Maryland Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks is facing allegations of financial misconduct involving unpaid property taxes and discrepancies in her financial disclosures, and the accusations, made by the National Legal and Policy Center, a conservative advocacy group, pointed to potential violations of federal disclosure laws.

Alsobrooks, currently serving as the county executive of Prince George’s County, Maryland, came under fire from the Virginia-based watchdog group that filed an ethics complaint citing financial omissions and tax issues, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The group, known for holding public officials accountable, has requested the Senate Ethics Committee investigate the claims against Alsobrooks. The complaint, filed on Monday, alleges that Alsobrooks improperly claimed tax breaks, including credits for seniors, on a property she formerly owned in Washington, D.C.

Concern Over Unpaid Property Taxes Emerges

As a result of these erroneous tax claims, Alsobrooks received a substantial tax bill amounting to $47,000. Although she paid a portion of this sum prior to Election Day, the full amount remains outstanding. Specifically, Alsobrooks stated she has paid $17,000 to cover the tax credits wrongly received and is working towards settling the interest.

The watchdog group contends that Alsobrooks failed to report a significant tax liability, which should have been disclosed as candidates are required to report liabilities exceeding $10,000. This omission is deemed by the group as either an oversight or a violation of disclosure rules.

In addition to the tax issue, several other discrepancies in Alsobrooks' financial reports were highlighted as a cause for concern. Among these was the absence of a previously reported asset, a pension plan, valued between $15,001 and $50,000, which vanished from later filings.

Pressure Builds Amid Prior Allegations

The watchdog’s complaint emphasizes that if Alsobrooks liquidated this pension asset without proper disclosure, it constitutes a breach of financial reporting regulations. The report trail indicated this asset in her initial filing, but it was absent in updates provided in August.

Moreover, Alsobrooks omitted her standing position as an officer on the Board of Visitors at the University of Maryland Law School in later reports after it appeared in her initial submission. This lack of consistent reporting raises flags among those monitoring financial disclosure integrity.

Paul Kamenar, counsel to the National Legal and Policy Center, remarked on these discrepancies as potentially being neglectful reporting or more significant violations that require rectification. Kamenar specifically pointed to the failure of addressing her liability to D.C. tax authorities.

Responses to Allegations and Oversight

Earlier in June, Alsobrooks faced another complaint from Americans for Public Trust. This separate conservative group alleged she misused state-level campaign funds for her federal Senate campaign. Alsobrooks dismissed these allegations as without merit, describing them as "bogus."

Alsobrooks and her campaign have responded by asserting they are taking steps to correct the financial oversights. The Senate candidate maintains that efforts to settle the tax liabilities are underway, including paying off the interest due on the Washington, D.C. property.

Her communications aim to reassure voters that she is addressing these concerns proactively, though the spotlight remains on her financial management practices amidst her Senate run.

Impacts on Maryland Senate Race

As the general election unfolded, Alsobrooks was in contention against Republican candidate Larry Hogan, who has publicly speculated that the Maryland Senate race could be pivotal, potentially yielding an unexpected outcome. Hogan framed the race as potentially surprising, given the current political climate.

The scrutiny of Alsobrooks’ financial practices was thought to have a potential influence on voter perceptions as Election Day approached. Her track record as a county executive and candidate were under critical examination given these allegations.

Regardless of the watchdog's allegations and scandal, Alsobrooks' campaign remained focused on delivering her policy messages and maintaining her candidacy's momentum in the competitiveness of Maryland's political arena.

Watchdog Group Calls for Senate Probe

As the National Legal and Policy Center calls for a full review by the Senate Ethics Committee, the implications of these allegations could be far-reaching, affecting not only Alsobrooks' campaign but also setting a precedent for financial transparency in political races.

With her substantial annual salary as a county executive and visibility in the public eye, the allegations place Alsobrooks at a critical point in her political career. Her responses and actions in the coming days could shape her public image and political future.

The anticipated probe by the Senate Ethics Committee, if it proceeds, will potentially shed further light on the intricacies of Alsobrooks' financial dealings and adherence to federally mandated disclosure practices.