Public campaign financing urged

A Baltimore County lawmaker has introduced what he calls the "anti-Jack Abramoff bill" - legislation that would distance candidates vying for seats in the Maryland General Assembly from wealthy donors by creating a fund to publicly finance their campaigns.

"Maryland is answering the call from across the country that elected officials should not be beholden to special interests," said Del. Jon S. Cardin, D-Baltimore County, the bill's sponsor. "We see this as just simply good policy for the state."

Candidates for the House of Delegates would be eligible for up to $80,000 through the primary and general elections and their...