So it looks like Maryland will hold a special election to seat the next Congresswoman for the fourth district. There was a lot of confusion around Wynn's retirement, but the Governor is making a change to the law to allow the 4th to skip a special primary and move straight to seating the next Congressperson. Donna might even be in office in time to be a superdelegate for Obama, though I'm not sure right now.
The Maryland General Assembly approved a proposal to ensure full and continuous representation for Maryland's 4th Congressional District following the announced retirement of Rep. Albert Wynn effective in June. With Gov. Martin O'Malley's support, this measure creates a process to proceed directly to a Special General Election with a party nominating process that will take place in light of the 2008 Primary Election just held on February 12. Nominations for the ballot for the special general election will be made by the party central committees comprising the Congressional District, as well as, any candidates that satisfy other statutory criteria as independent or minor parties.
"The governor had a very difficult decision, weighing the potential costs of two special elections and the rights of the residents of Maryland's 4th District to have representation in Congress," said Donna Edwards. "The Governor and the General Assembly struck the right balance to create a process that will result in a single, fair Special General Election to secure full and continuous representation for the 4th District. I am excited that we now have roadmap in order to move forward. My priorities now include winning the special general election and continuing to reach out and unite leaders and residents from around the district, to begin work on the issues and challenges we face, and a commitment to providing constituency services that are second-to-none."
STATE BLOGS
