http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=80289

Brinkley gives up minority leader position

Frederick News Post, September 17, 2008
By Meg Tully

Republican state senators had kind words for Sen. David Brinkley as he handed over the minority leadership Tuesday to Sen. Allan Kittleman.

At the Senate Caucus meeting, Brinkley, who represents Frederick and Carroll counties, confirmed that he did not wish to seek re-election as Senate Minority Leader.

Brinkley told the media in August that he would not seek the position because he wanted to focus on other aspects of his life. That came a few months after police responded to a domestic disturbance at Brinkley's home, according to a Frederick County Sheriff's Office report. No charges were filed.

After the incident, Brinkley said he and his wife had entered counseling.

Kittleman, formerly the Minority Whip, was unanimously elected as leader. Sen. Nancy Jacobs was elected as the new whip.

Kittleman represents Carroll and Howard counties. Jacobs represents Cecil and Harford counties.

"Senator Brinkley has been a very strong advocate for the caucus over the last two years and we are looking forward to him being a strong presence in the caucus in the future," Kittleman said.

Brinkley will continue to serve on the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.

"It's time to close that chapter, move on, do other stuff," Brinkley said. "It certainly will allow me to focus attention on details of my other Senate responsibilities, my family situation, and my business."

He also owns a financial and retirement planning and insurance business.

"The partisan attacks, they can be led by someone else at this point," he said.

Sen. Alex Mooney, a Republican who represents Frederick and Washington counties, said he spoke Tuesday about Brinkley's good work in the past two sessions.

"I do think that this past session that we Republicans were effective, all 14 of us, at standing up against higher taxes and other conservative principles," Mooney said. "I expect that to continue."