ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Gov. Martin O'Malley has appointed Del. Stephen Hershey to a state Senate seat.
O'Malley announced the appointment Wednesday to replace former Sen. E.J. Pipkin, who resigned last month.
Hershey, a Republican, will represent legislative District 36, which includes Kent and Queen Anne's counties and parts of Cecil and Caroline counties.
O'Malley, a Democrat, made the decision after the Republican Central Committees for the four counties forwarded names to him for the appointment. Hershey was chosen by two committees, and Del. Michael Smigiel was selected by the other two.
O'Malley had to decide between the two candidates. He chose Hershey after the delegate received more total votes from the committees of the four counties. O'Malley also noted Hershey received broader support in the last general election than Smigiel.
