A Passionate Debate Over Cardin Votes, Funds

Silverman (At Large) accuses Isiah "Ike" Leggett of getting a discount on the rent he pays for his Silver Spring office and not reporting it to the election board as an in-kind contribution. Leggett, a former County Council member, rents the space from Kramer Enterprises, founded by former county executive Sidney Kramer . His daughter, state Sen. Rona E. Kramer (D-Montgomery), manages the property. Both have endorsed Leggett.

Rona Kramer acknowledged that she charges Leggett less than the market rate. But she said it is common practice to charge less for a temporary rental, which does not require the usual carpeting and other repairs or a broker's commission. "It's space that would otherwise be sitting vacant and is now bringing in $2,000," she said.

Leggett called Silverman's accusation "tacky," saying, "I think he's just trying to find something to elevate his campaign and keep his name out in the media."

Silverman did not back down. "He went to a developer who's endorsed him and got a sweetheart deal," he said.

Jared DeMarinis , director of candidacy and campaign finance at the elections board, said he has received Silverman's complaint but has not reviewed it. "Any discounted rate would be considered an in-kind contribution if not done in the normal course of business," he said.

Schaefer Puts His Name on the Line in New TV Ad

Schaefer started a statewide television campaign, minus the apologies he made on a recent radio ad. Instead, photos show Schaefer as a Baltimore City Council member, mayor and governor and conclude with him signing checks at a desk in his darkened comptroller's office.

"You work hard for your money. We as public servants should work just as hard to look after that money," Schaefer, 84, says in the ad. "That's why, when I sign every check from the state of Maryland, I sign with the name William Donald Schaefer, a name you can trust."

Schaefer spokesman Laslo Boyd said the ad will run through Tuesday in Baltimore and on cable systems in Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

Schaefer's comments about Democratic opponent Janet S. Owens 's appearance -- he said the Anne Arundel County executive looked like Mother Hubbard, among other insults -- seem to have been the last straw for some female activists, who have started an e-mail chain letter to try to defeat him.

Karen White , campaign manager for former governor Parris N. Glendening (D) and now national political director of Emily's List, which raises money for female candidates, is one of four women who signed the letter and set up an e-mail account, schaefermustgo@yahoo.com . It calls Schaefer a "sexist dinosaur."

"Schaefer's crude insults, though targeted at one woman, are an offense to all women," the letter says.

The letter doesn't state a preference for Owens or Montgomery County Del. Peter Franchot , the other Democrat in the race.

Staff writer Nancy Trejos contributed to this report.