Fundraising in Maryland used to be much like fundraising anywhere else; candidates gather hundreds of supporters at big blowout events.

These days, however, candidates in Maryland are going about their political business a little differently, by hosting small private, invite-only gatherings at private residences and properties.  Today's Baltimore Sun has an in-depth look at what this means for a local campaign for Howard County executive, and Common Cause Maryland places it in the bigger picture of money in politics:

Now, I'm certainly not an expert on Maryland politics, and perhaps someone out there can help me out and explain this to me - but what in the world does a candidate for county executive need over $300,000 for?