J. Robert Hooper

Both state parties are mourning the loss of Harford Republican, state Sen. J. Robert Hooper.

"He had a special place in his heart for Maryland's children, veterans, and those in need," Republican Chair James Pelura remarked.

"Senator Bob Hooper was a man of strength and courage in his fight against cancer. He inspired those around him and maintained his sense of humor and wit throughout his struggle. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife, Shirley, his four children, and his six grandchildren. His wonderful legacy lives on in our hearts and in our communities."

Sen. J. Robert HooperFormer Harford state Sen. J. Robert Hooper succumbed to colon cancer last night. His health had led him to step down from the Senate at the end of last month.

Bob Hooper was 71.

The Baltimore Sun has more in his obituary.

Harford County's newest delegate, H. Wayne Norman, was officially sworn in by House Speaker Michael Busch this afternoon.

Norman replaces Barry Glassman in District 35A. Glassman moved up to the Senate when Sen. J. Robert Hooper resigned on Dec. 31 due to health issues.

District 35A: By precinct.Christmas will come early for one lucky Republican this week, as he or she will be selected from eight largely unknown candidates to finish the term of Republican Barry Glassman in the House of Delegates.

The Harford County Republican Central Committee has reviewed and released the names of eight candidates, which includes two Central Committee members.

The Central Committee will hold an executive session to interview and vote on the contenders this Saturday at the Harford County Council Chambers in Bel Air. Committee members vying for the job are ineligible to vote.

"We look forward to a thorough review of each of the candidates and their qualifications," said Mike Geppi, chair of the Harford GOP Central Committee. "It is our intention to have a process that is fair to all who have applied for this position.”

Harford County Council President William BonifaceNext Saturday, the Harford County Central Committee will face a tough choice as they select a replacement for Del. Barry Glassman.

They’ll be putting someone in the House of Delegates who’ll rest upon three years of incumbency before ever facing election.

And that person will likely be unknown.

Today is the application deadline for those interested in the District 35A seat vacated by Glassman, who is ascends to the state Senate upon the retirement of Bob Hooper, and it seems that the most well known and obvious candidates are not running.

One is Harford County Council President Billy Boniface.

With the big names sitting out, it's still a wide open race for District 35A delegate.

Del. Barry GlassmanTonight, the Harford County Republican Central Committee is interviewing candidates seeking to replace retiring state Sen. J. Robert Hooper. They will announce their recommendation immediately afterwards at the Pat McDonough Annual Legislative Update Dinner and Fundraiser.

The committee is widely expected to recommend District 35A Del. Barry Glassman, who Sen. Hooper personally endorsed. If appointed to the Senate, the race for Glassman’s House seat would be wide-open.

Hooper, whose resignation takes effect December 31, is retiring for health reasons – he’s weathered both colon cancer and a mild heart attack in recent years. He told the Baltimore Sun that November’s special legislative session convinced him that he cannot keep up with the demands of the office. He was elected to the Senate in 1998.

Glassman, 45, is a former Harford County Councilman and was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1998.