Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-11-09
POSSIBLE
SENATE PRESIDENT
Prince Georges Senator Men
toned to Head Upper
Maryland Body.
BY GEORGE PORTER.

Prince Georges County may have q
prominent part In the organization Of
the next Senate and House Of Delegates,
according to post-election reports that
have gained wide circulation within the
last few days.
State Senator Lansdale @. sasscer,
who was reelected for o third term
Tuesday, is possibility for president
Of the Senate, while Oliver Mctzerott,
one of the two Republicans elected to
the House Of Delegates, is being consid-
cred as minority floor leader.
Others whose names have been adj
vanced rs contenders for the presidency
of the upper branch of the Legislature
are State Senator Walter J. Mitchell Of
Charles County, Senator-elect Emory L.
Coblentz Of Frederick County. Senator
Dudley @. Roe, Queen Anne County,
and Senator S. Scott Beck, Kent County.
Importance Unusual This Year.
The presidency Of the Senate assumes
unusual importance this year because Of
the discussion Of the presidential posi-
bilities Of Gov. Rftchie in 1881. Under
the State Constitution, the president of
the Senate performs the duties Of Gov
ernor, II . vacancy occurs In that ONCE,
until new Governor Is chosen by the
Legislature.
Senator Sasscer was chairman Of the
Judiciary Committee ct the last session
Of the Legislature. ~.
At 81 years Of age he is president of
the Marlboro branch of the Eastern
Shore Trust Co., one of the three lead
ers of the Democratic party In the
county, and lawyer and publisher. He
Is the first man ever elected to the SEN
ate for three terms from Prince
Georges.
Mr.. Metzerott has previously served
as floor leader in the House and will
be at home Il. that position. His po-
the state Senate. and as chairman Of
the State Central Committee.
Michel Regarded strongest.
OF the group suggested with sasscer
as the candidate from whom the pre-
siding officer Of the Senate win in all
probability be chosen in the Democratic
organization caucus, Senator Mitchell Is
regarded as one Of the strongest.
His strength Is said to lie In his lead
ership and ability to win four terms In
the Senate in strongly Republican
county. He has been state Senator
continuously since 1917. Tuesday he
triumphed over Thomas 3. Mudd BY "a
votes, according to the ofacial count.
Like Senator Sasscer, Mr.. Mitchell
carries considerable prestige az q leader
In Southern Maryland legal and finan-
cial circles. Senator Mitchell and SEN
ator David q. Mcintosh, IT.. are the
only members Of the Senate who out
rank Sasscer in seniority. Mr.. Mitchell
was the Democratic floor leader At the
last two sessions Of the Legislature,
Senator Mcintosh at first opposed
Gov. Richie for a fourth term. but
withdrew in his favor before the pri-
marieS.
Senator Coblentz is another who was
elected In a heavily Republican county
He, too, is banker and attorney. and
at one time was chairman Of the state
Board Of Welfare.
Speakershlp for Baltimore Deleeate.
An agreement appears to have been
reached between city and county lead
ers that city members OF the House Of
Delegates should be chosen Speaker in
view OF the large majority accorded the
state ticket by Baltimore.
Leaders are reluctant to discuss spe-
cine candidates. but the name of Fran
CHS A. Michel, delegate from the second
toned.
Maj Z. Brooke Lee, speaker At the
last session, was not q candidate in
the current campaign.