Buckel Says Republicans Cannot Be Silenced

This week’s special session will put Maryland Republican legislators in a defensive position. A constitutional amendment that may result in the lone Republican federal representative, Andy Harris, ultimately losing his seat has lawmakers like House Minority Leader Jason Buckel recalling when Western Maryland lost Roscoe Bartlett…

“We haven’t had a significant voice in choosing a congress person for well over a decade because of partisan redistricting occurred, extreme gerrymandering. That’s all they’re here for for the next 48 hours. That’s not what we’re here for and we hope the Maryland people are paying attention.”

Buckel says Republicans will not stay silent…

“They have the votes. They have the power. But you don’t have the power to silence people. You don’t have the power to take away their rights as legislators to discuss things that matter to their constituents. So we intend to offer amendments, we intend to engage in arguments to try and highlight those issues and try to bring them to the forefront.”