Confirmation of New Pa. State Police Chief Moves Forward Without Committee Endorsement
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Governor Tom Wolf's controversial nominee to head the Pennsylvania State Police is headed for a full state senate vote, but only after a committee vetting the nominee took "no position" following a confirmation hearing this morning.
Marcus Brown, the former head of the Maryland State Police, and Gov. Wolf's nominee for the same job in Pennsylvania, has taken heat for a number of reasons, including his decision to wear a Pennsylvania State Police uniform even though he didn't come up through the ranks of that agency.
But today, during a confirmation hearing by the Senate Law and Justice Committee, where Brown underwent tough questioning, state senator Anthony Williams (D-Phila.) -– citing Brown's record on recruiting minorities –- suggested much of the criticism was a smokescreen.
"I mean, special interests walking into senators' offices and saying, 'He shouldn't be confirmed because he doesn't represent the good old boys' network.' "
After the hearing, when asked if he agreed with Williams, Brown only said he remains committed to diversity.
The committee sent Brown's nomination to the full Senate but without a recommendation for confirmation.