Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch Dies At 72

BALTIMORE, MD — Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch has died after battling pneumonia. He was 72. The Washington Post reported Sunday he died around 3:20 p.m. surrounded by family at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Busch, an Anne Arundel Democrat who was the longest-serving House speaker in state history, was a member of the state House of Delegates representing District 30A. He was sworn in as the speaker of the state House in January 2003.

The news comes after Busch was placed on a ventilator at the University of Maryland Medical Center, chief of staff Alexandra Hughes told The Baltimore Sun.

"Yesterday, doctors at University of Maryland Medical Center made the determination that Speaker Busch's breathing had taken a significant turn for the worse and the Speaker made the decision to use a ventilator to help his breathing," Hughes said.

Busch's condition, however, deteriorated further in the next couple of hours.

"His family asks for privacy at this time and to keep the Speaker in your thoughts and prayers," said Hughes.

Busch was affectionately called "Coach" by his caucus, The Post reported. He brought a folksy demeanor and was skilled in managing personalities and political alliances.

As his career in politics advanced, Busch notably continued working as youth sports director for the Anne Arundel County government. He was also known to drive his two daughters to school in the morning.

But in recent years, "Iron Mike's" health began to fail him, leading to periodic absences in the 2019 legislative session. Busch fell ill with pneumonia after undergoing a follow-up procedure to a liver transplant two years ago. He'd also had a heart bypass surgery in September.

Gov. Larry Hogan called his death a "profoundly sad day" for the state.

"Mike Busch was a giant in our government — the longest serving Speaker in our state's history," he wrote in a tweet. "He cared deeply about improving the lives of Marylanders, and his legacy is evident in his many legislative achievements."

Busch served with the "decency and good nature" of a teacher, coach and family man, Hogan added. Maryland flags will fly at half-staff effectively immediately.

"I was honored to know him and to work closely with him," said Hogan, a Republican.

State Senate President Thomas Mike Miller said in a statement that his thoughts and prayers are with Busch's family.

"Mike Busch has been a friend to myself and so many, a mentor to a generation of Maryland leaders, and a historic leader of his Chamber," Miller told The Sun in a statement. "My thoughts and prayers are with Mike, his wife Cindy, his daughters Erin and Megan, and his staff, during this time."

The state Democratic Party said Busch left an "indelible mark" on the lives of all the state's residents through his leadership. U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Montgomery County said Busch has "always stood" with Maryland, while Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman said Busch was a rare leader who was humble, perceptive and fair.

"We love you Iron Mike," Pittman tweeted.

Busch was born in Baltimore on Jan. 4, 1947 and went to St. Mary's High School in Annapolis. He graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia in 1970 with a degree in education and was a star football player during his time there.

He returned to Maryland not long after, teaching and coaching at St. Mary's for six years beginning in 1973. Busch then went on to work as administrator for youth athletics in the county Department of Recreation and Parks.

Among the many awards Busch collected over the years: football coach of the year in 1978, county legislator of the year in 2005, the state senate's first citizen award in 2012 and the most recently the president's award in 2018 from the Maryland Independent College and University Association.

Brooke Lierman, a Democratic member of the state House of Delegates in District 46, tweeted the news was "devastating."

"I have never had a better coach than Speaker Busch,' she tweeted. "He is a son of Baltimore and cares deeply for our City and State. This is devastating news... please join me in sending him and his family light and love and prayers."