Nation IN BRIEF : MARYLAND : Vote Fraud Claim Dismissed by Judge

The Republican loser in Maryland’s closest gubernatorial race in 75 years was denied a new election despite claims of widespread voter fraud. Circuit Judge Raymond G. Thieme in Annapolis said there was “simply no evidence of any systematic omissions or a pattern of misconduct throughout the state.” Ellen Sauerbrey, a legislator who lost by 5,993 votes, had claimed the election was stolen through fraud or illegal voting. Democrat Parris Glendening was certified the winner in December. The Maryland Court of Appeals is expected to hear Sauerbrey’s appeal before Wednesday, when Glendening is to be inaugurated.