Joseph Bush, Sr., Republican candidate for President of the St. Mary's County Commissioners, went on the offensive on Tuesday evening at a forum arranged and hosted by students at College of Southern Maryland. His opponent, Jack Russell was not present at the open forum (to which all candidates were invited). Bush took the opportunity to attack Russell personally, comparing him to a scoutmaster and Dr. Spock.

Bush read from a letter seemingly written by a principal of a school about the experiences of the children aboard Russell’s boat. His choice of literature was a little mystifying as the author of the letter was clearly praising the educational experience Russell has offered to the children, but Bush pounced upon a description of an unusual ceremony they perform. The Indian ceremony reportedly involves thanking the spirit of the fish about to be used for bait and giving it a kiss. “The shocked look on my kids faces have decreased as the legend of this ceremony has been passed from grade to grade,” Bush read. The author then goes on to describe participation in the ceremony as a “badge of honor” among children.

Unfazed by the authorial intent of the letter, and the opinion of the principal he quotes, Bush mocked Russell for teaching children to tie knots and kiss fish. He also alleges Russell has broken wind among the children, although not revealing his source.

The attack is on one of Russell’s strongest campaign platforms, education. He was recently endorsed by the Education Association of St. Mary’s County.