O'Malley Fills Ousted Delegate's Seat

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has named a Bowie State University official and former state lawmaker to fill the seat of ousted Prince George's County Delegate Tiffany Alston.

O'Malley announced Friday that he had appointed Darren Swain to the seat. The governor 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 county's 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.

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