NEW DELEGATES: Who'll Fill Maryland's 2 Vacant House Seats? // The Replacements for Jim Proctor & Will Campos in 27A & 47B

By Matt Verghese

BACKGROUND: Maryland currently has two vacancies in the House of Delegates, due to the recent passing of Delegate Jim Proctor and the resignation of Delegate Will Campos for personal reasons. Both members of the General Assembly served as Democrats, and under Maryland law, the vacancies will be filled by a vote of the elected Democratic Central Committees representing the counties where the members previously served. The recommendations of these county Central Committees are then sent to the Governor for formal appointment.

Notably, Delegate Will Campos' District 47B is contained wholly within Prince George's County. As a result, the elected members of the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee get to make the recommendation for Campos' replacement. In contrast, Delegate Jim Proctor's District 27A is contained within both Prince George's County and Charles County. Correspondingly, both counties' Democratic Central Committees take independent votes on a replacement for Delegate Proctor. Though the appointment process is not yet complete in either legislative district, we have a very good sense of who will replace Delegates Jim Proctor and Will Campos:

• Likely Replacement in District 27A: Susie Proctor
• Likely Replacement in District 47B: Carlo Sanchez

DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEES CHOOSE SANCHEZ & PROCTOR - The Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee (PGCDCC) met on October 6th to nominate people to fill the Delegate vacancies in D27A and D47B.  Without any of the drama or backroom chaos that often accompanies these procedures (on both sides of the aisle), the PGCDCC unanimously recommended Susie Proctor and Carlo Sanchez to fill the vacancies for District 27A and 47B, respectively. These names are submitted to Governor Larry Hogan, who has fifteen days to make the appointment.

For Mr. Sanchez, the process effectively concluded last night since District 47B is completely within Prince George's County, but Proctor's District 27A also includes portions of Charles County - so that Central Committee must weigh in as well for the second vacant seat. Article III, Section 13 (b) (3) states (excerpt below, emphasis mine):

If the vacancy occurs in a district which has boundaries comprising a portion or all of two or more counties, the Central Committee of each county involved shall have one vote for submitting the name of a resident of the district; and if there is a tie vote between or among the Central Committees, the list of names there proposed shall be submitted to the Governor, and he shall make the appointment from the list

Earlier this evening, the Charles County Democratic Central Committee joined their Prince George's counterparts in recommending Susie Proctor for the D27A vacancy by a vote of 14-1. Proctor faced competition from Charles County Orphans Court Judge Darlene Breck, and activist and former Commissioner-candidate Jim Easter.

MD'S UNIQUE PROCESS FOR FILLING STATE LEGISLATIVE VACANCIES - Maryland is one of 25 states that fill legislative vacancies through an appointment process, while the other 25 (including Delaware, Pennsylvania and Virginia) have special elections. While the Governor makes the formal appointment, the Maryland Constitution stipulates that the appointee must of be of the same political party as the person they succeed and carves out a role for the local Central Committee. Article III, Section 13 (a) (1) lays it out (excerpt below, emphasis mine):

In case of death, disqualification, resignation, refusal to act, expulsion, or removal from the county or city for which he shall have been elected, of any person who shall have been chosen as a Delegate or Senator, or in case of a tie between two or more such qualified persons, the Governor shall appoint a person to fill such vacancy from a person whose name shall be submitted to him in writing, within thirty days after the occurrence of the vacancy, by the Central Committee of the political party, if any, with which the Delegate or Senator, so vacating, had been affiliated, at the time of the last election or appointment of the vacating Senator or Delegate, in the County or District from which he or she was appointed or elected, provided that the appointee shall be of the same political party, if any, as was that of the Delegate or Senator, whose office is to be filled, at the time of the last election or appointment of the vacating Delegate or Senator, and it shall be the duty of the Governor to make said appointment within fifteen days after the submission thereof to him.

