Three leading Democrats in the increasingly heated primary to succeed Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th) in Congress joined forces over the weekend to attack the perceived frontrunner, Del. Adrian Boafo (D-Prince George’s) whom Hoyer has endorsed as his successor.
Former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, local businesswoman Quincy Bareebe and former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III issued a joint statement blasting Boafo for what they say is $8 million in “dark money” that has flowed in to support his campaign.
“Today, we are putting our own campaigns aside and coming together because this election is bigger than any one candidate,” the candidates said in a joint statement. “When nearly $8 million in outside money floods into a congressional primary, the public has every right to ask why — and what those special interests expect in return.”
The three pointed to support from the United Democracy Project, an AIPAC-affiliated group that has spent almost $1.3 million on Boafo’s behalf, and more than $3 million from PACs affiliated with cryptocurrency markets.
While Boafo cannot stop outside groups from spending independently on his campaign, he can publicly reject the support by “telling these groups to stop trying to buy this seat,” the joint statement said. They are also calling on Hoyer, Gov. Wes Moore (D) and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), all of whom have endorsed Boafo, to pressure him to reject the help.
Boafo’s spokesperson Chris Taylor said in a text message Monday that Boafo has “spoken out against this stuff for years.” He said Boafo would not be distracted by the attacks but would stay focused on his message.
“Unfortunately, Adrian’s opponents have sunk to a new level of desperation in attacking Senator Alsobrooks, Governor Moore and Congressman Hoyer in their attempt to lie and mislead voters about Adrian’s record,” Taylor said. “Adrian is focused on talking to voters about his vision for Maryland and will stand shoulder to shoulder with Angela, Wes and Steny fighting for Maryland families in Congress.”