Saturday, September 9, 2006

Maryland State Prosecutor Robert A. Rohrbaugh cited state Sen. John A. Giannetti Jr. (D-Prince George's) yesterday with violating state campaign law, saying the candidate distributed material without the required treasurer's authority line.

Giannetti, who is engaged in a fierce primary race, said that he thinks his e-mails and Web site "were in compliance" with Maryland law and that they clearly said the "communication comes from John Giannetti and the committee to support John Giannetti." Still, he said, he is not contesting the citation because he "did not want this to linger on" before Tuesday's primary.

Giannetti blamed the citation and the complaint filed last week on Democratic opponent James C. Rosapepe.

Rosapepe denied involvement, saying, "I didn't file a complaint, so I'm not behind this."

Rohrbaugh did not address the timing but said Giannetti had been warned about similar violations in 2002.

-- Raymond McCaffrey