Judge Says Court Should Review Delegate Nomination

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) -- A judge says the nomination of a Prince George's County businessman to fill a seat in the House of Delegates once held by Tiffany Alston should be reviewed by the court.

The Washington Post reported that Prince George's County Circuit Judge C. Philip Nichols Jr. said in a ruling late Monday that all sides in the dispute need more time to consider the issues. The newspaper reports that the judge's decision relieves Gov. Martin O'Malley of the requirement to approve the nomination of Greg Hall for now.

A hearing has been tentatively scheduled for Dec. 4.

Alston was removed from office after entering a plea deal relating to misconduct in office, though her attorneys contend she should be reinstated because her sentence has been modified.

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