Roy McGrath resigned Monday as Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's chief of staff amid turmoil over a six-figure severance package he received from his previous state government job.
McGrath officially assumed the role of Hogan's top aide on June 1.
The Maryland Environmental Service board of directors approved McGrath's severance in May.
The board offered McGrath a year's salary - roughly $233K - plus tuition reimbursement and other perks.
Senate President Willam C. "Bill Ferguson IV (D) and House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D) released a statement Friday calling for special hearings into McGrath's severance.
Though McGrath did not release an official statement, he wrote on Facebook that he "remains focused" on his job, and he decried the report as toxic, partisan politics."
The governor and his press officials declined to comment.
On Monday, however, McGrath said he was "exiting state service," referring to the latest incident as a "distraction."
"For me, this entire topic is simply the sad politics of personal destruction, and right now, we cannot afford unnecessary distractions from the critical work the governor and his team are doing," McGrath said in a statement.
Hogan's office released a statement Monday announcing the governor regretfully accepts McGrath's resignation.
"It is with regret that I have accepted Roy McGrath’s resignation as chief of staff. Roy has been a deeply valued member of our administration, and our state is better for his dedicated service," Hogan said.
"I recognize that this was a difficult decision for Roy, but I understand and respect his reasons for making this decision. I have always known Roy to be someone of the highest character, and I wish him well in his future endeavors."
Hogan taps Keiffer Mitchell Jr. as Acting ChiefThe governor tapped Keiffer J. Mitchell Jr., the administration's chief lobbyist, as his acting chief of staff. Mitchell is widely respected by both sides of the political aisle and established himself as a bipartisan consensus builder.
“I am humbled that Governor Hogan has put his trust in me. We have a first-rate team that is working around the clock at such a critical moment in our history. Together, we will continue to change Maryland for the better," Mitchell said in a statement, released by Hogan officials.
Both Bill Ferguson and Adrienne Jones released a statement Monday saying that agreed with McGrath's decision to step aside.
Hogan's spokesman said McGrath is "not receiving severance from the governor's office," the Sun reported.
A SubplotA Miner Detail received a data dump earlier Monday morning from someone apparently on the inside of state government - someone who worked closely with McGrath.
Stay tuned.
Feedback/Questions? Ryan@AMinerDetail.com.
Shaun Porter takes on Larry Hogan, Jan Gardner I Episode 289
Election Palooza Part IV: Are you ready for Election Night? I Episode 286
Columnist Paul Schwartz on Trump's big loss I Episode 288
Pennsylvania President Politics with Jon Delano I Episode 287
Charlotte Aufdem-Brinke talks Politics & Political Activism I Episode 285
Cecil County Politics with Jeff Kase I Episode 284
Robin Ficker vs. Montgomery County Machine Politics I Episode 283
Western Maryland News with with Cassie Conklin I Episode 282
Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg I Episode 281
Single Member Council Districts in Montgomery County I Episode 280
Roy McGrath's Big Payout I Episode 279
Larry Hogan staffer Fired over Social Media Posts I Episode 278
EPISODE 277: State Del. Carl J. Anderton Jr. on the Wicomico County executive selection process
EPISODE 276: Maryland Politics Roundup (Aug. 23)
The story behind the removal of the Talbot Boys statue I Episode 275
Maryland News: Thursday, August 20, 2020
Maryland News: Friday, August 14, 2020
News in 5: Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Monday, Aug. 10, 2020: Hogan Signs Off on SBE November Plan; Hornberger Hires the Haires
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
HauntingLive
Dr. Paul’s Worldviews
Pharmacy Podcast Network
The Ben Shapiro Show
Morning Wire