http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/09/18/news/local_news/newstory6.txt

Kittleman elected Senate GOP leader

By Beth Ward, Carroll County Times Staff Writer, Sept. 18, 2008

As the new minority leader, Sen. Allan Kittleman said his role is to be the party’s voice in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

“My job is to advocate for the 14 members of the Republican Caucus and help them to be successful as individuals and as a group,” he said.

Kittleman, R-District 9, was elected minority leader of the Senate GOP by the Republican Caucus Tuesday. He replaces Sen. David Brinkley, R-District 4, who held the position for two years but decided not to run for the leadership position again, citing personal reasons.

“I have lots of things on my plate with my family and my business. It is time someone else can do it,” Brinkley said.

Kittleman said he felt fortunate to work with Brinkley and does not see his leadership style differing much from his predecessor.

“He left large shoes for me to try to fill,” Kittleman said.

Brinkley said he thinks Kittleman will do a decent job in the role.

Sen. Nancy Jacobs, R-Cecil and Harford counties, was elected minority whip by the caucus, filling Kittleman’s former position. Jacobs is the first Republican woman to hold that position, according to The Associated Press.