Gazette Endorses for Montgomery County Council

The Gazette followed on its early endorsement of Ike Leggett for County Executive with its picks for the Council primaries.

George Leventhal got a big raspberry from the Gazette editorial board which not only did not endorse him for reelection but called him "an ineffective, divisive leader" during his term as council president. They urge Montgomery County voters to replace Leventhal with challengers Reggie Felton and Bo Newsome who were described as having "a welcome perspective and insight." The Gazette also enthusiastically called for the reelection of Michael Subin. Nancy Floreen also won guarded support from the Gazette. The Republicans, who struggled to find people to run for the at-large seats didn't merit a mention.

In other contested races, the Gazette plumped for the incumbents. In District 3, the editorial notably had only faint praise for incumbent Phil Andrews but still preferred him to opponent Rockville Councilman Robert Dorsey. For the open seat in District 5, the Gazette warmly supports Valerie Ervin.

If the Gazette has its way, this will definitely be a great year for African-American candidates for Montgomery County government. Robert Dorsey is arguably the only competitive African-American candidate for Council who didn't win the Gazette's support. Years of working their way up the political ladder and gaining experience as campaigners and officials may finally pay off. Both Reggie Felton and Valerie Ervin have served on the school board. Ike Leggett served for many years on the Council and as Maryland Democratic Party Chair. Newsome is a newcomer but has strong roots in the region, experience as an administrator, and an impressive educational background with degrees from Columbia and GWU.