Republican state senators on Monday chose Sen. David Brinkley, Carroll-Frederick, as their new minority leader, breaking a deadlock that kept the lawmakers voting for nine hours two weeks ago.
“We?ll demand accountability” from the Democrats, Brinkley told reporters.
Both GOP leaders in the Senate represent parts of Carroll County. Sen. Allan Kittleman, Carroll-Howard, was elected whip two weeks ago.
Brinkley?s opponent in the contest to lead the 14 Senate Republicans, current Minority Whip Andrew Harris, Baltimore-Harford, accused Democratic Senate President Thomas Mike Miller of making phone calls to sway the election. Miller denied the charge.
“Apparently they really want to return to one-party rule,” Harris. “I know that phone calls were made to caucus members.”
Apparently, Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch “think they have the right to pick the opponents teams,” he said.
Outgoing Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich has been encouraging members of the Senate and House to elect leaders who will confront the Democrats who dominate Annapolis, and not just cooperate and compromise to achieve some small measure of influence. In the Senate, Brinkley was seen as much more inclined to cooperate with Democrats than the vociferously partisan Harris was.
Brinkley said, “I think what the governor has been voicing is ensuring that we don?t cave into what the Democratic legislature passes on, but also that we keep the heat on. Go along to get along is not in our playbook.”
Harris said, “I don?t have the title of leadership” but he promised to “keep the conservative agenda alive. The loyal opposition does indeed exist.” Denying Harris?s charge that he made calls to influence the contest, Miller said, “It?s not true. I don?t get involved in intraparty squabbles.”
House Republicans are scheduled to vote today on new leader, and Busch has indicated his preference for eight-term GOP Del. Wade Kach of Baltimore County, over Del. Anthony O?Donnell of Southern Maryland, a frequent thorn to Democratic leaders.
Staff writer Stephanie Tracy contributed to this story.
