Daily Kos

View Story | 72 comments

  •  Maryland statutes (1+ / 0-)

    Recommended by:
    Geotpf

    see MD election law here

    Pertinent part of Title 8-710:

    (2) If the vacancy occurs during the period beginning 60 days before the regular primary election and ending on the last day of the term, the Governor may:

    (i) decline to issue a proclamation; and

    (ii) allow the office to remain vacant for the remainder of the term.

    60 days before the regular primary would have been back in Dec 07; I believe the last day of the term is Jan 3 2009; so this vacancy would definitely be "during the period". I don't know how much significance to attach to the "may" language.

    If it really does give the gov discretion, he must issue a proclamation within 10 days of the vacancy, announcing a

    special primary election shall be held on a Tuesday that is at least 36 days after the date of the proclamation

    and a

    special general election shall be held on a Tuesday that is at least 36 days after the date of the special primary election

    If Wynn bails in June, that would put the special primary some time in July, and the special general into August or later. Doesn't seem likely.

    Bush is listening - use big words. (h/t Jeff Y)

    by rincewind on Thu Mar 27, 2008 at 12:07:40 PM PDT

    [ Parent ]

    •  Wow (1+ / 0-)

      I ask a question and get an answer in exactly one second.  New world record!

      Seems to be totally up to the governor if he wants to hold an election or not.  If I was gov, I'd let it stay vacant for six months, but that's just me.  Seems silly to waste the taxpayer's money on two elections (the primary and the general) just so somebody can serve for four months, at least one of which Congress is out of session anyways.

View Story | 72 comments