From WBAL News

AA Co. Delegate Race Decided By 28 Votes

Friday, November 17, 2006

BALTIMORE, Md. -- The final tally is in, and Republican Don Dwyer has won the race for 31st District in Anne Arundel County by only 28 votes.

Most of the 198 absentee ballots that went toward the decision came from overseas, officials said.

Dwyer beat out veteran Democrat Joan Cadden, who is a respected, powerful member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Dwyer is a controversial first-term delegate who made headlines as an outspoken critic of same-sex marriage, embryonic stem cell research and gun control who supports school prayer and placing the Ten Commandments in public buildings.

"Twenty-eight votes. Isn't that incredible? It's incredible," Dwyer said of the final tally that was announced Friday.

Many believe the Anne Arundel County race was a referendum on Dwyer and whether his values reflect those of northern county residents.

"I think it is clear people in this district, in this county, support conservative values," Dwyer said.

Dwyer called for the impeachment of city Judge Brooke Murdoch after she ruled the state's definition of marriage as between one man and one woman unconstitutional.

He's come under fire from his own party for legislation stripping the Department of Natural Resources of its policing power.

He introduced legislation protecting the Ten Commandments and stirred controversy by sending colleagues a derogatory e-mail about Islam.

Gun Owners of America named him delegate of the year.

Published reports indicate Dwyer considered wearing a bulletproof vest on the campaign trail after a motorist allegedly pointed a gun at him.

He said the final vote tally has energized him.

"Either Monday or Tuesday, I will be in Annapolis pre-filing Maryland's marriage amendment once again, and I'm prepared to fight for the next four years, because it's clearly the will of the people of this state," Dwyer said.

The margin of victory is so close that the candidates could demand a recount.

So far, there has been no word of any legal challenges.