ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WBFF) — Carroll County Del. Eric Bouchat, R-Carroll and Frederick counties, is facing mounting calls to resign after repeatedly leaving the House floor minutes into daily sessions, casting his vote, walking out and leaving a marble statue of Aristotle in his seat.
The backlash intensified within hours of Spotlight on Maryland reporting that the freshman lawmaker has been largely absent from legislative duties since at least Feb. 27, appearing only for quorum votes while continuing to collect a taxpayer-funded salary during the General Assembly’s 90-day session. Colleagues from both chambers now say his actions undermine representation for his district and raise questions about accountability for elected officials on the public payroll.
Bouchat was not immediately reachable on Wednesday to respond to calls for his resignation.
When previously confronted by Spotlight on Maryland, Bouchat said his actions were a form of “protest,” citing frustration with partisan gridlock as a Republican in the minority party. He also acknowledged leaving Annapolis to work at his private welding business during the session, saying the decision was partly political and partly financial…