During the House and Senate budget negotiations this morning, one of the many items of contention was language in the Senate budget bill that would force Comptroller Peter Franchot to follow his constitutional duties.

This language is no accident, and should be filed under Chapter Two in the tiff that came to a head last month in the Senate over how the flamboyant former Montgomery County delegate has structured his office and, his critics say, taken his many opinions far outside the realm of a state tax collector. Franchot's supporters believe this is one of many attempts to send a message that his maverick stances on everything from slot machine gambling to state land sales and purchases are unwelcome.

While some in the House believe their former colleague has made himself into a less than endearing presence, they nonetheless came to his defense this morning.

"I think that's a silly requirement," said Del. Charles E. Barkley.

"The constitution already holds him to his obligations," said Del. Mary Dulaney-James.

But Senate leaders, notably Ed DeGrange, who has clashed frequently with Franchot this session (as has Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller), held the line, putting off a decision on that measure until a later time. 

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