Carlo Sanchez

WHO IS CARLO SANCHEZ? - Carlo Sanchez's name was mentioned immediately following Del. Campos' resignation. He's a lifelong resident of House of Delegates District 47B, and is currently President of the Carole Highlands Civic Association. While the Prince George's Central Committee is his first elected position (he is the body's Secretary), Carlo has been active in local campaigns including managing Wanda Shelton Martin's unsuccessful bid for Delegate in the 47th in 2010. Carlo currently works as Public Safety Training Officer at Montgomery College.

Mr. Sanchez received the backing of Senator Ramirez and the 47th Delegation, and surprisingly no one else threw their hat in the ring. Other names that were floated include Dinora Hernandez who sits on the Price George's County Board of Education, and former Jolene Ivey-aide Wanika Fisher. Carlo's appointment would keep the number of Latino state legislators at 6. Maryland is home to more than 500,000 Hispanic residents. District 47B is the state's first Hispanic-majority district.

Susie Proctor

WHO IS SUSIE PROCTOR? - Susie Proctor is widely assumed to be the choice to complete her husband's term in the House of Delegates. The support of Senate President Mike Miller, who represents District 27, likely sealed the deal . Susie is a former educator, having worked for Prince George's County Public Schools for 30 years. She has not run for elected office before, but is the Vice Chairman of the Prince George's Community College Board of Trustees and Chair of the County Tax Assessment Appeal Board.

Widow/widower succession is not a new concept nationally or locally. Maryland examples includes former Congresswoman Beverly Byron, former Delegate Mary Conroy and former Montgomery County Councilmember Don Praisner.

Del. Doyle Niemann to Vacate Maryland House to Run for Prince George's County Council // PLUS: Will Campos for Delegate?

Maryland Juice just received the email blast below from Delegate Doyle Niemann indicating he is retiring from the House of Delegates to run for the Prince George's County Council in the June 2014 Democratic Primary. Del. Niemann currently represents District 47 in the House of Delegates, in a 3-member district alongside Jolene Ivey and Michael Summers. But notably, District 47 was split into two new districts in last year's state legislative redistricting. In 2014, D47 will become District 47A (a two-member majority African American district) and District 47B (a single-member majority Hispanic district).

With this change ahead of him, Niemann is now leaving the legislature to run for the District 2 seat on the Prince George's Council currently held by Councilmember Will Campos. The announcement represents a bit of musical chairs, given that The Gazette reported last year that Campos' is likely to exit the Council to run for the new House of Delegates District 47B (excerpt below):

GAZETTE: Campos became the first Latino member of the council after winning a Nov. 2, 2004, special election to replace a council member who resigned. He was successful in both re-election bids in 2006 and 2010. Once his term ends, Campos said he is considering continuing his political career by running for the newly created District 47b delegate seat, which serves a population that is 62 percent Hispanic....

Below you can read Delegate Doyle Niemann's announcement for the Prince George's County Council:

I am running for the County Council.

A Decision for the County Council I wanted you to be one of the first to know that I am running for the Prince George's County Council in District 2 in next June's Democratic Primary rather than for reelection to the House of Delegates. It was not an easy decision. I have accomplished many things in the House that I am proud of (and I still have one more session to wrap up some unfinished business) but after much thought and advice from friends and supporters, I have come to realize that my experience may be more useful on the County Council. As a criminal prosecutor in the county for almost 16 years, as well as an elected member of the Mt. Rainier City Council, the Democratic Central Committee, the Prince George's School Board, and for the last 11 years, the Maryland House of Delegates, I have accumulated a base of experience in most of the critical areas facing our county. I want to put that to work for: Stronger code enforcement and a more aggressive approach towards dilapidated and abandoned properties.   A housing policy focused on meeting the needs of current residents--especially seniors who want to stay in the community as they age--as well asattracting new families who can strengthen our communities.   Economic development that attracts quality projects without disrupting existing neighborhoods--development tailored to our strengths and needs not just the latest fad or developer gimmick.   Law enforcement and a justice system that work to stop problems before they begin and that break the cycle of criminal behavior that has befallen too many of our young.   Schools that work--with more cooperation between the school system and the county government and more emphasis on tailoring education to the needs of our students and our community.   More effective and efficient services--a government in which citizens are treated with respect and problems are addressed in a timely fashion. I will be expanding on these points in the future. In the meantime, I need your help. Spread the word. Invite me to meet your neighbors and community groups.   Join the campaign committee now being formed.   Agree to put up a lawn sign in the Spring.   Join me in going door to door.   Make a contribution. Campaigns cost. I'd rather be indebted to you than others. Send a check to Friends of Doyle Niemann, P.O. Box 51, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712. Good government only happens when people like you get involved and make it happen. Call me at 240-606-1298 or email me at doyleniemann@verizon.net today and tell me what you think and what you will do to help. Doyle Niemann

