State Party Officials React to McKee News

John Flynn, the Executive Director of the Maryland Republican Party, and David Paulson, the Communications Director of the Maryland Democratic Party, reacted to the scandal surrounding the resignation of Del. Robert A. McKee (R-Hagerstown), during interviews this afternoon with PolitickerMD.com. McKee resigned after authorities conducted a raid of his home amid allegations that the delegate possessed material related to child pornography.

“It’s a black eye for Maryland,” Flynn said, adding, “It’s not good for the Republican Party.”

Flynn said he was “troubled” when first told of the news, adding that the party was “surprised to hear (McKee) was under investigation.”

The executive director also said he had been in contact with members of the Washington County Republican Central Committee, who will recommend a replacement to fill McKee’s seat. Flynn said he called simply to “check-in” with the committee, and to see if they had heard about the allegations. The conversation was not political, he said.

Flynn would not say who he would like to replace McKee or what characteristics that person should possess, saying it was “not an issue for the state party.”

Several phone and e-mail messages left with central committee officers, including Chairperson Penny Pittman, were not returned.

Paulson, for his part, said state Democrats would not “take advantage” of the situation in a political manner.

“Nobody’s happy to hear about this kind of thing,” Paulson said. “Nobody needs this.”

He said Democrats did not need a Republican scandal “to be successful in this state.”

“We didn’t have much of a reaction at all,” Paulson said when asked for his initial reaction to the news. “It is what it is.”

Later, Paulson said his thoughts turned to “disappointment” and “concern.”

Meanwhile, Flynn said he was “glad” to hear that McKee is receiving treatment for his problem.

McKee’s resignation will become official this evening.