Apparently, liberal Maryland Governor Glendening is not unmindful of the perils that the sniper could cause in the upcoming gubernatorial race between ultra-liberal Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (yes, a Kennedy family member) and moderate-conservative Robert Ehrlich. As I mentioned in my previous post #1600, Kathleen must do well in Prince George's and Montgomery County to win the election. In order to encourage the required turn-out Glendening is considering calling out the Maryland National Guard if the sniper is not caught by election day.
comcast.net
Governor says National Guard may be used to protect Maryland polls on Election Day
TOM STUCKEY Associated Press Writer
AP Photo
From left: Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening and Washington Mayor Tony Williams hold a news conference outside ABC studios in Washington, after the three were interviewed on ABC's "This Week." (Comcast)ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The state is considering putting National Guard troops at polling places if the sniper who has killed 10 people and wounded three in the Washington area has not been captured by Election Day.
``We must ensure that the election proceeds calmly, safely,'' Gov. Parris Glendening said Wednesday. ``We are considering using the National Guard to make sure every polling place is absolutely safe.''
Glendening made the comments during an interview on Washington radio station WTOP.
Election officials also are considering opening polling places early on Nov. 5 so voters can go inside instead of waiting outside, where they might be a target for the sniper.
Both political parties are encouraging supporters to vote by absentee ballot if they are concerned about their safety.
If National Guard troops are used to protect voters, Glendening said he plans to put them at polls in Prince George's and Montgomery counties, the two suburban Washington counties where shootings have taken place.
Those two counties, along with Baltimore, are the base of support for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. A drop in voter turnout could help her Republican rival, Rep. Robert Ehrlich, in a race that several polls show to be close. |
