Flier Fury

As Prince George's County voters turned out at the polls today, they were greeted by poll workers handing out an "official voter guide," sporting pictures of County Executive Jack B. Johnson, his predecessor, Wayne K. Curry, and former NAACP president Kweisi Mfume.

Above the three pictures the flier reads, "Ehrlich-Steele Democrats," and underneath it announces: "These are OUR Choices." Inside were a list of Democrats to vote for--except for Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., Senate candidate Michael S. Steele and nu-Republican John Giannetti.

The flier, which was also mailed to Prince George's homes yesterday, infuriated Johnson, who the overall look suggests that he, Curry and Mfume -- all Democrats -- are backing Ehrlich and Steele. None of them has endorsed the governor, and only Curry has declared his support for Steele.

Many of the workers handing out the fliers were brought in from Philadelphia by the busload this morning to work the Prince George's polls. (see video)

Erik Markle said he was recruited at a homeless shelter in Philadelphia. After a two-hour bus ride to Maryland, Markle said the workers were greeted early this morning by first lady Kendel Ehrlich, who thanked them as they were outfitted in T-shirts and hats with the logo for Ehrlich's reelection campaign.

Nearly all of those recruited, Markle said, are poor and black. Workers traveled to Maryland in at least seven large buses.