Michael Busch to Become MD's Longest-Serving Speaker

On Wednesday, House Speaker Michael Busch will become the longest-serving speaker in Maryland history.
 
The Annapolis resident is the 106th speaker, and the eighth from Anne Arundel County.
 
Busch, who has served in the House since January 1987, has become famous for his levelheaded approach to leading the diverse 141-member House of Delegates. Busch said he tries to persuade people but remains mindful of their beliefs.
 
"Abortion, death penalty, same-sex marriage _ we have not pressured people. I am very careful not to ask anyone who is morally opposed to vote for or against anything," said Busch, 65. But "when all is said and done, I need 71 votes."
 
As speaker, Busch sees a nonstop line of delegates, citizens, reporters and lobbyists.
 
"He's so even-tempered," said Del. Pam Beidle, D-Linthicum.
 
"If I were him, I'd be strangling somebody. But not Mike. If you tell him you need to talk with him, he'll make the time."
 
Staff members say Busch sometimes does get angry or tired, but he keeps it to himself.
 
"I've known him since before he went into politics," said Edie Segree, one of his assistants. "I've seen him angry, but he doesn't take it out on us."
 
Busch has been an athlete and coach most of his life, and he has served as the head of youth athletics for the county's Department of Recreation and Parks for the past 33 years.