Replies

To confirm the timeline... the FReepmail exchanges between Steffen and O'Doherty were in Oct 2004. Looking at this link we see part of a PR release that reads:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, January 9, 2005 7:00AM
CONTACT: Ryan O’Doherty 410-269-8818 (Desk); 443-794-7931 (Cell)

DEMOCRATIC CHAIR CALLS ON GOVERNOR EHRLICH TO PULL ILLEGAL ADS

That is, O'Doherty was still employed by the MD Democrats in January 2005, which means he was employed by them in October 2004 as well. The only remaining question is whether or not he was acting in his official capacity. I'm sure Steffen's lawyers will find that out during discovery.