Three new candidates have brought to five the number of Republicans hoping for appointment to Del. Robert L. Flanagan's District 9A seat representing Howard County.

Charles C. Feaga, former county councilman and 1998 county executive candidate, Assistant Attorney General Richard S. Bernhardt and John S. "Jack" Taylor, a contractual state employee who formerly headed the Baltimore Drug Enforcement Administration office, have joined former party Chairwoman Carol Arscott and current central committee member Warren Miller.

The party state central committee has postponed a vote until Feb. 17. Flanagan is expected to win state Senate confirmation as Maryland's transportation secretary.