Prince George's Co. To Hold Special Primary Election

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) -- Prince George's County voters are choosing a replacement for Councilwoman Leslie Johnson.

A special primary election is being held Tuesday to fill Johnson's District 6 seat. Johnson pleaded guilty in June to destroying evidence in a federal corruption probe that also ensnared her husband, former county executive Jack Johnson. She could receive more than a year in prison when she's sentenced on Oct. 13.

Fifteen candidates -- 14 Democrats and one Republican -- are running for Johnson's seat. Because Prince George's is heavily Democratic, the winner of the Democratic primary usually coasts to victory in the general election.

County Executive Rushern Baker is backing Derrick Leon Davis, a former school system official and current chairman of the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund. Several council members are also supporting Davis.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)