Elizabeth A. Jones has worked as a legislative aide to Del. Christopher Shank (R-2B) for six years. In that time, Jones told PolitickerMD.com that the current minority whip has “constantly relied” on her “to be by his side” providing assistance. Among other responsibilities, Jones said she has helped to draft bills and answer constituent phone calls during her time with the delegate.

Jones said her experience working closely with Shank would “absolutely” help to distinguish her from her opponents in the race to fill the open District 2A delegate seat vacated by the resignation of Robert McKee. Washington County Commissioners James F. Kercheval and William J. Wivell, Williamsport Mayor James G. McLeaf, II, Williamsport Councilman Jeffrey A. Cline, and former Washington County Commissioner John C. Munson highlight the remaining 18 candidates.

The Washington County Republican Central Committee will recommend a replacement to fill McKee’s seat. The process remains ongoing.

If selected, Jones said she would focus on a number of core “Republican base values,” including lower taxes and spending. She also said she would “fight for Second Amendment rights,” and work to “keep the death penalty legal.”

“I think the most important thing in Washington County is the tax increases,” Jones said. “They are hitting everybody, statewide.”

In an attempt to distinguish herself, Jones said she would not have a second job if she serves as a delegate, saying she “would be able to reach my constituents.”

“I want to be in that office as much as is humanly possible,” Jones said, adding that constituents should always be able to speak with their delegate unless they are in session.

Jones serves as Treasurer for the Washington County Republican Club, but said her responsibilities with the organization only take up “two hours a month.”

The candidate said she did not know many of her opponents, and could not comment on their proposals.

Prior to her employment with Shank, Jones said most her experience was in the “accounting and bookkeeping field,” while working at an accounting firm in Hagerstown. She also said was a “part-time stay-at-home mom,” and served as the treasurer and then president of the Lincolnshire Elementary School PTA in Hagerstown for a period of five years.