Two Maryland Stories

1.  Authorities “raided” Mayor Sheila Dixon’s office yesterday.  The Baltimore Sun has the article.

After spending more than seven hours inside, state prosecutors and police emerged from Dixon’s house — in Hunting Ridge, along the city’s western border with Baltimore County — carrying boxes, folders and a blue cooler they had brought in with them.

Prosecutors declined to comment on the search and gave no indication of what they were looking for or what they removed from Dixon’s home. Asked about the raid as she left her house Tuesday morning, Dixon responded: “Ask them.”

2.  State Senator Ulysses Currie is the subject of a federal investigation.  The Post has the latest.  He is asking the Maryland State Board of Election if he can use campaign funds to pay his legal expenses.

In a letter dated June 12, Currie (D-Prince George’s) asked for “clarification and a formal opinion concerning the appropriate use of my campaign funds.” Currie said he has engaged counsel to represent him in connection with a “federal criminal investigation that appears to relate to my position as a member of the General Assembly.”

Alleged California Reimbursements

A scheme involving allegedly reimbursed contributions was reported today in The Press-Enterprise. 

The indictment outlines one series of actions that begins July 5, 2006, with Leggio issuing a $10,000 check to Nick Vito Cacucciolo. On the same day, Cacucciolo issued $3,300 checks to two individuals “in reimbursement for contributions to the Committee to Elect Brenda Salas.”

The defendants made contributions to several state campaign committees in the Inland area, including two committees for Dutton: in his 2002 race for the Assembly, and his 2004 run for the state Senate, both of which he won.

Bill Leonard, a former legislator, received contributions for his successful bid for the state Board of Equalization in 2002. Assemblyman Anthony Adams, R-Hesperia, received donations for his 2006 campaign for the 59th Assembly District.

Indiana Robocall Case Update

The Indianapolis Star covered yesterday’s Indiana Supreme Court hearing of an important robocall case. 

The case was heard in Terre Haute as part of an effort to let people in different parts of the state see the court in action. Monday’s hearing also could be viewed via the Internet.

The case centers on the 1988 Indiana Autodialer Act, which limits the use of automated phone calls. The statute mandates that a live operator first disclose the source and purpose of the call, as well as any goods or services being promoted.

Video of the argument should be available here when it’s made available.  The case is State of Indiana v. American Family Voices, Inc. et al.