O'Malley Calls For Consensus On Special Session; Republicans Say It's "Unnecessary"

Gov. Martin O'Malley said Tuesday he will call a special session of the General Assembly to avert about $512 million in budget cuts as soon as the House and Senate can reach consensus on how to pass a revenue package needed to make up the money.

Asked when he would like to call a special session, O'Malley responded: "Yesterday."

Then he added, "I'm looking for consensus here. The second we have consensus, we'll have a session."

The governor spoke with reporters after meeting with senators for more than an hour, including Sens. Thomas V. Mike Miller, Edward Kasemeyer,. Richard Madaleno and Nathaniel McFadden, all Democrats.

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