The state election board yesterday approved giving matching funds to three gubernatorial candidates who applied for public money to help finance their primary campaigns.
Marvin L. Meyn, deputy administrator of the state election board, said he submitted vouchers to the comptroller's office for more than $250,000 to be dispensed to the three candidates -- House Minority Leader Ellen R. Sauerbrey, state Sen. Mary H. Boergers and state Sen. American Joe Miedusiewski.
"The auditors will do a more thorough review, but based on the information submitted, we saw no reason not to request vouchers for what was requested by each candidate's committee," Mr. Meyn said.
By accepting the public matching funds, each of the three candidates agrees to spend no more than $1 million.
Mrs. Sauerbrey, a Baltimore County Republican, will receive $94,370.18 from Maryland's $2.9 million Fair Campaign Financing Fund, established in 1974, but not used until this year.
Mrs. Boergers, a Montgomery County Democrat, will get a check for $83,672.25, and Mr. Miedusiewski, a Baltimore Democrat, will receive $79,357.50.
To receive matching funds under the law, candidates had to raise $150,000 in qualifying contributions -- donations of $250 or less from individuals, not from corporations or political action committees.