No set date for special election for Wynn’s seat

Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) has yet to determine when a special general election in Maryland’s 4th Congressional District will be held, according to his communications director, Rick Abbruzzese.

“He still has to make that announcement,” Abbruzzese told PolitickerMD.com, saying the governor would “continue to talk to local jurisdictions” before making a final decision.

Abbruzzese said he did not know when the governor would set a date for the election.

The General Assembly passed emergency legislation last weekend to allow O’Malley plans to bypass a special primary election and hold a special general election.

Under the new law, the governor has the right to decline a special primary, while local and state central committees shall have the power to nominate a candidate if the governor refuses a primary.

Abbruzzese said O’Malley was “happy that the General Assembly was able to move (the bill) and get it passed,” adding that the legislation was the “best” solution for the state.

A special primary election would likely have cost the state nearly $1 million; the special general election is expected to cost the same.

On March 27, Rep. Al Wynn (D-Mitchellville) announced his intention to resign his seat in June to join a Washington D.C. law firm. Wynn’s term was set to expire Jan. 3.

Donna Edwards (D-Fort Washington) defeated Wynn in the Feb. 12 Democratic primary. She is widely expected to win the special general election in the heavily Democratic district.

“The governor had a very difficult decision, weighing the potential costs of two special elections and the rights of the residents of Maryland's 4th District to have representation in Congress,” Edwards said in a statement.

“The Governor and the General Assembly struck the right balance to create a process that will result in a single, fair special general election to secure full and continuous representation for the 4th District,” the statement continued. “I am excited that we now have roadmap in order to move forward. My priorities now include winning the special general election and continuing to reach out and unite leaders and residents from around the district, to begin work on the issues and challenges we face, and a commitment to providing constituency services that are second-to-none.”