MD GOP HOPES TO GAIN STATEHOUSE SEATS: The head of Maryland’s Republican Party says the GOP is hoping to turn over enough seats in 2018 to eliminate Democrats’ veto-proof majority in the General Assembly — and gaining a Senate seat in Annapolis-based District 30 is part of the plan, reports Amanda Yeager in the Annapolis Capital. Joe Cluster, the state party’s executive director, said the district, now represented by Sen. John Astle, D-Annapolis, is on a list of seats Republicans consider vulnerable in the next election.
GROUPS BLAST PSC APPOINTEE: A coalition of environmental, faith and civic organizations is criticizing Gov. Larry Hogan’s most recent appointment to the Public Service Commission, calling it the latest effort to undermine renewable energy in the state, Bryan Sears reports for the Daily Record. Hogan quietly appointed Republican Del. Anthony J. O’Donnell to serve on the board that oversees utilities, phone and taxi services. O’Donnell was elected to his sixth term in 2016.
http://marylandreporter.com/2016/06/06/state-roundup-june-6-2016/