Fourth Congressional District candidate Donna Edwards (D-Fort Washington) issued a statement commending Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) after he issued a proclamation declaring June 17 as the date of the special general election to fill the impending vacancy caused by the June resignation of Rep. Al Wynn (D-Mitchellville).

“I commend Gov. O'Malley for his leadership and the hard work of the delegates and senators to find a common sense approach for residents of Maryland's Fourth Congressional District to be represented in Congress,” Edwards said.

The General Assembly passed emergency legislation in the final days of the legislative session allowing the governor to bypass a special primary election, which would have cost the state an estimated $1 million.

“I also appreciate the efforts of the local Democratic Central Committees to ensure that this entire process is fair and upholds the democratic values we hold dear,” Edwards added.

The Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to recommend a candidate for the June 17 election. Edwards, who defeated Wynn in the Feb. 12 primary, will likely be selected.

The Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee is also expected to select Edwards at a date yet to be announced.

“I look forward to seeking and securing the nomination of my party and to winning the special general election,” Edwards said.  “I am excited about the opportunity the special general election offers to represent the district and to work on the issues important to those in the district much sooner than I had anticipated.”

The Montgomery and Prince George’s County Republican central committees are expected to select Peter James (R-Germantown) as their candidate in the special election. James won the Feb. 12 GOP primary.