Duncan to Partially Reimburse County for Pre-Campaign Costs

The 23 voting members of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee are scheduled to vote on a successor to Hurson, who is leaving to take a job as a lobbyist, on Oct 11.

The other candidates in the race are County Cable Administrator Jane Lawton , Michael Griffiths , a dentist who is past president of the African-American Democratic Club of Montgomery County, Samuel L. Statland , a member of the Board of Elections, and Al Carr , a member of the Kensington Town Council.

Democrats Face Intra-Party Challenges

Next year's races for state senator and delegate in District 19 are shaping up as ones that could pit a new generation of Montgomery County Democrats against longtime incumbents.

John Mahoney , 36, announced last week that he is stepping down as chairman of the Young Democrats of Maryland because he is challenging incumbent Sen. Leonard H. Teitelbaum.

Teitelbaum has represented the district, which includes parts of Olney and Aspen Hill, in the Senate since 1994. Before that, he was a two-term member of the House of Delegates.

"I am running to bring fresh leadership, innovative ideas and energy and change for the better to the Maryland Senate," said Mahoney, a lawyer.

Meanwhile, Alec Stone , past president of the Kemp Hill Civic Association, became the first person to declare as a Democratic candidate for one of the three District 19 delegate seats.

Stone, who was an official in the Clinton administration, said the three Democratic incumbent delegates -- Henry B. Heller , Adrienne A. Mandel and Carol S. Petzold -- have been in office too long.

Heller and Petzold have represented the district for 18 years. Mandel took office in 1995.

"If I thought the district was getting categorically excellent leadership from its delegation right now, I wouldn't be a candidate right now," said Stone, 36, who heads a management firm.

Fundraising With a Flourish

With next year's elections approaching, candidates are scrambling to raise money, which leads to some creative fundraisers.

Craig Rice , a candidate for House of Delegates from District 15 -- which includes Poolesville, Laytonsville and North Potomac -- is having a fundraiser in honor of his 33rd birthday on Tuesday in Laytonsville. Tickets to the event are, you guessed it, $33. But high rollers can pony up $330 or $3,300.

On Oct 2, Tina's Gallery is hosting a "A Fall Festival of Art for Ike Leggett," where supporters can purchase pieces of art. A portion of the proceeds will go to former council member Isiah Leggett's campaign for the Democratic nomination for county executive.

On the same day, the Montgomery County Republican Central Committee will host its annual "Grand Old Party" at the Meadows at Smokey Glen Farm in Gaithersburg. Tickets are $30.