County Councilman Ed Reilly will take over the state Senate seat vacated by Janet Greenip last week, ending a month of political maneuvering.

The county Republican Central Committee Tuesday night voted 8-5 to nominate Reilly, of Crofton, over four other candidates, including the other front-runner, Del. James King of Gambrills.

"We've sent a great guy to the Senate," central committee Chairman Alan M. Rzepkowski said after the secret-ballot vote.

"I am humbled and honored to be appointed," Reilly said.

The move leaves a vacancy on the County Council at a crucial time when the council is grappling with whether to...