The twisted political process

Harrington edged former delegate Rushern Baker in a 12-to-11 vote. Harrington will serve the rest of Britt’s term, which ends in 2010, and plans to seek election to the Senate. A special primary will be held April 1, with a special general election May 6, to fill his District 5 council seat.

The battle for the seat, also sought by two state delegates, was marred by complaints about backroom deals, power plays and vendettas.

Travis Britt, the senator’s widower, sought the seat but backed out as the politicking turned ugly.

‘‘These demons are after me, but I’m going to dispel these evil spirits,” he said the night he withdrew, before the committee’s vote. He received a standing ovation.

After the vote and Harrington’s appointment by the governor, questions about Harrington’s record resurfaced. The Washington Post revealed in 2006 that Harrington, County Executive Jack B. Johnson and a few other council members did not adhere to rules on the use of county credit cards. Officials are supposed to use the cards for activities related to county business, and personal charges are to be reimbursed to the county within 10 business days. Those accused said they repaid the money or explained that the charges were for county business.

Harrington’s record should not be the only matter up for debate. The shenanigans that took place preceding the committee’s vote should also be of concern in trying political and economic times.

Prince George’s has a lot at stake. The county hospital system is struggling, awaiting a state and county financial bailout. There are warnings that crime might increase if budget cuts force reductions in police overtime. County students continue to struggle with state tests, truancy and suspensions.

Harrington’s absence on the council could mean delays on key county matters such as the hospital, an issue he and Johnson were said to be tackling cooperatively.

Yet these issues often took a back seat in the days and hours preceding the committee’s vote. Instead, officials discussed the implications of having Baker, who has twice unsuccessfully challenged Johnson for the county executive’s seat, in such a powerful office.

Johnson, who attended the committee vote, has been accused of heavy-duty arm-twisting on Harrington’s behalf, in part to ensure his political foe Baker didn’t get the position.

Others debated the personal and political benefits that could come with each candidate.

Granted, the committee may have based its final decisions solely on candidates’ resumes. Harrington, a former Bladensburg mayor, has an outstanding reputation for constituent service. Some committee members said they voted for Harrington because he stands for the same things as Britt, a long time civil rights activist who also focused greatly on helping the community.

Unfortunately Prince George’s officials’ longstanding reputation for taking part in backroom politics and power plays that come at the community’s expense doesn’t instill much hope that the decision was solely based on what is best for the county.

Even the death of such an honorable senator could not prevent another political spectacle.