Political notes: Costa gives up leadership position

Republicans in the county's House delegation will soon have a new leader.

Del. Bob Costa, R-Deale, is stepping down as the deputy minority whip. That's the guy who counts votes on important issues and lobbies his colleagues to vote the way the party wants them to.

"I've been a whip for two years," Mr. Costa said. "It's time to let others develop a leadership role in the caucus."

Privately, some members of the delegation said Mr. Costa was fed up with a lack of access to the Governor's Mansion. Mr. Costa denied that there was any break.

He said he met with Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. recently to discuss health care...