"It is going to be inevitable that there will be some time that there will be a vacancy," Hoyer said.
In Annapolis yesterday, leaders in both parties criticized Wynn for resigning early to become a partner with Dickstein Shapiro LLP, a Washington firm that counts five former members of Congress among its 400-plus attorneys.
A special general election to replace him would cost about $1 million, most of which would be picked up by Prince George's and Montgomery counties.
"It would be nice if his law firm picked up the tab rather than his constituents," said state Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller.
State Sen. David R. Brinkley, the Republican minority leader, also criticized Wynn's decision but agreed that a special election was the best option to ensure the district is represented.
O'Malley said he would work with Republican and Democratic leaders in both chambers to get the bill through the General Assembly before the final day of the session next week.
Now that he has agreed to join a lobbying firm, Wynn's activities in Congress are likely to be curtailed.
For example, ethics rules will prevent him from voting on matters that could affect clients of Dickstein Shapiro.
Hoyer suggested that Wynn might remove himself from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, of which he is a senior member.
"There may be some thought that we need to have a full voting committee member who does not need to recuse himself on issues," Hoyer said. "Mr. Wynn may decide to step down from the committee prior to leaving" Congress.
bradley.olson@baltsun.com matthew.brown@baltsun.com
Sun reporter Laura Smitherman contributed to this article.
