Meet the So. Md. delegation

Del. Sue Kullen, Sen. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., Del. Anthony J. O'Donnel

Friday, Jan. 9, 2009

Party: Democrat

Age: 66

Occupation: Defense attorney

Residence: Chesapeake Beach

Key committee assignments: Senate president; co-chair, Legislative Policy Committee; member, Executive Nominations Committee

Key issues: Budget, criminal law, environment

Annapolis phone number: 301-858-3700

E-mail: Thomas.v.mike.miller@senate.state.md.us

Like a fine wine, Miller has gotten better with age. A member of the Senate since 1975, he enters his 23rd legislative session at the rostrum and has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, he ended speculation that this term could be his last by announcing this summer that he plans to run again in 2010.

But this year will be no cakewalk for Miller, arguably the state's top political power broker. The state's budget woes will make for a challenging session in which any new programs are likely toast and maintaining existing ones won't be easy. That it comes in the third year of a term when lawmakers like to flaunt achievements makes it that much more difficult to stomach.

Still, Miller wields tremendous influence over members on both sides of the aisle. Senators know that the road to a bill's passage is a lot smoother with Miller's support.

The passage of slots November was a big victory for Miller, who advocated for expanded gambling for years. Lawmakers may try to alter the percentage that slots operators get from gaming revenue and tie up some loose ends from the legislation that passed in 2007.

Miller's fingerprints are certain to be on any major pieces of legislation that the General Assembly passes, most notably the budget. He has long

promoted the University System of Maryland and efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. Chances of repealing the death penalty are severely inhibited by Miller, who controls the committee structure.

He represents southern Prince George's and northern Calvert counties.

Del. Anthony J. O'Donnel

Party: Republican

Age: 47

Occupation: Full-time legislator. Former supervisor at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant

Residence: Lusby

Key committee assignments: House Minority Leader; member, House Environmental Matters; member, Legislative Policy Committee

Key issues: Aquaculture, government spending/accountability, sexual offender laws

Annapolis phone number: 301-858-3314

E-mail: Anthony.odonnell@house.state.md.us

For the last two years, O'Donnell has had the unenviable task of leading the severely outnumbered 37-member House GOP caucus. That job figures to be as tough or tougher in 2009, as the lone Southern Maryland Republican must draw up a game plan that will give Republicans a voice in budget discussions.

The one-time bulldog as minority whip — he was booted from his front-row seat in 2005 for encouraging the ouster of House Speaker Michael Busch — has displayed a thoughtful and even-keeled approach during his tenure as minority leader, many times challenging legislation whose fate is sealed because of the lopsided Democratic majority.

Look for O'Donnell to advocate for less government spending and resist the creation of new programs.

His chief legislative interest is on environmental issues, specifically oyster aquaculture that is critical in his district that lies between the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River. He also champions the rapid development of a third reactor at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, where he used to work, and other energy-related initiatives that will help meet the demand for power.

O'Donnell represents District 29C, which includes the lower half of Calvert County and areas around Hollywood and California in St. Mary's County.

Del. Sue Kullen

Party: Democrat

Age: 48

Occupation: Disabilities consultant

Residence: Port Republic

Key committee assignments:

Member, House Health and Government Affairs; Chief Deputy Majority Whip; vice chair, Southern Maryland Delegation; chair, Calvert County Delegation; President-elect, Women Legislators of Maryland

Key issues: Health care, mental health/disabilities, environment

Annapolis phone number: 301-858-3231

E-mail: sue.kullen@house.state.md.us

Kullen has slowly worked her way up the leadership ladder since being appointed to fill a vacancy in 2004.

She was new to politics at the time, but has since developed into a stout public servant.

Kullen was rewarded last year with a leadership position for beating back a strong GOP challenge in 2006.

And she's not averse to sponsoring

legislation, taking the lead on 21 bills in 2008 and 15 the previous year, on issues ranging from health care to aquaculture to animal care and beyond.

Expect more of the same in 2009 when some of Kullen's no-cost or inexpensive policy initiatives may get a closer look because of the economic dilemma.

She represents District 27B, which extends from northern Calvert County down through Prince Frederick.