Maryland State Wire

Baltimore City mayoral candidate Thiru Vignarajah's recent endorsement of one of his opponents has sparked controversy regarding the use of public funds allocated through the city's small donor public financing program. According to the Fair Elections law, candidates who withdraw from the program are required to repay all public funds received, plus interest.

Emily Scarr, the Maryland PIRG Director, emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of the Fair Elections program, stating, "While we have yet to hear a legal opinion on the matter, we hope Mr. Vignarajah voluntarily returns every penny he received from the fair elections program."

Similarly, Joanne Antoine, the Executive Director of Common Cause Maryland, expressed disappointment in Vignarajah's actions, highlighting the significance of Maryland's small donor public financing programs in promoting fair and transparent elections. Antoine stated, "He should return the money he received back to the program."

The situation has raised concerns as Vignarajah's endorsement of an opponent while participating in the fair elections program is unprecedented in Maryland. The Baltimore City Solicitor has not yet provided clarity on the matter, leaving uncertainties surrounding whether Vignarajah consulted the Fair Elections Commission or City Solicitor before his announcement.

The calls from democracy groups urging Vignarajah to return the fair election funds underscore the importance of accountability and integrity in campaign finance, particularly in initiatives aimed at limiting the influence of large corporate donations in elections.