BALTIMORE (August 6, 2012) – Today, the Maryland Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee (MDJCCC) released its opinion in response to a complaint filed by a Prince Frederick attorney against judicial candidate Joseph M. Stanalonis of St. Mary’s County.
The complaint filed with the Committee alleges that candidate Joseph Stanalonis misled voters with statements featured on several campaign flyers, including one that compared his qualifications with those of incumbent Judge David W. Densford.
In its decision, the Committee finds that six elements contained in materials disseminated by the Stanalonis campaign violated Standards II (Impartiality), III (Truthfulness and Dignity) and VII (Financial Contributions) of the MDJCCC Standards of Conduct for Contested Judicial Elections.
The Committee also concluded that six additional elements of the campaign materials included in the complaint were not in violation of its standards.
The contest between the St. Mary’s County candidates is the only contested judicial election to proceed to the general election on November 6, 2012.
MDJCCC describes themselves as a bi-partisan group of volunteers, committed to promoting and maintaining respect for the uniqueness of the judicial function. It was formed at the suggestion of Chief Judge Robert A. Bell of the Court of Appeals of Maryland. Maryland is one of at least 25 states that have created such committees.
The full decision of the Committee, including supporting documentation, can be found at http://somd.me/stanalonis .
Source: Maryland Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee (MDJCCC)
RELATED INFORMATION:
O'Malley Chooses Densford for St. Mary's Circuit Court Bench, December 23, 2011
http://somd.com/news/headlines/2011/14815.shtml