O'Malley Chooses Former Delegate to Replace Alston

Gov. Martin O’Malley chose former Maryland 24th District Delegate Darren Swain to return to that seat, replacing Tiffany Alston, News4 Prince George’s County Bureau Chief Tracee Wilkins reported.

Swain submitted his name to the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee, but he was not one of the three candidates selected by the committee last week. He had a probation before judgment related to a traffic citation, which is why the committee did not select him, but the governor chose him on his own.

Swain, a Bowie State University official, served in the House from 1999 to 2003. O'Malley noted Swain's experience as a former legislator and support from county and local partners.

The appointment follows court battles over the vacancy caused when Alston pleaded guilty to settle two misconduct cases and was automatically suspended from office. She later argued she should get her seat back because her conviction for misconduct in office was modified to probation before judgment.

The Democratic Central Committee nominated businessman Greg Hall, but that selection came under question because of drug and gun charges that Hall faced about 20 years ago.