Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Michael Busch completed his top leadership team Tuesday, naming Del. Talmadge Branch of Baltimore City as the House majority whip, replacing Del. Anthony Brown, who was elected lieutenant governor.
The position essentially rounds up and counts votes for the speaker and the Democratic legislative program, but Brown helped raise its visibility.
“We elevated the profile of the majority whip,” Busch said.
Busch said Branch has “the temperament, political savvy and ability to work with everyone in the chamber. … He?ll bring a tremendous amount of integrity and character” to the position.
Branch said he was totally surprised when the speaker offered him the position a few days ago, but eagerly accepted.
“It gives me an opportunity to work with the senior leadership,” he said. “It is a step up. This is a great opportunity for me.”
Branch was vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, where he will be replaced by Prince George?s County Del. James Proctor. Branch will stay on the Appropriations Committee and its capital budget committee, which doles out money for building projects.
“His role on appropriations will still be a significant role,” Busch said.
“Talmadge is respected throughout the chamber,” said House Majority Leader Kumar Barve, D-Montgomery County. “That is the primary reason he will be effective.”
Born in North Carolina, Branch was a special assistant to U.S. Rep. Parren Mitchell in the 1980s. He was elected to the House of Delegates in 1994, and served as chairman of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus.
The appointment is part of Speaker Busch?s balancing act by geography, gender and race.
“We?re trying to balance out all the different committees,” Busch told new lawmakers, who have yet to receive their committee assignments. “You can?t have overlooked one county or another.”
