MD State Senator Brinkley to Step Down as Minority Leader

George Wenschhof

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that state Senator David Brinkley (Dist. 4) will not continue as the Republican Party Minority Leader when the Republican Caucus meets to elect their Leaders. Earlier this summer, it was reported he was involved in a domestic incident and rumors spread when his chief-of-staff took a leave of absence.

The leading contenders to become the Senate Minority Leader are ultra conservative Alex Mooney (R-Dist. 3), Allan Kittlerman who is currently the minority whip, and Nancy Jacobs (R-Dist. 34).

David Brinkley, who has received strong support from the voters, has long been discussed as a serious candidate to replace Maryland Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R-6th district) when he retires from office. Rep. Bartlett, who has served eight terms is facing Democrat Jennifer Dougherty in his reelection bid for a ninth term. The Maryland sixth district has long been considered a safe Republican seat, primarily due to the demographics of the region.

Perhaps, Brinkley feels Bartlett will be reelected in November and then announce it is his last term. By not continuing as the state Senate Minority Leader, Brinkley would have more time to devote to explore a run for Congress while continuing to serve as a state Senator.

Especially, since it is understood other Republicans have been standing in line waiting for when Rep. Bartlett, who is 82, finally announces his retirement. They realize it would be very difficult to defeat him in the Republican primary as former Frederick County State Attorney Scott Rolle discovered in the last election. Most notable among the Republican competition is state Senator Alex Mooney (R-dist. 3).