The chief clerk of Maryland?s House of Delegates confirmed a document was fabricated to falsely prove the validity of laws passed during Maryland?s special session, a lawyer said Wednesday.
Chief Clerk Mary Monahan was interviewed Wednesday in a four-hour deposition in a legal case brought by Republican lawmakers seeking to overturn legislation passed during the November session, including $1.3 billion in tax increases. Lawyer Irwin Kramer argues the Senate adjourned for too long during the November session without consent from the House, violating the state constitution and invalidating all legislation.
“We?re dealing with the integrity of government, and that?s not a technicality,” Kramer said.
The case hinges on a pair of letters purportedly exchanged between the chambers ? one dated Nov. 9, the other Nov. 12 ? to document the Senate?s request and House Speaker Michael Busch?s verbal consent.
Monahan, according to Kramer, said the Nov. 9 letter signed by Senate Secretary William Addison Jr. was actually written and backdated Nov. 12 by Monahan?s assistant.
Sources close to House leaders said the assistant chose the date because it was the last day the Senate was in session. Attorney general spokeswoman Raquel Guillory said documentation of consent ? however rendered ? is not required.
“Nothing was said that advanced their case,” Guillory said of Monahan?s deposition. “It was pointless, useless, grueling testimony.”
The case will be heard Friday in Carroll County Circuit Court. Kramer said he would argue that the Senate?s request was never read on the House floor. Busch, he said, does not have the authority to provide consent on behalf of the entire House.
The case was postponed while state attorneys appealed Monahan?s deposition.
Assistant Attorney General Bonnie Kirkland said the ordeal has been personally difficult for Monahan.
“Her dedication and commitment to her job and the House of Delegates seemed to be in question, and I think that was the hardest thing for her to deal with,” Kirkland said.