PG County Dems Choose Alonzo Washington (Councilmember Will Campos' Chief of Staff) to Replace Justin Ross in MD House

The Hyattsville Times reported on Twitter tonight that the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee has chosen Alonzo Washington to replace Delegate Justin Ross (D22 Democrat) in the Maryland House of Delegates. Ross stunned politicos by announcing his departure from the House earlier this fall. Notably, The Hyattsville Times also states that Washington was who Ross wanted to replace him:

A couple of tweets from The Times earlier in the night also provided some context on the battle:

We previously talked about the race to win the District 22 appointment and noted that a few PG Democrats' names were being tossed around as possible successors. But Alonzo Washington prevailed, and notably the now defunct-Real Prince George's blog noted that he was also interested in attempting to replace termed out PG Councilmember Will Campos in 2014.

Washington is currently Will Campos' Chief of Staff. See an excerpt from the Real PG blog below:

REAL PRINCE GEORGE'S BLOG: Rumors are a number of local leaders are potentially lining up to seek that appointment including Central Committeeman Alonzo Washington, Chief of Staff to Prince George’s County Councilman Will Campos. Washington is often mentioned as a frontrunner to replace Campos on the council when he is termed out in 2014.

This outcome will likely have a mini-domino effect on the candidate field for other races in 2014. More on the emerging Prince George's political dynamics soon!

RUMORS // Surprising Candidates Emerge to Replace Retiring MD House Members: Delegates Justin Ross & Liz Bobo

Adam Ortiz

TRIPLE-UPDATE: Another Maryland Juice reader adds a name to the list of possible candidates for Del. Justin Ross' District 12 House seat:

• Kisha Brown, a staff member of the Attorney Generals office

DOUBLE-UPDATE: A Maryland Juice reader adds one more name to the list of possible candidates for Del. Liz Bobo's District 12 House seat:

Jason Booms, a pollster and former Republican turned Democrat

UPDATE: An anonymous source adds one more name to our list of possible District 22 appointees. Our source is hearing some buzz around the following name :

Adam Ortiz, the former Mayor of Edmonston and a member of P.G. County Exec. Rushern Baker's staff.

DISTRICT 22 HOUSE CANDIDATES: Last week, Delegate Justin Ross stunned Maryland politicos by announcing his mid-term retirement from the Maryland House. The Prince George's County Democrat's departure will now trigger an appointment process to fill his District 22 House seat for the remainder of his term. A knowledgeable source has informed Maryland Juice that several Prince George's Democrats' names are now circulating as possible appointees to replace Justin Ross in the legislature. Maryland Juice found this list a bit surprising at first, but upon second thought it makes sense. See further discussion below:

• Will Campos, Prince George's County Councilmember (District 2)
• Alonzo Washington, Will Campos' Chief of Staff
• David Sloan, Maryland Democratic Party Executive Director
• Adam Ortiz, former Edmonston Mayor

Note that Will Campos is facing term limits for his County Council seat in 2014. Even more interesting is that Campos currently lives in District 22, but after the 2014 redistricting kicks in, he will be moved to District 47B.


