GOP delegates, senators resign from bipartisan women's caucus; more candidates file
Women Republican lawmakers resign from caucus
Republican state delegates and senators have resigned from the Women Legislators of Maryland — originally known as the Maryland Order of Women Legislators — an organization that has been around since the late 1960s.
In a news release signed by several Republican officials — including Del. Brenda Thiam, R-Washington — the lawmakers say that in addition to officially resigning, Republican officials are calling for the caucus to change its name.
The Republicans said the members of the caucus had worked out an arrangement years earlier with the majority Democrats so a member of the GOP would be elected president of the caucus every third year. But this year, the majority voted to put in a leadership slate of all Democrats.
"In this Golden Jubilee year of the Women’s Caucus of Maryland, the Democrat members of the House and Senate decided to allow the partisan rancor of divisive politics that has long plagued DC to destroy the oldest bipartisan caucus in the United States of America," the news release states.
More on Local News: Maryland set to get break on gas tax, but for how long?
More on Hagerstown News: Despite attempts to slow process, demolition of Municipal Stadium could begin in 10 days
More candidates file as deadline is extended
More candidates for the upcoming gubernatorial election have filed to run during the primary — which is now moved back to July 19. The deadline to file is April 15.
Former Robin Hood Foundation CEO Wes Moore has filed to run for governor alongside his running mate Aruna Miller. Moore, a Democrat, announced his bid for governor in June 2021. He served in the Army, where he saw combat in Afghanistan, and is the author of "The Other Wes Moore" and "Five Days."
In Washington County, an incumbent and a challenger have filed to run on the Republican ticket for District 2A in the Maryland House of Delegates. Del. Bill Wivell, R-Washington, who lives in Smithsburg, has held the job since 2015. Bradley Belmont, a Republican from Hagerstown, is challenging him.
On the Democratic ticket, Carrie Hinton of Hagerstown is currently the onlyone to file to run so far.
Thomas Stolz, a Republican from Hagerstown, has filed to run for District 2B against incumbent Del. Brenda Thiam, R-Washington.
Hagerstown Council Member Bob Bruchey has filed to run for Washington County commissioner. Bruchey, a Republican, has served as council member and mayor for the city of Hagerstown off and on since the 1990s.
Dave Williams, a Democrat from Smithsburg, has filed to run for Washington County commissioner as well.
James Grossman, a Democrat from Hagerstown, has filed to run for the county Democratic Central Committee member
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Women GOP lawmakers resign from caucus; more candidates file
