Doug Gansler Calls for Voluntary Ban Against Independent Ad Buys in Governor's Race as Brown Earns AFSCME Endorsement

Today Maryland Juice received an interesting set of press releases from the gubernatorial campaigns of Doug Gansler and Anthony Brown. Gansler is calling for gubernatorial candidates to voluntarily reject outside spending from organization's seeking to get involved in the race. This may be a response to a newly announced endorsement for Anthony Brown from the labor union AFSCME (see press release below). Notably, The Baltimore Sun reported on the AFSCME endorsement yesterday and noted:

BALTIMORE SUN: AFSCME's endorsement traditionally has brought with it both money and organizational muscle. "When we endorse, it's for real," [AFSCME spokesman Jeff Pittman] said. "It's everything we can throw at it."

You can read Gansler's press release below, followed by Brown's press release announcing the AFSCME endorsement:

PRESS RELEASE

Gansler-Ivey Campaign Invites Democratic Candidates for Governor to Pledge Against Third Party Funding

Silver Spring, MD -  Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Douglas Gansler and his running mate, Prince George's County Delegate Jolene Ivey, today are calling on all Democratic candidates for Governor of Maryland to join with them in a pledge to the people of Maryland. The “Candidates' Pledge” prohibits third party non-candidate entities or organizations from spending money on radio, cable, online advertising, and direct mail that names any of the candidates for governor.

This pledge is similar to one that Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Scott Brown agreed to in the 2012 US Senate race in Massachusetts. Common Cause released a post-election analysis that concluded the pledge, signed by both candidates, was effective in keeping outside money out of the race.

Attorney General Gansler, who has a successful record fighting against voting irregularities, enforcing voter integrity laws, and supporting campaign finance reform, said today,  “We are now less than one year away from an important general election in Maryland and I believe that all of the candidates should support and sign the ‘Candidates' Pledge.’”  Gansler added, “It is easy to talk about reform, the test is – are you willing to do something to keep outside money out of Maryland. The Candidates Pledge is a chance to do just that.  It is a chance not to talk, but to act.”

Jolene Ivey added, “The only way for a pledge like this to work is for every candidate – Lt. Gov. Brown and Del. Heather Mizeur -- to sign up. All it takes is a ‘yes,’ and we can keep third party forces out of Maryland and let Marylanders decide who their next governor should be."

PLEDGE TO THE PEOPLE OF MARYLAND

We the undersigned agree that if an independent or third party group spends any money on broadcast TV, Cable TV, Radio, Online, or Direct Mail advertisements supporting a candidate, that candidate, by signing this pledge, agrees to pay 50% of the cost of airing that advertisement to a charity of the other candidates mutually agreed upon choice.

This agreement requires the agreement of all three candidates running for governor in the Democratic Primary and applies only to the Primary campaign. The pledge is valid only if all three Democratic candidates sign the Candidates' Pledge.

Doug Gansler

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PRESS RELEASE

Anthony Brown and Ken Ulman Endorsed by AFSCME Council 3

Representing 25,000 Maryland workers, AFSCME highlights Anthony Brown’s work to strengthen the middle-class

Baltimore, MD – Today, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and Howard County Executive Ken Ulman were formally endorsed by AFSCME Council 3 at a rally in Baltimore. At the event, AFSCME leaders recognized Anthony Brown and Ken Ulman’s records of delivering real results for Marylanders as well as their proposals to invest in our schools, protect collective bargaining rights and strengthen the middle-class. AFSCME Council 3, which represents 25,000 workers across the State, is now formally signed on to work with the Brown-Ulman team to win this election and partner with a Brown-Ulman administration to build a better Maryland.

“AFSCME has been a crucial part of the progress we’ve made for Maryland’s working families over the last seven years. I'm grateful to have them on the Brown-Ulman team,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. “By working together to protect collective bargaining rights, invest in our schools and develop more career training education programs, we’ll strengthen the middle-class and build a better Maryland.”

“As County Executive for the last seven years, I’ve seen the dedication and sense of service that Maryland’s public sector workers bring to our communities every day,” said County Executive Ken Ulman. “These hard working men and women keep our state running and ensure that working families receive the services and support they need every day. I’m thrilled to have their support for the Brown-Ulman team and look forward to working with them in office to build a better Maryland for our middle-class.” 

“We can count on Anthony Brown and Ken Ulman to get the job done for working families,” said Patrick Moran, AFSCME Maryland Council 3 President. “Anthony Brown is the type of leader who understands that hard‐working public employees provide vital services, and he respects us as valued partners. Elections matter, and that's why we're committed to doing the hard work to elect the Brown-Ulman team.”

To view an updated list of all of Anthony Brown’s endorsements, click here.

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