Steinberg appeals for defections from two rival camps

In a last-ditch effort to get back into the race, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Melvin A. "Mickey" Steinberg said yesterday that he is the only candidate with a chance to defeat front-runner Parris N. Glendening in tomorrow's primary and called for help from supporters of two back-of-the-pack rivals.

The lieutenant governor specifically appealed to supporters of Sens. American Joe Miedusiewski and Mary H. Boergers.

Mr. Steinberg trailed Mr. Glendening, the three-term Prince George's County executive, 20 percent to 45 percent in a poll released Saturday by Mason-Dixon Political Media Research of Columbia. Mr. Miedusiewski and Mrs. Boergers followed with 13 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

"It is obvious that this has become a two-person race," Mr. Steinberg said in a statement.

"Mickey needs to get a grip on reality," said Claire R. Hassett, Mrs. Boergers' spokeswoman. "We are sprinting full-speed ahead toward the finish line of this race."

James Brochin, a spokesman for Mr. Miedusiewski, said he rejected Mr. Steinberg's call for defections. "We'll see what happens Tuesday."