Metro Briefs

MARYLAND

ANNAPOLIS

O’Donnell, Haddaway-Riccio reappointed to House

The Republican Caucus for the Maryland House on Tuesday unanimously re-elected Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell and Minority Whip Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio.

The nominations were made one day before the start of the General Assembly session.

Ms. Haddaway-Riccio, Eastern Shore Republican, said the caucus will work diligently to help Maryland residents “under attack” from state Democratic leaders who are calling for higher taxes, threatening property rights and challenging core family values.

— David Hill

ANNAPOLIS

GOP’s Afzali in, Mooney out for Bartlett’s seat

A Maryland delegate said Tuesday that she will run for the state’s 6th District congressional seat, making her announcement the same day that the state’s Republican Party chairman dropped out of the race.

Delegate Kathryn L. Afzali, Frederick Republican, said she will join the crowded field challenging 10-term Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, a Republican.

Mrs. Afzali, 54, was elected to the Maryland House in 2010.

State GOP Chairman Alex X. Mooney announced Tuesday that he is stepping out of the race to support Mr. Bartlett.

Mr. Mooney filed as a candidate last fall, saying he would run if the congressman chose to retire. Mr. Bartlett, 85, has said repeatedly that he will seek another term.

Six Republicans and four Democrats appear poised to run in the long-conservative 6th District, which state lawmakers redrew this year to be more competitive for Democrats.

Elected officials vying for the congressional seat are Mr. Bartlett, Mrs. Afzali, state Sen. David R. Brinkley, Frederick Republican, and state Senate Majority Leader Robert J. Garagiola, Montgomery Democrat.

Congressional hopefuls have until Wednesday to file as candidates with the Federal Election Commission.

— David Hill

VIRGINIA

RICHMOND

Allen raises $1 million for fourth quarter

U.S. Senate candidate George Allen raised more than $1 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 and will report more than $4.5 million raised and $2 million cash on hand heading into 2012, his campaign announced Tuesday.

Mr. Allen, the party’s front-runner in the contest to replace retiring Sen. Jim Webb, a Democrat, slightly boosted his cash on hand from $1.8 million at the end of the third quarter. During that quarter, he raised roughly $900,000.

Tim Kaine, the top Democratic candidate, has $2.55 million on hand going into the last quarter, though he started his campaign about three months after Mr. Allen.

Numbers for the most recent reporting period for Mr. Kaine weren’t available, a spokeswoman said.

Analysts predict the race, one of about a dozen that will determine which party controls the Senate next year, could be among the most expensive in history.

Mr. Allen is far outpacing his Republican rivals in fundraising. Tea party leader Jamie Radtke reported $43,163 in cash on hand and more than $85,000 in debt at the end of the third quarter, Chesapeake Bishop E.W. Jackson had $6,758, and Hampton Roads lawyer David McCormick reported $194,124 in cash on hand, but $255,000 in debt.

— David Sherfinski

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Elections board receives Thomas resignation letter

The D.C. elections board has received Harry Thomas Jr.’s letter of resignation from the D.C. Council, clearing the way for a special election to replace the Ward 5 Democrat on May 15.

Mr. Thomas announced his resignation last week after pleading guilty to embezzling more than $350,000 in government funds and filing false tax returns.

Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown forwarded Mr. Thomas’ resignation letter Tuesday to the Board of Elections and Ethics. The board has scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday to certify that the council seat is vacant. That will trigger an election on May 15 under D.C. law.

Candidates to replace Mr. Thomas can be from any party. The winner would serve out the remainder of Mr. Thomas’ term, which runs through 2014.

— Associated Press