Eight apply for Glassman seat

District 35A: By precinct.Christmas will come early for one lucky Republican this week, as he or she will be selected from eight largely unknown candidates to finish the term of Republican Barry Glassman in the House of Delegates.

The Harford County Republican Central Committee has reviewed and released the names of eight candidates, which includes two Central Committee members.

The Central Committee will hold an executive session to interview and vote on the contenders this Saturday at the Harford County Council Chambers in Bel Air. Committee members vying for the job are ineligible to vote.

"We look forward to a thorough review of each of the candidates and their qualifications," said Mike Geppi, chair of the Harford GOP Central Committee. "It is our intention to have a process that is fair to all who have applied for this position.”

Glassman is succeeding Sen. Bob Hooper, who steps down on December 31. The Committee expects their pick to be appointed by the Governor by mid-January at the latest. The 425th Session of the legislature begins Janurary 8, 2008.

The candidates are:

• Marc McFaul of Forest Hill, a Baltimore tavern owner;
• Wayne Norman, a local attorney and member of the Republican Central Committee of Harford County
• Roger Lambie, Sr. of Bel Air owner of Operation Lambo
• Joseph Swilka of Fallston, marketing and sales representative with WEIS Development Group
• Teresa Reilly of Whiteford, member of the Republican Central Committee of Harford County
• Tom Mottley of Forest Hill, co-owner of RKS Realty
• John Rigdon of Jarrettsvile, president and co-owner of Rigdon Farms, Inc.
• Jason Gallion of Churchville, local civic activist and community volunteer