Kopp Gets the Nod for Treasurer

Del. James W. Hubbard (D-Prince George's) joked that the tally for the election yesterday of the state treasurer sounded like a game of Duck, Duck, Goose.

Kopp.

Kopp.

Kopp.

W. D. Schaefer?

Kopp.

Kopp.

Rushern Baker?

Kopp.

Kopp.

Joe Bryce?

In the end, Nancy K. Kopp was elected to another four-year term by state senators and delegates who gathered in the House chamber.

Kopp received more than 175 votes in the secret ballot. The other votes -- 12 in total -- went to write-in candidates, such as Schaefer, the former comptroller and governor; Baker, the former delegate; and Bryce, a senior legislative aide to Gov. Martin O'Malley (D). Kopp served 27 years in the House before her fellow lawmakers elected her treasurer in 2002.

She said she could think of "no greater honor than to be thought worthy to serve as treasurer of the State of Maryland."

The treasurer is one of three members of the Board of Public Works, which handles state contracts and other financial matters. The governor and the comptroller are the other members.

When Schaefer's name was called once, there was a hoot.

When Bryce's name was recorded three times, there was laughter.

And when Baker's name came up three times, there was silence.

Late last year, some Prince George's power brokers mentioned Baker as a possible nominee for state treasurer. The lawmakers said they believed Baker would provide geographic and racial diversity to the Board of Public Works.

Some Prince George's Democrats, who expressed disappointment over the lack of diversity on the party's ticket in the fall, suggested that the legislature choose an African American as treasurer. Kopp's supporters argued that replacing her would remove the only woman on the board.

Ovetta Wiggins

By Phyllis Jordan |  February 2, 2007; 10:52 AM ET
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