Harris on Brinkley: If rumors are true ‘voters would expect’ senator to resign leadership position

Andy Harris: Politicker PhotoLINTHICUM -- Speaking with PolitickerMD.com tonight at the Maryland Republican Party's Red, White and Blue dinner, state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) said that if the allegations of personal problems swirling around Minority Leader David Brinkley (R-New Market) are true, "Voters would expect" Brinkley to step down from his leadership position.

Harris, the GOP nominee in Maryland's 1st Congressional District, said he would not comment about the rumors of "domestic problems," and said "nobody has talked to me" about calling for Brinkley to step aside from the party's top Senate post.

Sources tell PolitickerMD.com that Senate Republicans are discussing allegations that Brinkley has been engaged in an extramarital affair, which apparently led to a domestic disturbance at his home last Friday.

Additional sources say the senator is considering resigning his leadership position as early as tomorrow.

"If it turns out these rumors are true -- I think this is why voters are looking for change," Harris said.

Harris joined the Senate in 1999, while Brinkley came to the body in 2003.

"He did very well this year in what was a very difficult year," Harris said of Brinkley and the 2008 legislative session.

Brinkley's name did not come up during the official dinner, and state party officials declined to comment on the matter when speaking with PolitickerMD.com.