Maryland State Ethics Commission

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."

Details of the FBI raid on the home of state Sen. Ulysses Currie (D-District Heights) Thursday remain unclear, as authorities are allegedly investigating the senator's consulting activities with the Lanham-based supermarket Shoppers Food and Pharmacy.

Contacted at his home this afternoon, Currie told PolitickerMD.com, "My attorney has counseled me only to talk to him and not to reporters."

Asked if he could provide any additional information about his relationship with the grocer, Currie said, "No. I wish I could."

His attorney, Dale Kelberman, declined comment when contacted by PolitickerMD.com.