ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A judge has ruled that former Delegate Tiffany Alston was removed from her office after entering a plea deal in October relating to misconduct in office.

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Prince George's Circuit Court Judge C. Philip Nichols Jr. also said Wednesday that the county's Democratic central committee has the right to withdraw the nomination of Greg Hall to replace her.

Gov. Martin O'Malley, who makes the appointment, had asked the panel to withdraw Hall's name from consideration after details emerged about drug and gun charges in Hall's past.

Alston has contested her removal, and Hall has sought to block the committee from withdrawing his initial nomination.

Nichols says the circumstances of the case do little for the good name and reputation of Maryland and even less for Prince George's County.