaigns,” Thomas said. “I?m not upset with the announcement.”
It is a desperate sign when an incumbent does not have the support of lawmakers who represent the same area, said Chris Meekins, Harris?s political director.
“The fact that you can?t have every elected official in your district endorsing you is stunning,” Meekins said. “That?s what sets this apart.”
STORY SO FAR
State Sen. Nancy Jacobs, R-Cecil and Harford, accused U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest, R-District 1, of “intentionally misleading” voters, implying she was among his endorsements when his statement identified regional coordinator Jeff Griffin as her former chief of staff.
Former Harford County Executive Jim Harkins is another who says he was listed without permission. He said he has had no contact with Gilchrest?s campaign and has not endorsed any candidate
AT A GLANCE
District 1 includes Kingsville, Glen Arm and parts of Perry Hall and Cockeysville in Baltimore County; Bel Air, Churchville, Level and Hickory in Harford County; and Broadneck, Arnold, Severna Park, Millersville in Anne Arundel.
