Tie-breaking vote elevates Harrington to Senate

With Johnson's Help, Baker Thwarted Again

Former Del. Rushern Baker: Addressing the PG Democratic Central Committee LANDOVER - David Harrington, chairman of the Prince George's County Council, was selected by the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee to fill the vacant District 47 Senate seat here last night.

Harrington received 12 of the 23 votes cast by the central committee, with chairman Terry Speigner casting the deciding vote in Harrington's favor over former Del. Rushern Baker, who received 11 votes.

The committee's recommendation will now be sent to Gov. Martin O'Malley for approval. Once approved, Harrington will serve the remainder of the District 47 term left vacant by the death of Sen. Gwendolyn Britt on Jan. 12. The current term runs through 2010.

Delegate Jolene Ivey did not receive a vote from the central committee. Travis Britt, the husband of the late senator, had been a candidate, but he withdrew his name from consideration prior to the vote. Two other candidates, Delegates Victor Ramirez and Doyle Niemann, also withdrew. Candice Henry, a local resident and substitute school teacher also competed in the race.

"I have mixed emotions," Harrington told PolitickerMD.com at the conclusion of the selection. "I never thought we'd have to go through this process," referencing Britt's unexpected passing.

Harrington said improving education and working to help save the financially strapped Prince George's Hospital would be his top two immediate priorities.

Harrington was elected to the Prince George's County Council serving District 5 in 2002 and was reelected in 2006. He previously served as the mayor of Bladensburg.

While addressing the central committee, Harrington touted his "experience" in public service. He said his achievements as mayor included helping the city of Bladensburg build a new high school and elementary school. He also said he had a "passion to act."

Baker, who served in the House of Delegates from 1994-2002, did not have comment after the vote concluded.

When speaking to the committee, Baker highlighted his service on various committees during his time in the House of Delegates, which included the Appropriations Committee and the Judiciary Committee, among others.

He promised to devote all of his "time and energy" to the 47th District if selected. In the end, Baker was defeated by one vote.

Ivey, who has served in the House of Delegates since January 2007, said the race was "clearly about a power struggle" between Baker and Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson.

Baker had run for the county executive position in 2002 and 2006, losing both times - albeit narrowly in the latter - to Johnson.

"I knew I wasn't going to get any votes," Ivey said.

Mr. Britt, addressing the central committee before any other candidate, graciously withdrew his name from consideration after telling the audience that his wife and he had discussed the possibility that he would seek the position if Sen. Britt passed away during her service.

"She told me, 'If you think you can do it-go for it,'" Britt said.

He called on District 47 to "get itself together" and "work together."

Britt did not offer any formal reason for his withdrawal, though he did mention his health. Britt suffers from diabetes and undergoes dialysis.

Niemann also did not offer a reason for withdrawal, though he did publicly offer support for Baker, citing his "leadership" and "integrity."

Ramirez withdrew from the race after telling the central committee and the crowd gathered that he "made a commitment" to the voters of the 47th District to serve in the House of Delegates. His current term runs through 2010.

Harrington received the recommendation of the central committee despite coming under criticism and speculation from some committee members and opponents who highlighted the fact that Harrington supported Republican Michael Steele in his 2006 senatorial campaign against Ben Cardin.

Harrington said he was a loyal Democrat, despite the fact that he viewed Steele as the best candidate in 2006. He also told the committee how he organized fellow students at Howard University in support of Jimmy Carter's 1976 presidential campaign.