Capital's Hot Hypothetical: Who Might Replace Brown?

It might be wildly premature, but the prospect of Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown (D) landing in the Obama administration is fueling speculation about whom Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) might tap as Maryland's next lieutenant governor.

The early betting seems to be on some of Brown's fellow Prince Georgians, such as State's Attorney Glenn F. Ivey (D) and Del. Dereck E. Davis (D), chairman of the House Economic Matters Committee. Both are African Americans, as is Brown. Picking either would maintain the geographic and racial balance of the 2006 ticket if Brown becomes secretary of Veterans Affairs to President-elect Barack Obama.

Other names floated for No. 2, primarily in the Baltimore media market, include Del. Maggie L. McIntosh (D-Baltimore), chairman of the Environmental Matters Committee, and Baltimore City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

An e-mail circulating among Montgomery County political junkies last week also sought to boost the prospects of Valerie Ervin (D), the first African American woman to serve on the county council there.

Under the Maryland Constitution, O'Malley's choice to replace Brown, an Army reservist colonel who served in Iraq, would be subject to the confirmation of the General Assembly in joint session.

Appearing on Maryland Public Television last week, O'Malley told host Jeff Salkin that he hopes Brown will stay.

"I would hope that I do not have to look for a new lieutenant governor," O'Malley said during the debut of a monthly "Ask the Governor" program. "I have not seen a flurry of résumés, and I hope I do not ever have to see a flurry of résumés."

Furloughs Possible In Budget Proposal

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) strongly hinted last week that state employee furloughs could be part of $200 million in midyear budget cuts coming next month.

"Furlough days could well be a part of that," O'Malley said during the "Ask the Governor" program on Maryland Public Television.

O'Malley postponed the consideration of unpaid leave days two months ago, the last time he came to the Board of Public Works with budget cuts. At the time, O'Malley said cuts would probably be needed in December.

Maryland is facing a budget shortfall of $1 billion next fiscal year, which begins in July. Cuts proposed next month are intended primarily to keep the current year's budget in balance but could help narrow next year's gap as well.

During his MPT appearance, O'Malley offered few other specifics about what he is considering.

Collections of sales tax and personal income tax, the largest sources of Maryland's general fund, have been significantly affected by the sluggish economy.

State Web Site to Help In Troubled Economy

To help Marylanders cope with the economic downturn, the O'Malley administration launched a Web site last week that offers information on state assistance programs and other tips.

Services on http://www.problemsolver.maryland.gov include food stamps, emergency shelters, child care, heating assistance and foreclosure prevention aid.