Bennett Narrowly Wins 'Dirtiest Campaign' for Mayor
Mayor Michael Bennett beat challenger Patrick McGrady by 26 votes in the Aberdeen municipal election.
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Beating his opponent by only 26 votes, Aberdeen Mayor Michael Bennett was reelected to his third term on Tuesday night after what he called "the dirtiest campaign" he had ever experienced.
Bennett received 764 votes, barely ahead of the 738 votes cast for challenger Patrick McGrady, city elections supervisor Gina Bantum announced at the Aberdeen Senior Center.
McGrady, a Republican, mounted a serious challenge against the Democratic incumbent in the nonpartisan election that took a bizarre last-minute twist when the city's ethics commission acted on a complaint McGrady filed against Bennett. On Oct. 14 the commission agreed with McGrady's complaint and stated that Bennett had violated ethics code by accepting a trip to Georgia paid for by Ripken Baseball.
"This is absolutely the dirtiest campaign I've ever been involved in, and I am dismayed that I have to go through the process of repairing damage to my name that an unscrupulous opponent wanted to put out there," Bennett said after the results were announced. "It was a lot closer than what I thought it was going to be. The bottom line is we got a mandate to move forward, and we're going do it aggressively."
Turnout for registered voters in the Aberdeen municipal election was under 20 percent.
For the uncontested four council member races, incumbents Ruth Elliott received 1,059 votes, Sandra Landbeck received 1,031, Bruce Garner received 992 and Ruth Ann Young received 948. The council backed Bennett's reelection.
"I am elated to be able to have this opprotunity to continue to work with them. They are a good group to work with. I am really blessed to be able to move forward," Bennett said. "I guess all I can say is for the next four years, watch our smoke."
The final, official results of the election will be posted Friday.
Bennett leaves Wednesday for the National League of Cities conference to speak in his role as president of the Maryland Municipal League. He is scheduled to return Sunday.
He said he will begin legal action on Monday against the city's ethics commission because "they've violated the process" and did not give him a hearing about McGrady's complaint.
the green hornet
5:50 am on Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The dirtiest campaign really? You did something wrong and you got called out on it and found guilty.with such a low turnout and such a close win you should worry more in 4 years.
Dennis W Story
6:18 am on Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Congratulations Mayor Bennett on a “clean-win.” I have never based my vote on opposition mudslinging; as a matter of fact I have changed my vote on many occasions when my chosen candidates decided to go that route.
I believe that it is the responsibility of the voter to research their candidates to make an informed decision and not be swayed by the sound bites and crafted misinformation of the opposition.
Karen
7:11 am on Wednesday, November 9, 2011
I can't believe that somebody who is suppposed to know the rules, breaks the rules, gets caught, gets to keep their job and talks major trash.......arrogant politicans!
LB
7:53 am on Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Glad the elections are finally over, Congratulations Mayor Bennett!
Now, somebody PLEASE take that robo-dial number away from McGrady!!!!!!!!!!!!!
skj
8:02 am on Wednesday, November 9, 2011
I guess the people of Aberdeen love those high taxes and the water bills that keep getting worse. Good job people! You'll be the first to complain when we get taxed out of our houses & businesses.
MLH
9:15 am on Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Shame on you Mr. Bennett. You did something wrong, tried to cover it up, then when you get caught you blame your accuser. Typical! You should head to D.C., you would fit right in! Prayers for the city of Aberdeen, made by the people, ruined by the government!
vietnam vet
9:17 am on Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Typical poor turn out for Aberdeen. it was'nt hard to figure who the winner was going to be.
Al Reasin
12:41 pm on Wednesday, November 9, 2011
One wonders if it was the mayor who gave the order making me and no one else leave the O'Malley ralley area. The Dagger printed this on May 3, 2010:
http://www.daggerpress.com/2010/05/03/omalley-visits-aberdeen-on-re-election-tour-amid-tea-party-protests/
O’Malley Visits Aberdeen on Re-Election Tour Amid Tea Party Protests
Snippet:
Not everyone present was equally thrilled, as the rally did see several Tea Party protestors. ( I believe it was 5 - Al)
One of them, Al Reasin, said he was asked by Aberdeen police to stand away from the crowd on the edge of the park because he carried a flag. ( I was never told why by the officers or who ordered my removal - Al)
About the incident, Reasin said, “A veteran was denied his First Amendment and freedom of assembly rights like a second class citizen.”
Dirtiest campaign? Appears he's thin skinned when anyone goes against him or his political allies.
vietnam vet
2:34 pm on Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Al the police department supports Mayor Bennett. any thing that would go against him is very likely to meet opposition.
LB
3:58 pm on Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Come on folks, doesn't matter who the Mayor is....the police department should support him/her.
Was it the American flag that was being carried?
Al Reasin
12:17 am on Sunday, November 13, 2011
The Navy Jack Don't Tread On Me and the Culpeper Liberty or Death flags
Joe McCarthy
2:03 am on Friday, November 18, 2011
Its been over a year,let it go!