Lawmakers: A bunch of jokers
April Fool's jokes abound in Annapolis.
Someone took the time to unmute all 141 delegates' phones on the House floor, making for a noisy morning legislative session.
Select delegates also found autographed portraits of Gov. Martin O'Malley, accompanied by a generic packet of Kool Aid on their desks. The implication: Your governor wants you to drink up. (Pictured is a puzzled Del. Curt Anderson with his gag gift.) Tea party captain Michael Smigiel was reportedly behind the prank.
The fun didn't end there.
O'Malley announced on his Facebook page:
Freshman Del. Sam Arora disseminated a press release addressing a "rumor" that he is being considered as a replacement for retiring Maryland schools Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick.
"While I am honored to be considered, right now I am focused on convincing everyone in Annapolis that I am a legislator and not a student," Arora said. "Some days they only let me in State House if I say I am bringing coffee to Delegate Ben Kramer."
One of the Senate's most liberal members spread word he was going to hold a press conference announcing his defection from the Democratic Party in favor of becoming an Independent.
And Patch reporter Bryan Sears got punked by Del. Kathy Szeliga, who left fake vomit on his laptop as she feigned illness and fled the House floor.
