Maryland Republican Party

Justin Ready, the executive director of the Maryland Republican Party, told PolitickerMD.com today that the controversy surrounding Senate Minority Leader David Brinkley (R-New Market) is a "personal matter between Sen. Brinkley and his family and that's all we are going to say about it."

"At this point we wish Sen. Brinkley and his family the best as they deal with a personal situation," Ready said.

Details of the May 30 domestic disturbance at Brinkley's home emerged over the weekend through a police report obtained by reporter Meg Bernhardt of the Frederick-News Post, where Brinkley is referred to as "the victim in this incident."

State Republicans gathered for the 18th annual Red, White and Blue fundraiser last night in Linthicum, the party's major fundraiser for the year.

Justin Ready, the party's executive director, told PolitickerMD.com that roughly 400 people attended the event. He said the MDGOP expected to raise "close to $100,000" for the evening.

"This is a big improvement from last year," Ready said. "We're moving forward."

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.

Responding to our interview earlier today with Maryland Republican Party Chairman Jim Pelura, state Democratic Party Chairman Michael Cryor told PolitickerMD.com that Sen. Ulysses Currie (D-District Heights) should not succumb to GOP pressure to step down as chairman of the Budget and Taxation Committee.

"That would be a punitive action that I just don't think is warranted at this point," Cryor said. "We have no idea what the facts are."

He added, "What if (the FBI) got the wrong guy? How do you restore (Currie) after that?"

Speaking with PolitickerMD.com this morning, Maryland Republican Party Chairman Jim Pelura reaffirmed his belief that Sen. Ulysses Currie (D-District Heights) should step down as chairman of the powerful Budget and Taxation Committee at least until the investigation into the FBI raid of his home on Friday is complete.

The party chair said he was "not calling on (Currie) to resign from the Senate," and said, "He is innocent until proven guilty."

"This investigation has now expanded," Pelura said. "It is my understanding that (authorities) are now looking at his legislative records along with his personal records."

Maryland Republican Party 2008 Spring ConventionANNAPOLIS-- The Maryland Republican Party finalized their delegation to the Republican National Convention during the party's spring convention at the DoubleTree Hotel in Annapolis, today.

A total of ten at-large and ten alternate delegates were selected by the Republican State Central Committee.

Those elected were largely representative of the so-called "unity team" that a group of state Republican leaders and activists who supported various presidential candidates early in the primary process formed as a suggested fusion slate. The effort was lead by Chris Cavey, the first vice chairman of the state party.

Of those ten at-large members suggested by the unity team to represent the state, eight were selected by the state central committee; Senate Minority Leader David Brinkley and Howard County Central Committee Chairwoman Joan Becker were not elected.

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.

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.

Echoing a theme common in the national party, state Democrats attempted to link Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) to the policies of President Bush, saying McCain “promises nothing more” than “a third Bush term.”

On their official website, http://www.mddems.org/, Maryland Democrats said that if elected, McCain “will continue the Bush tax cuts for the rich, continue Bush's endless war in Iraq, and will do nothing to ensure all Americans receive health care.”