Sen. John C. Astle, vice chairman of the Finance Committee and an Anne Arundel County Democrat, held a long-planned fundraiser during the special session, and he recorded $17,300 over those three weeks. Two donations totaling $750 came from a computer company and a political action committee representing Realtors, who opposed the property management tax.
Astle said he voted against the tax bills and was not aware of who gave him money. He said that he often does not see donor checks, which go directly to his treasurer.
"There are some people who can tell you exactly who gave them what, and I've heard stories that sometimes impacts actions taken here, but I've never felt that way," Astle said. "You have an obligation to be open to everybody and to make decisions that are in the best interest of the people."
"I don't go to lobbying firms when I'm looking for votes," he said.
Sen. Bryan W. Simonaire, an Anne Arundel County Republican, also said a fundraiser he had planned for months happened to be scheduled during the special session. He raised $14,000, including $250 from an apartment owner. He said the donor is a friend and that he made his anti-tax stance clear before the special session began.
"It didn't affect the outcome at all," Simonaire said.
Sen. Bobby A. Zirkin, a Baltimore County Democrat, said he sent invitations to his December fundraiser in August. He said that he would have canceled it if the special session had lasted through the day of his event.
He collected $5,000, including $125 from a health club, during the session. Zirkin said the donations were ticket sales, though he also said he does not know who gives him money because the checks are routed through his treasurer.
"I don't have the faintest idea," he said.
laura.smitherman@baltsun.com
