New Market

The Frederick County Republican Central Committee appointed two new members on Monday, according to The Frederick News-Post.

Richard Cheney and Bill Shreve will replace Tim Brooks and Bill Ashton, who were dismissed by the state's executive committee after failing to attend over three state conventions.

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.

In 1999, the Maryland General Assembly voted to ban lobbyists from buying meals for individual lawmakers. Designed to curb the appearance of impropriety, the legislation, House Bill (HB) 1, passed with overwhelming support.

The law, however, did not forbid lobbyists from buying meals for lawmakers in a committee or county delegation setting, which has some advocacy groups calling for a total repeal on lobbyist gifts, while others say the current law prevents small lobbying firms and grassroots organizations from competing with big budget firms, and needs to be changed.

"The average Joe who wants to talk to a (General Assembly) member over a meal can't do so," Senate Majority Whip Lisa Gladden (D-Baltimore) said during an interview with PolitickerMD.com. "You have only the big wigs who can afford it."

Senate Minority Leader David Brinkley (R-New Market) said former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele “should be on the top” of Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) list of potential vice presidential selections.

“There are a lot of names being floated about,” Brinkley told PolitickerMD.com, adding, “Michael would be a good choice.”

Brinkley called Steele “an excellent lieutenant governor,” and said he understands “the concerns of the black community,” and “brings a perspective on race.”

Citing his experience “traveling the globe,” and his bachelor’s degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University, Brinkley said Steele is a “very attractive candidate.”

Before entering politics, Steele worked from 1991-1997 as an associate attorney in the Tokyo and London offices of Clearly, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton, focusing on product liability litigation and corporate matters.

Senate Minority Leader David Brinkley (R-New Market) told PolitickerMD.com today that a special election in Maryland’s Fourth Congressional District was necessary to ensure that residents have “congressional representation until January 3.”

Yesterday, Rep. Al Wynn (D-Mitchellville) announced his intention to resign his seat in June to join a law firm. Wynn lost his reelection bid to Donna Edwards (D-Fort Washington) in the Feb. 12 Democratic primary. His term was scheduled to expire January 3.

“The procedure is proscribed in state law,” Brinkley said, reaffirming his support for a special primary and general election.

According to the Maryland State Code, the governor has the right to declare a special election or leave the seat open.