Two months after a splintered House Democratic Caucus turned to Del. Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County) to become the next speaker, at least two lawmakers thought to be supporters of Del. Maggie L. McIntosh (D-Baltimore City) in the speaker’s race have been removed from key legislative positions.
The apparent retribution – which is coming from former supporters of Del. Dereck E. Davis (D-Prince George’s) in the initial race to replace the late speaker Michael E. Busch (D) – seems to be taking place without Jones’ knowledge or approval.
The moves have taken on a “Rashomon”-like quality around State Circle in recent days, with different people ascribing different motives to the major actors in the developments, depending on their perspective.
Two facts are indisputable: Del. Robbyn T. Lewis (D-Baltimore City) is out as secretary of the Legislative Black Caucus. And Del. Alonzo T. Washington (D-Prince George’s) has been removed as chairman of the education subcommittee in the Prince George’s County delegation.
Both Lewis and Washington, who are members of the black caucus, are assumed to have supported McIntosh for speaker over Davis — though neither said so publicly. McIntosh is white, while Davis is black.