APPOINTMENT PROCESS FOR D22 VACANCY: Because Delegate Ross is not finishing out his full four-year term, there is over a year until voters will next elect a District 22 House member. In such an instance, the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee will appoint a temporary House member to replace the vacant D22 seat.

Under Article III, Section 13, of the Maryland Constitution, the Governor is responsible for filling the legislative vacancy within 30 days after the vacancy is created (November 9). The Prince George's Democratic Central Committee shall submit a name to the Governor for the vacancy within the same 30 day period. If the Central Committee doesn't act by the deadline, the Governor will appoint a Democrat within 15 days.

Some are asking whether the new legislative districts or the old lines will be in place for the appointment. Sources indicate that the old lines will be likely used (pending confirmation from attorneys). If this is correct, Will Campos would have to move in order to run for re-election, should he be selected to replace Justin Ross.


JUSTIN ROSS RESIGNATION HIGHLIGHTS STAGNANT HOUSE LEADERSHIP DYNAMICS: Ever since Justin Ross announced his sudden resignation from the Maryland House, numerous legislators have privately blasted the stagnant leadership dynamics in the State legislature. The Washington Post's John Wagner made the following observation when announcing Ross' retirement (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: Though Ross attributed his decision to leave mid-term to his family and business situations, some colleagues noted that other leadership opportunities in the House have been limited. That is due in part to several veteran committee chairmen whose continued service in the chamber has limited upward movement among younger delegates....

GRAYING LEGISLATIVE LEADERS CLINGING TO POWER: Indeed, most members of leadership in Maryland's House and Senate have served for decades in the same positions. Occasionally some of the smaller leadership positions have changed hands and legislative leaders have sometimes invented fake leadership positions to placate the rank and file. But the reality is that the top spots have been occupied by the same gang of graying party bosses for many years. Given that not a single top legislative leader has decided to retire, talented Democrats are dropping off like flies, just so that leadership can cling to power for another four years. In fact, both Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Mike Busch shored up their re-election prospects in the last round of redistricting. Those line changes caused a lot of groaning among their colleagues.

And now veteran lawmakers who have been loyal to leadership for years are all packing their bags. Meanwhile, younger, ambitious legislators are become increasingly frustrated with the lack of upward mobility in the Maryland Assembly. Just look at the number of legislators who are contemplating leaving to run for another office in 2014. After Justin Ross' resignation, Maryland Juice received a number of private complaints about these dynamics from politicos. The truly disappointing aspect of this problem is that nobody seems to want to do anything about it. Instead everyone seems to be giving up and is content to leave things be. They seem to not see the massive turnover in both the House and Senate that is possible in 2014....


UPDATE ON DISTRICT 12 HOUSE CANDIDATES: A few weeks ago, Maryland Juice wrote about District 12 Delegate Liz Bobo's planned retirement from the Maryland House. Unlike Delegate Ross, Bobo plans to finish out her term until the next election. But already, a number of names are circulating as potential candidates for her seat in 2014. See a quick round-up from the rumor-mill below:

• Mary Kay Sigaty (Howard County Councilmember)
• Janet Siddiqui (Howard County Board of Education member)
• Alan Klein (ran against Sigaty in 2010 in primary; backed by Bobo and lost)
• Terri Hill (Doctor Ethel Hill's daughter. Ethel is president of HoCo Thurgood Marshall group)
• Dylan Goldberg (works for HoCo delegate in Annapolis, Young Dem)
• Lee Richardson (Chair of the Town Center Community association) 
• Anne De Lacy (HoCo Board of Education candidate)
• Jahantab Siddiqui (former Mikulski aide, nephew of Janet Siddiqui)
• Clarence Lam (Doctor, HoCo Community Action Council Chair, HoCo Dem Central Committee member, DNC Delegate, President of HoCo Young Dems, community activist)
• Jason Booms (pollster and former Republican turned Democrat)