The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1958-05-08
Board Members
will Not Resign
Cite Opinion Of Governor
Which Is Opposite That
OF Attorney General

Two members of the Board of
Election Supervisors, Harry Ward
Hinebaugh and Rodger Bond. an
nounced this week they would not
resign from their positions, and
cited an opinion of Governor Theo-
dorc McKeldin, as their main
reason.
The two board members are
candidates for the Republican
State Central Committee and had
been criticized for being in the
position where they would canvass
their own votes.
An opinion from the Attorney
Generals office last week declared
that candidates for State Central
Committee should not continue to
serve as a member of the Board
of Supervisors of Elections, but
should resign.
A contradictory statement APP
peared this week from Governor
Theodore r. McKeldin. The Gov
ernor stated he sees mo impro-
priety whatever in such a candi,
dacy."
The opinion from Charles B.
Reeves, assistant attorney general
came as the result of a letter of
inquiry from Howard county where
a member of the board was a cam
didate for the State Central COM
mittee. The attorney cited an
earlier opinion of Albert c.
Ritchic. who was attorney general
prior to becoming governor of the
state. in which he ruled that the
same person could not become
candidate and continue to act as
member of the board. He advised
the Howard county official to sub
nit his resignation as a member
of the board to the governor, since
ii was too late to withdraw as a
candidate.
The Governor, in his statement,
said that Maryland law frankly
recognizes Election Supervisors
as Representatives of their Tespcc-
tive parties The position of Stale
Central committee man is not a
public office 1t is merely an Of
flee of intraparty government
The governor added that 'politi-
cal participation should be en-
couraged. The American two-party
system, as contrasted with the one
party system of the dictatorship
and the multi-party system of
several countries, is an outstanding
contributor to the strength of this
Republic and continuing freedom
of its citizens
He did say that there were pub
lie offices in which the incumbents
should not enter their names in
the election lists for other offices.
He said this was particularly true
of the judiciary at all levels He
stated that resignation should pre-
ccdc any such candidates.. But he
felt this was not true of a super
visor of election seeking a post Of
authority within his party. He is
and should be an open and active
stalwart of his party" the governor
said.
The governor made no mention
of an election registrar who is also
a candidate for the House of Dele
gates. This is Russell L. Smith.
A similar situation existed in
Allcgany county. Victor M. Hcbb,
a member of the Allcgany County
Board of Election Supervisors, is
also a candidate for the Republic
can State Central committee.
AS a result of the ruling of the
attorney generals office, Hebb re-
quested a leave of absence as a
member of the Election Board
until after the May 20 election. A
substitute supervisor was named
to serve in his place until after
the election.
But MIR. HiucbaUgh and Mr..
Bond brushed aside the ruling of
the attorney general and declared
We have no intention of resign
ing. The governor has appointed
US and We will serve until our
terms expire next year, or until
he asks us to resign. VIC feel the
governors statement should settle
the controversy.