From SoMDNews.com:

House Republican leaders late last month called on Martin O’Malley to appoint a secretary of state, saying the governor is paying an interim secretary and his deputy more than state law would allow him to pay a permanent secretary of state.

‘‘The governor again is skirting the law to reward his friends and cronies,” House Minority Leader Anthony J. O’Donnell said.

Interim Secretary of State Dennis C. Schnepfe, who was appointed by O’Malley (D) in January 2007, makes $94,608 a year, according to the governor’s office.

State law dictates that the secretary of state’s base salary is to be $78,750. The salary increases to $81,667 in the second year and to $87,500 in the fourth year of a term.

Schnepfe’s current salary is a result of his long tenure with state government. During his appointment as the interim secretary, he is permitted under state rules to continue earning his current pay.

Read the Rest…