Report: Gansler Used Security Detail to Speed to Events

By Christian Freymeyer

Just weeks into his bid to become the Democratic nominee for governor, Attorney General Doug Gansler is the subject of a report that he used his transportation and security detail to speed through traffic, according to a report in The Washington Post.

Memos and e-mails obtained byThe Washington Post through the Maryland Public Information Act appear to portray an attorney general who became impatient with how his security detail was driving.

According to the article, Gansler allegedly directed state troopers to speed through red lights, pass traffic caused by accidents, and, on one occasion, he reportedly asked a state trooper get out of the driver's seat so that he could drive.

In a statement released Sunday night, Gansler claimed that the memos and e-mails in no way reflect the truth.

"The picture being painted by these documents is not an accurate reflection of reality," Gansler said in the statement. "I deeply respect the troopers, the job they do protecting me and the public. A few of the 18 troopers who have provided me protection felt my backseat driving made them uncomfortable — for that I apologize."

The story, also reported on sites such as USA Today, and The Huffington Post, came as Gansler announced Del. Jolene Ivey (D-Prince George's) as his running mate.