Metro Briefs

MARYLAND

ANNAPOLIS

O'Donnell, Haddaway-Riccio reappointed to House

The Republican Caucus for the Maryland House on Tuesday unanimously re-elected Minority Leader Anthony O'Donnell and Minority Whip Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio.

The nominations were made one day before the start of the General Assembly session.

Ms. Haddaway-Riccio, Eastern Shore Republican, said the caucus will work diligently to help Maryland residents “under attack” from state Democratic leaders who are calling for higher taxes, threatening property rights and challenging core family values.

— David Hill

ANNAPOLIS

GOP’s Afzali in, Mooney out for Bartlett’s seat

A Maryland delegate said Tuesday that she will run for the state’s 6th District congressional seat, making her announcement the same day that the state’s Republican Party chairman dropped out of the race.

Delegate Kathryn L. Afzali, Frederick Republican, said she will join the crowded field challenging 10-term Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, a Republican.

Mrs. Afzali, 54, was elected to the Maryland House in 2010.

State GOP Chairman Alex X. Mooney announced Tuesday that he is stepping out of the race to support Mr. Bartlett.

Mr. Mooney filed as a candidate last fall, saying he would run if the congressman chose to retire. Mr. Bartlett, 85, has said repeatedly that he will seek another term.

Six Republicans and four Democrats appear poised to run in the long-conservative 6th District, which state lawmakers redrew this year to be more competitive for Democrats.

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