State Delegate Who Allied with Tea Party Beat Top Maryland Leader

A conservative Republican who allied himself with the tea party defeated one of his own party’s top leaders in the Maryland General Assembly, even as several other veterans easily survived spirited opposition from inside their own ranks in Tuesday’s primary election.

 

With all precincts reporting, Del. Michael J. Hough (R-Frederick) handily beat Senate Minority Leader David R. Brinkley (R-Frederick) by more than 2 to 1 in one of several closely watched races featuring aggressive challenges to the old guard.

 

Hough had argued that Brinkley was too liberal for District 4, a Republican stronghold that includes Frederick County and a sliver of Carroll County. Hough also said Brinkley has been ineffective in opposing the expansive agenda set by Gov. Martin O’Malley and other Democratic leaders that has included several tax increases.

 

Brinkley defended taking a pragmatic approach in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than 2 to 1 and cast Hough as a radical whose ideology trumps common sense.

 

“Obviously there’s a different sentiment in the district,” Brinkley said late Tuesday after conceding. He added that low turnout contributed to his defeat in a district that turned a shade redder after redistricting in 2012. “But it’s been an honor to represent people and represent the district.”