O’Donnell and Shank to lead House GOP

Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2006

ANNAPOLIS — House Republicans on Tuesday chose Del. Anthony J. O’Donnell, the minority whip from Southern Maryland, to lead their 37-member caucus for the next four years.

Del. Christopher B. Shank (R-Dist. 2B) of Hagerstown will succeed O'Donnell as whip.

With Democrats reclaiming control of the governorship and widening their advantage in the House by six seats — they hold 104 of 141 seats — O’Donnell (R-Dist. 29C) of Lusby faces a tough task in preserving his party’s relevancy.

‘‘We will show respect in our tone, look for opportunities for collegiality, but in matters of principle, we will be aggressive,” he said.

For instance, O’Donnell hinted that Republicans may draft an alternate budget proposal to counter Gov.-elect Martin O’Malley’s fiscal plan.

The choice of O’Donnell could backfire for Republicans seeking some policy-making clout. His staunch support of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) over the past four years often put him at odds with Democratic leaders.

O’Donnell beat out veteran Del. A. Wade Kach (R-Dist. 5B) of Cockeysville for the top spot, which is being vacated by Sen.-elect George C. Edwards (R-Dist. 1A) of Grantsville.

Kach is regarded as less combative than O’Donnell and more willing to work with Democrats.

But the newly elected leadership team said there is room for cooperation without compromising Republican principles.

‘‘It’s not about throwing bombs. It’s about letting our constituents know and letting the people of Maryland know there are choices,” Shank said.

The House GOP vote took place one day after its Senate counterparts broke a two-week deadlock in choosing Sen. David R. Brinkley (R-Dist. 4) of New Market to pilot the 14-member Senate Republican caucus.

Unlike the Senate, the House vote took an hour.