Governor O'Malley Signs Special Election Legislation for 4th Congressional District
Sets Date for Special General Election to Fill Vacant Seat
Annapolis, MD (April 17, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley joined with Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., House Speaker Michael E. Busch, and Lieutenant Governor Anthony G. Brown today to sign emergency legislation that would allow the State of Maryland to hold a special election in Maryland’s 4th Congressional District to fill the House of Representative’s seat vacated by the Honorable Albert R. Wynn. In compliance with HB 1627 Election Law - Special Congressional Election, Governor O’Malley will issue a proclamation tomorrow setting June 17, 2008 as the date for a special general election in Maryland’s 4th Congressional District.
“At a time when our families are struggling to deal with a recession and national foreclosure crisis they must have representation in the United States Congress,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “I want to thank the Maryland General Assembly for passing this legislation to allow us to move forward with this special general election in Maryland’s 4th Congressional District.”
“I commend the Governor for putting forward legislation to ensure Congressional representation for the citizens of the Fourth District while saving Maryland taxpayers the cost of a primary election,” said Speaker Michael E. Busch. “The people of Maryland deserve rigorous representation to tackle the tough issues in Washington.”
“The people of the Fourth Congressional District deserve continuous representation in Congress,” stated Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. “The Governor’s decisive and swift action will allow the voice of the people of Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties to be heard in Washington during these challenging times.”
House Bill 1627 allows the Governor, if the office of Representative in Congress becomes vacant, or will become vacant due to resignation, after the date of the regular primary election, to issue a proclamation providing only for a special general election (with no preceding primary) to be held to fill the vacancy. The bill specifies the manner in which candidates are nominated for such an election in addition to powers and requirements of the State Administrator of Elections with respect to administering the special general election. The Governor’s proclamation must specify the date of the election, which must be at least 36 days after the proclamation, and must also specify related candidacy, nomination, and petition filing deadlines.
Governor O’Malley will issue the Proclamation that will set the special general election to be held on June 17, 2008.
