Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON (WMAL) – America’s longest-serving state senate president is stepping down from the leadership post after more than 30 years.
Mike Miller, 76, said his mind is still strong, but his body is weak from the Stage 4 prostate cancer he’s been battling for more than a year. He said he’s too fatigued to continue to lead the state senate.
“It’s been a great run. I have enjoyed every minute of it,” Miller told reporters Thursday.
Even though he’s stepping down as senate president, Miller said he will continue his role representing the 27th district and will keep up his daily schedule. He called that post his highest honor.
Sen. Bill Ferguson stepped up to fill the leadership role, and he got the unanimous support of the Senate Democratic Caucus.
“This is an incredibly humbling experience,” Ferguson said. He added that the days ahead are about Miller’s unbelievable service.
“There is no one that can replace Mike Miller, and what was clear over the last few months as this transition seemed more likely is that the only way that we will move forward is if we maximize the skills and talent of each of the 47 members of the Maryland Senate,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson added Miller will continue to serve as a mentor to him and all the members of the state senate.
Miller’s advice to Ferguson: be open and inclusive and make sure everyone’s voice is heard.
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