Health & Fitness

Kolbe Tapped for GOP Post

Towson resident once sued county over free speech issues related to campaign signs.

After months of divisive acrimony, the Baltimore County Republican Central Committee came together Monday night and elected a new chairman.

Steve Kolbe, who was appointed to fill a vacancy earlier this year, defeated Al Mendelsohn 18-10 on the first round of balloting.

Kolbe, a Towson resident and businessman, became involved in local elected politics after filing suit against the county over regulations limiting the size of political signs on residential property.

Find out what's happening in Towsonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The county ordered Kolbe to remove a large sign supporting Robert Ehrlich.

Kolbe's lawsuit was unsuccessful, but he remained involved in local Republican politics.

Find out what's happening in Towsonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Kolbe replaces , the committee's first African-American chairman.

Campbell stepped down last month after a number of committee members attempted to pass a no confidence vote. The resignation ended about seven months of division within the party that centered on Campbell's leadership.

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