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Maryland’s system of letting party operatives fill legislative vacancies has led to some recent embarrassments, such as the House Majority Whip’s daughter getting a seat in Annapolis after breaking a 2-2 tie – by voting for herself. (A party leader tried to bar a Brew reporter from that meeting.) It's also led to some big, systemic problems - nearly a quarter of the legislature was not elected by voters, but rather appointed by small committees. Critics say when state politics is dominated by insiders - offspring, spouses, cronies - it's no surprise Maryland has been beset with corruption scandals.