New Entry Heats Up Md. Executive Race

ABC 7 News
January 26, 2005

Former Montgomery County (website - news) Councilman Isiah Leggett said Wednesday he is running for county executive because Montgomery County is a wonderful place to live and he "simply wants to make it better."

Leggett said he wants to make sure everyone has "a seat at the table" and "a voice in the outcome."

Leggett would be the first black county executive if elected. Leggett said he does not believe race will be a factor because he has proven he can win countywide. Leggett was on the council from 1986 to 2002.

The election isn't until November 2006 but Leggett said he is announcing now because the race really has been under way for some time and his supporters urged him to do so.

County Executive Doug Duncan is widely expected to run for governor.

Leggett is the second person to declare for the Democratic nomination, after Councilman Steven Silverman. Leggett already has the support of Council President Tom Perez.

One issue sure to come up is the proposed intercounty connector that would link Montgomery and Prince George's. During his years on the council, Leggett recused himself because he owns property along the route. But he says that it is part of the master plan and as county executive, he would have to execute it.