Negotiations on 4th District special election continue

ANNAPOLIS -- Alexandra Hughes, a spokeswoman for House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Annapolis), said the speaker did not have a position on Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposal to hold a special general election in Maryland’s 4th Congressional District, while bypassing a special primary election.

“In the last days of the session, until we see a bill—I don’t think he’s given much thought to it,” Hughes said.

The General Assembly will adjourn on Monday.

Last week, Rep. Al Wynn (D-Mitchellville) announced that he would resign his seat in June, seven months before his term was set to expire.

The proximity to Election Day 2008, along with the potential $1 million dollar cost of a special primary, likely led O’Malley to his decision.

The governor did not say when the special election should be held. He is expected to meet with Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) and Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson to discuss the matter.

Yesterday, Leggett expressed support for the governor’s proposal.

Meanwhile, Jim Keary, a spokesman for Johnson, told PolitickerMD.com that the county executive’s office had yet to fully review the proposal and would not comment further.

The governor is expected to ask the General Assembly to amend the state code or grant a special order that would allow the 4th District to hold a special general election without a special primary.