Harford County Republican Central Committee

Mike Geppi stepped down as chair of the Harford County Republican Central Committee's on Wednesday, opening the door for the committee's new chair Kim Wagner.

"I feel it's time for others to step up to lead the Harford County Republican Party so that I may explore other ways in which to serve the citizens of Harford County," Geppi told PolitickerMD.com. Geppi will remain involved in the central committee by serving as communications chairman and immediate past chairman.

BALTIMORE -- A Nov. 10 meeting to nominate state Sen. Andy Harris's successor, should Harris be elected to Congress, was moved to put more focus on getting Harris elected in the first place and not because of committee bylaws, according to Mike Geppi, chair of the Harford County Republican Central Committee.

If Harris (R-Cockeysville) defeats state's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) to win the 1st Congressional District seat, the Harford and Baltimore County Republican Central Committees will be required to elect a successor.

Chris Cavey -- chair of the Baltimore County Republican Central Committee -- said Monday the delay had little to do with Harris's prospects. Rather, Cavey argued, it was to ensure that the process goes smoothly to avoid any controversy with the rules and bylaws.

If Harris is elected, the rules state that a notice must go out 10 days prior to the interview, according to Cavey. He said it "would be a little unseemly" to advertise before election night.

Geppi's reasoning for the move, however, differed a bit from Cavey's.

Should state. Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) defeat state's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) to win the 1st Congressional District seat in November, the Harford and Baltimore County Republican Central Committees will be required to elect a successor.

The original plan was to confirm Harris's replacement on Nov. 10, however, this is no longer the case. While the meeting itself is not being canceled, the motion to decide on a successor is.

Chris Cavey, chair of the Baltimore County Republican Central Committee, says the delay has little to do with Harris's prospects. Rather, it is to ensure that the process goes smoothly.