In an unusual move two Charles County politicians and political allies have decided to run for each other’s job. Charles County Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly will be filing next week as a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates for a seat currently held by Del. Peter Murphy, who will be filing his candidacy for commissioner presidency.
Kelly had announced three months ago that she was not seeking reelection after a raucous term in which she and Commissioner Ken Robinson were often on the short end of 3-2 votes, particularly over the contentious county master plan issue. Robinson enthusiastically announced the double switch by his two friends’ on Friday on his Facebook page after talking to both of them the night before at a Tri-County Council meeting in Annapolis.
Kelly told the Bay Net: “I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates and welcome this opportunity to serve the citizens of Charles County in Annapolis.” The Bay Net was unable to reach Murphy for comment.
Kelly posted the following on her Facebook page on Friday night: “:At the State level work moves through a committee process with a legal formality that is well suited to my interests and natural skill set.
“As the President of the County Commissioners, my duties include service on a variety of boards and commissions which have prepared me well for the House of Delegates. For example, as the Chair of the Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland, I have developed strong relationships with state elected officials ensuring an easy transition to the Southern Maryland Delegation.
“From my service on the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Legislative Committee and Board of Directors, I built relationships with elected officials from around the state and an understanding of the legislative process. I championed a POW/MIA Project through MACO whereby each County now flies the POW/MIA flag every day. This heartwarming initiative, highlighted Charles County in a positive manner, and allowed me to build special bonds with my colleagues from around the state.
“As the Secretary/Treasurer of the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments (WMCOG), I interact with elected officials from the DC region, gaining knowledge and building relationships that will serve you well as I move forward.
“Finally, Senator Middleton has stated on many occasions that the best preparation for state office is prior County Commissioner experience. I will leverage my six years of experience to the benefit of Charles County, the Board of Education, Sheriff’s Office and other state and local agencies.
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