The Maryland Legislative Scandal To Change the Record

The Washington Times reports:

Instructions from Maryland's Senate president appear to contradict House documents made public as part of a court challenge seeking to overturn tax increases approved during the recent General Assembly special session.

The documents, obtained by The Washington Times, cast new importance on the deposition of the chief clerk of the House of Delegates, Mary Monahan, and could bolster claims that the House Journal may have been doctored to avoid running afoul of the state constitution.

Meanwhile, Maryland's highest court yesterday denied a third attempt by the state to prevent Mrs. Monahan from testifying. Her deposition is tentatively scheduled for tomorrow morning in Annapolis.

Five Republicans and a Carroll County businessman filed the lawsuit seeking to invalidate the special session last month and have dueled with the state through the holidays to obtain Mrs. Monahan's testimony.

The lawsuit hinges on whether the Senate obtained consent from the House to adjourn for more than three days. It is based on a provision in the state constitution that says neither the Senate nor the House may adjourn for more than three days without the other chamber's consent.

Not everyone likes being inhibited by a constitution.