At least seven vying for McKee's vacant delegate seat

February 25, 2008|By ANDREW SCHOTZ

WASHINGTON COUNTY - At least seven people have applied for a vacant House of Delegates seat, including two who confirmed their interest on Sunday.

James K. Childerston, a psychologist, and Andrew Serafini, an investment adviser, said Sunday they applied for the Subdistrict 2A seat that Robert A. McKee held until this month.

The postmark deadline for nominations was Thursday.

Penny Pittman, the chairwoman of the Washington County Republican Central Committee, said Sunday she didn't know how many people had applied and the committee wasn't releasing any other information yet.

The committee will recommend someone to Gov. Martin O'Malley, who will have the final say on who replaces McKee.

Childerston, 52, lives north of Hagerstown and has a private practice off Eastern Boulevard.

He said he has done a lot of advocacy work at the national level.

Childerston said he also has gotten to know state lawmakers, including the Washington County delegation, by tracking legislation in Annapolis on behalf of the Maryland Psychological Association.

As a psychologist, he said, he'd promote unity, compromise and cooperation, important principles for Maryland Republicans, who are greatly outnumbered in the House and the Senate.

Serafini, 45, also lives north of Hagerstown, in the Paramount area.

His business, Serafini Financial Services, also is off Eastern Boulevard.

Serafini, who was the campaign finance manager for Washington County Commissioners President John F. Barr, said he has admired how Barr and Del. LeRoy E. Myers Jr., R-Washington/Allegany, have stepped forward as business owners and men of faith.

He said his wife, a history teacher, encourages students to get involved, and he's applying that philosophy.

McKee represented Washington County in the Maryland General Assembly for about 13 years.

He announced on Feb. 15 that he was resigning effective Feb. 18.

Police have said they searched his Halfway home after getting a tip that child pornography was inside. McKee has not been charged.

The central committee has up to 30 days from the date of the vacancy to recommend a new delegate to O'Malley. GOP observers expect the process to happen more quickly because the legislative session is halfway over.

Others who The Herald-Mail has confirmed as applicants are:

· Donald L. Armstrong II, a Volvo Powertrain North America machinist

· Liz Jones, an aide to Del. Christopher B. Shank

· James G. McCleaf II, the mayor of Williamsport

· John C. Munson, a former Washington County Commissioner

· William J. Wivell, a current Washington County Commissioner

Washington County Commissioner James F. Kercheval has said he was interested in applying, but did not return messages Thursday, Friday or Sunday to confirm that he did.

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