MARYLAND (WBFF) — A campaign ad paid for by a newly-formed political action committee is urging voters to support Gov. Wes Moore while opposing Question 3. The ad has prompted Moore’s attorneys to send a cease-and-desist letter demanding the ad’s producers stop using the governor’s name and image.
The ad, paid for by “Truth for Maryland,” is pro-Moore but anti-Question 3. It includes the message: “That’s why we know extreme gerrymandering is wrong. No politician should have unchecked power but that’s what Question 3 does.”
It also says, “Governor Moore fights for each Marylander and lets do the same. Vote yes for Wes and against Question 3,” and ends with, “Vote yes for Wes and against Question 3. Together we’ll leave no one behind.”
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Moore has long supported Question 3, which, if approved, would allow for extreme gerrymandering of Maryland’s congressional districts.
In a letter to PAC members, Moore’s attorneys wrote, “You do not have permission to use the governor’s name, likeness, photos and other information for any purpose whatsoever. You do not have permission to use the campaign’s branding and designs. You must cease doing so immediately.”
Attorney Yurpizy Morgan questioned the move, saying, “I don’t know the last time I saw a cease-and-desist letter to a candidate who is promoting their candidacy.”
John Dedie, a political scientist, said the ad’s language makes it harder for Moore’s campaign to argue it is being used unfairly.
“They did put out clearly, vote for Wes. It makes it difficult for the Moore campaign to say how can you be disappointed when it says vote for you,” Dedie said.
Dedie also pointed to what he described as a contrast with earlier campaign tactics, noting that earlier this year the Moore campaign paid for an ad promoting Dan Cox in an effort to steer support away from Moore’s Republican opponent. That ad said, “The Trump agenda is far too conservative for Maryland but for Dan Cox the Trump agenda is just right.”
“They thought it was okay to use Dan Cox image to promote Dan Cox. Now all of a sudden using Wes Moore’s image to promote Wes Moore for governor there’s a lot of double standards there,” Dedie said.
Dedie said the cease-and-desist effort could backfire by drawing more attention to the ballot measure.
“I think they’re making a mistake by putting more of a spotlight on this thing,” Dedie said. “I think it only draws more attention to Question 3 and why people don’t want it.”
Morgan said the controversy could also amplify the anti-Question 3 message.
“It gives us an opportunity to remind Marylanders just how detrimental it is,” Morgan said.
This post was originally published on Fox 45 by Sinclair Media Group.
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