BALTIMORE -- A Nov. 10 meeting to nominate state Sen. Andy Harris's successor, should Harris be elected to Congress, was moved to put more focus on getting Harris elected in the first place and not because of committee bylaws, according to Mike Geppi, chair of the Harford County Republican Central Committee.

If Harris (R-Cockeysville) defeats state's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) to win the 1st Congressional District seat, the Harford and Baltimore County Republican Central Committees will be required to elect a successor.

Chris Cavey -- chair of the Baltimore County Republican Central Committee -- said Monday the delay had little to do with Harris's prospects. Rather, Cavey argued, it was to ensure that the process goes smoothly to avoid any controversy with the rules and bylaws.

If Harris is elected, the rules state that a notice must go out 10 days prior to the interview, according to Cavey. He said it "would be a little unseemly" to advertise before election night.

Geppi's reasoning for the move, however, differed a bit from Cavey's.

"It's a rules and bylaws thing too, but I mean the overarching reason is we don't want people focused on a replacement race," Geppi told PolitickerMD.com on Tuesday. "We want people focused on the 1st district race. That's what it comes down to."

A final date for the meeting is still up in the air.

Geppi called the race "tight," but said the 1st District was a "bright spot" for Maryland Republicans.

Three unofficial candidates already have their eyes on the 7th District state Senate seat including Del. J.B. Jennings (R-Baltimore/Harford County), former Del. Al Redmer (Baltimore County), and Sergio Vitale (R-Glen Arm).

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