Brinkley's silent treatment

So Monday came and went, and none of those who were talking so cavalierly about giving Republican state Senate Minority Leader David Brinkley the boot made their move. Not atypical of the political set.

One person heard that Brinkley might have given a statement to the Sun yesterday, but that turned out to be nothing. Nope. It's pretty clear he won't say anything for some time.

Brinkley's silence is another case of 'out of sight, out of mind.' If he doesn't address the situation, he won't be pressed for details about it. If he doesn't say whether he'll retain his leadership position, he won't face criticism over his decision.

As we wrote last week, some of Brinkley's supporters feel in a jam. They would be there for him -- if only they knew where he was. They didn't want to come out in support of him to only have him resign his leadership post. But his decision to remain quiet has convinced them that he has chosen to retain his position, to sit tight and hope it will remain under wraps. Several agreed that the details of the domestic disturbance that came out in the Frederick News-Post over the weekend was actually good for Brinkley -- heightening the personal aspects of this issue and distracting from questions involving state funds.

His opponents, meanwhile, continue to wait. And they may just build the case against him throughout the fall. The consensus choice to replace Brinkley would be Senate Minority Whip Allan Kittleman. He's been loyal to Brinkley so far, but will he remain so? Then again, would it really be worth it to tear down a friend to take charge of the minority party?

So what are the results? Brinkley now knows who his real friends are. State Sen. Alex Mooney has a clearer primary field for U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett's seat when he retires. There may be a leadership fight this fall. And the state GOP is so powerless and uncompetitive at the moment that no one cares what their Senate minority leader does.