Ehrlich at the JCC: Opportunism Or an Attempt to Reach Out?

But at the Gilchrest Center for Cultural Diversity in Wheaton on Sunday, Silverman and Leggett were surrounded by Asian, Latino, black and women's rights leaders who said they expected better from the comptroller, who is facing his first competitive election in years.

Representatives approached the podium one by one. When it was their turn to speak, Silverman and Leggett stood side by side at the microphone to deliver a joint message.

Leggett, the former chairman of the state Democratic Party, pointed to the people around him and said, "This is a picture of Montgomery County, of Maryland."

Silverman suggested that Schaefer could learn three lessons from the controversy: geography, sensitivity and, he said, "the lesson we're all going to give him on Sept 12. His comments are a disgrace. It's time for Comptroller Schaefer to go."

One person who certainly agrees with that sentiment is Del. Peter Franchot (Montgomery), who is running for the job in the Democratic primary along with Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens.

Franchot made light of the unusual joint appearance as he approached the podium.

"I came out just to get a picture of Leggett and Silverman together," he joked.

The Gift of Endorsement

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U.S. Rep. Albert R. Wynn (D-Md.) gave Leggett a useful present at his birthday party Saturday afternoon at Kensington Town Hall -- an event that drew hundreds of supporters.

"He is a master of the art of finding solutions to problems," Wynn said in endorsing Leggett's candidacy. "He's got great experience, great intellect. He's got the whole package."

Leggett was "delighted" with Wynn's backing, saying "people recognize the contributions I've made to Montgomery County."

Leggett celebrated his birthday a week early. He turns 61 on July 25.

He's picked up numerous endorsements in recent weeks, including from Progressive Maryland, an advocacy group affiliated with labor and civil rights organizations in the state.