Backed by friends and family in a press conference yesterday, Matt Maciarello announced he was back in the race for State's Attorney to stay, according to published reports. He told those assembled that, "I acknowledge that I stumbled and that for some of you, I'll lose your votes. But this is Matt Maciarello getting back up. I stand here today reorganized and with a re-energized campaign, ready to win the election."

At that event and later at the Wicomico County Republican Club meeting, Matt briefly outlined what an office under him would be like by installing a Code of Conduct, which he theorized would "elevate" the office and "inspire my staff." He would even look outside the present staff for a fresh crop of attorneys if he couldn't make them measure up to his standards.

Critics argue that, at 35, Maciarello may be too young to take over the reins of the State's Attorney office; however, current incumbent Davis Ruark was appointed as State's Attorney in February 1987 at the tender age of 31 - Ruark had already ran as an incumbent and won by the time he turned 35. So there is the precedent for youth in the office.

Without primary opposition, Maciarello will face either Ruark or fellow Democrat W. Seth Mitchell in the November election.