December 16, 2001|By Howard Libit and David Nitkin | Howard Libit and David Nitkin,SUN STAFF
Before the latest round of campaign reports was filed last month, Rickman said, he reviewed his contributions and found that one company had given too much. That prompted him to ask for and receive a $400 refund from one candidate stay under the limit.
Nevertheless, state records show that one of Rickman's companies - Rickman Research I Associates - has given $50 more than the $10,000 limit. A $200 check that Rickman said he thought was for a crab feast put on by Thoroughbred Breeders & Horsemen went to the group's political action committee and was reported as a campaign contribution.
"You hate these type of things because we go to great lengths to stay within the law," said Rickman, adding that he has asked for a refund for the contribution.
Sun electronic news editor Michael Himowitz contributed to this article.
Excessive contributions
Maryland campaign finance law limits contributions by individuals or companies to no more than $10,000 per election cycle. The current election cycle began Jan. 1, 1999, and runs through the November 2002 election.
The Sun reviewed electronic campaign finance filings from Maryland candidates, political parties and political action committees and found almost 40 individuals and companies who gave more than $10,000. Since being contacted by The Sun, some already have sought or obtained refunds from candidates.
Richard Alter, CEO Manekin Corp., $20,750
Peter G. Angelos, Orioles owner, $12,250
Peter G. Angelos, Law Offices of, $11,300
Ashcraft & Gerel, law firm, $10,050
Bardon Inc./Aggregate Industries, Greenbelt, $15,989.
Charles N. Bassford, Annapolis food distributor, $10,670
Michael Batza, CEO Heritage Properties, $12,900
Michael Bronfein, former chief executive NeighborCare Pharmacies, $12,350
Century Engineering Inc., Towson, $12,445
David S. Brown Enterprises, Owings Mills, $12,125
Edward Dopkin, co-owner Classic Catering People, $11,750
Doracon Contracting Inc., Baltimore, $14,650
Facchina Group of Companies, La Plata construction firm, $18,100
First Municipal Credit Corp., Columbia, $11,400
Morton Funger, McLean, Va., $11,700
John Guerriero, former owner Continental Foods, $12,000
Harkins Builders Inc., Silver Spring, $16,950
David H. Hillman, president Southern Management Co., $19,930
Hilltop Center, Baltimore, $13,100
Kane Company, Elkridge, $14,320
Kramon & Graham, Baltimore law firm, $12,875
Mace Electric Co., Baltimore, $12,000
Martin's Inc., Baltimore, $13,295
McKissack & McKissack, Washington engineering firm, $10,100
Gary Michael, Upper Marlboro developer, $12,175
Arthur Modell, Ravens owner, $19,500
OAO Corp., Greenbelt, $11,740
One Call Concepts Inc., Hanover, $12,025
P. Flanigan & Sons Inc., Baltimore paving company, $15,395
Regional Air Systems, Baltimore, $10,965
Residential Title & Escrow Co., Baltimore, $12,452
Richardson, Myers & Donofrio, Inc. (now Carton Donofrio Inc.), Baltimore, $12,800
Rickman Research I Associates, Rockville, $10,050
Snyder, Weiner, Weltchek & Voegelstein, defunct Baltimore law firm, $13,600
Standard Equipment Co., Frederick, $10,035
Stavrou Associates Inc., Lanham, $17,200
Washington Homes, Landover, $11,000
SOURCE: Maryland State Board of Elections.
