GOVERNOR O’MALLEY APPOINTS STEPHEN S. HERSHEY AS SENATOR FOR LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 36

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 18, 2013) -- Governor Martin O’Malley today appointed Del. Stephen S. Hershey as Senator for Legislative District 36, representing parts of Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Caroline Counties. He will fill the vacancy left by Maryland Senator E.J. Pipkin, who resigned August 12, 2013. Mr. Hershey’s term will begin effective immediately.

"I respect both Delegate Smigiel and Delegate Hershey," said Governor O'Malley. "Filling a Republican vacancy is a matter that should have been resolved by the Republican Central Central Committees of the District. Rather than resolving their differences, the Republican Central Committee has forwarded two names to my desk. In discharging my Constitutional duty of selecting just one of these candidates, I am guided not by which candidate I would prefer, but rather by which candidate has demonstrated the broadest electoral support in the district. In both the Central Committee balloting and the last general election, Del. Hershey has demonstrated a broader base of support, and therefore, I have decided to appoint Delegate Hershey to fill this Senate vacancy."

As stated in the Maryland Constitution Article III, Sec. 13, Governor O’Malley is required to make an appointment to fill a Senate vacancy from a written submission by the Central Committee of the political party affiliated with the vacating Senator.

Per Constitutional requirements, the Republican Central Committees for Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne’s and Cecil County submitted names to Governor O’Malley within 30 days of the vacancy. The Central Committees split their decision: the Republican Central Committees for Kent County and Caroline County submitted Delegate Hershey for appointment and the Republican Central Committees for Queen Anne's County and Cecil County submitted Delegate Smigiel for appointment.

While each of the two delegates put forth were supported by two of the central committees, Delegate Hershey garnered more total votes from the four counties than any other candidate. In this case, the split required Governor O'Malley to make the appointment upon receiving the last Central Committee's submission.

Publishers Notes: Congratulations Steve. My younger Brother and Steve went to Bowie High together and were best friends as kids. He's a very honorable man and will serve his District well.