Opening Statements in Second Maryland Robocalls Trial

Maryland's state prosecutor said he will explain during the robocalls election fraud trial that a campaign consultant was aiming to suppress black voter turnout in the 2010 gubernatorial election.

Emmet Davitt told a Baltimore jury Tuesday that they'll hear from Julius Henson's assistant, who said there should not be an authority line on the Election Day robocall. Henson was working former Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich during his rematch with Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley.

Henson's lawyer, Edward Smith Jr., said Henson's call was meant to encourage black votes. He also said Henson only gave advice -- he was not a member of the campaign committee.

The calls told supporters of O'Malley and President Barack Obama to relax because they had won.

The trial will resume on Wednesday.