GOP Executive Director

Jim Pelura, the chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, said Justin Ready, the chief of staff to state Sen. Janet Greeinp (R-Crofton), was the "right fit" to become the new executive director of the state party. This morning, Pelura announced that Ready had been selected to replace John Flynn.

"I rely on my first impression," Pelura said of his decision. "All the candidates were well qualified, but Justin is the right one."

"I'm very happy to be asked to serve," Ready told PolitickerMD.com. "I'm excited to continue the process of working with the chairman to make Maryland a two-party state again."

Justin Ready with then presidential candidate Mike Huckabee in Baltimore last SeptemberJustin Ready, Chief of Staff to state Sen. Janet Greenip, was hired as the new Executive Director of the Maryland Republican Party, Chairman Jim Pelura announced this morning in a statement.

He will take begin his new position on May 1, 2008.

Check back with PolitickerMD.com for more on this story later today.

Chris Meekins, the campaign manager for state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) in his bid to become the next representative from Maryland’s 1st Congressional District, is among a list of 14 candidates vying to replace John Flynn as executive director of the Maryland Republican Party, sources tell PolitickerMD.com.

Meekins would not comment on the matter when contacted by PolitickerMD.com, saying, “My focus right now is getting Andy Harris elected to Congress.”

“If other challenges present themselves—we may look at it,” Meekins said.

Corey Stottlemyer, the former political director of the Maryland Republican Party, confirmed his interest in replacing John Flynn as executive director of the state party, during an interview today with PolitickerMD.com.

“I did submit my resume and letter of interest,” Stottlemyer said. “I have a passion and interest in serving. I want to help Maryland become a two-party state.”

Stottlemyer served as the party’s political director from January-June 2007, leaving to take a job as a political consultant in Clear Spring.

Previously, he served as regional political director for Gov. Bob Ehrlich's (R) unsuccessful 2006 re-election bid, and as campaign manager for Del. LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. (R-Clear Spring) in his successful 2002 campaign

At least 14 candidates seek to become the next executive director of the Maryland Republican Party, according to state GOP Chairman Jim Pelura.

Pelura, who would not discuss the candidates by name, said those seeking to fill the position include ex-politicians, activists, Republican club members, and those with strong managerial skills, who are “all familiar with Maryland politics.”

The chairman said he would interview the candidates tomorrow, and would likely select a replacement early next week.

The opening comes after John Flynn, the current executive director, announced his decision to resign last week. Flynn will join the Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group Americans for Prosperity as a general counsel.