ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The chairwoman of the Maryland Republican Party says a panel has been formed to explore the idea of allowing unaffiliated voters to participate in GOP primaries in the state.
Diana Waterman, the state party chairwoman, said Thursday that Maryland Republicans have strong feelings on both sides of the issue, and she believes the idea should at least be discussed.
At a meeting on Saturday, the party's executive committee voted 11-11 on the question of exploring the idea, and Waterman cast the deciding vote to have an organized discussion of the possibility.
Waterman says she plans to name a panel with nine members to gather information to report back to the committee.
Waterman also says she doesn't believe any changes should be made without a vote by the state party.
