Democrats Escalate Debate On Effect of Donors' Funds

The leading Democratic candidates for Montgomery county executive sharpened their attacks yesterday, with Isiah "Ike" Leggett insisting that the extent of his rival's campaign cash from developers is a "legitimate concern" and Steven A. Silverman accusing Leggett of "character assassination."

As the primary campaign entered its final week, Silverman sought to narrow the differences between himself and Leggett on what has emerged as a pivotal issue in the contest to succeed County Executive Douglas M. Duncan (D).

"You've taken developer money; I've taken developer money. You're taking it now; I'm taking it now," Silverman said during a debate between the two candidates on Washington Post Radio. "The reality is, that if you want to say that I'm doing something wrong, then you ought to come right out and say it. But instead, you're creating this perception."

Leggett has tried to tap into voters' concerns about congested roads and crowded schools by promising to slow the pace of growth. Silverman has said the solution is more roads and mass transit. In recent ads and in interviews, Silverman has stressed his desire to "limit and manage" growth and tried to soften the impression among critics that he is beholden to developers.

Leggett's first television advertisement, which aired this week, hammers at the source of Silverman's contributions.

Silverman has dramatically outpaced Leggett in fundraising, fueled largely by money from the development industry. Overall, Silverman has amassed $2.2 million, compared with Leggett's $831,000.

A Washington Post analysis of Silverman's campaign contributions of $1,000 and higher since late 2003, based on state election data, shows that about $900,000 has come from development interests, including developers, builders, lawyers and electrical, concrete and excavating companies. The contributions came from more than 400 donors who made about 470 separate contributions.

Leggett's finance reports show that, since he began fundraising early last year, he has received contributions of more than $1,000 from 44 donors with ties to the development industry, totaling $77,550.

In his new ad, Leggett portrays himself as "an independent voice for all citizens of Montgomery County -- not the special interests." And in the radio debate yesterday, Leggett said it was fair to raise questions about the money Silverman has received from developers and his votes on the County Council.

Leggett criticized Silverman, an at-large council member, for helping change the county's approach to land-use policy in 2003. That year, the council imposed a hefty tax on development but got rid of a traffic-review standard that restrained construction.

"There's a legitimate concern when you raise the tons of money you have," Leggett said.

The changes effectively lifted a ban on housing construction in neighborhoods such as Fairland and White Oak, which are north of downtown Silver Spring. As a result of the changes, 838 homes countywide were approved in fiscal 2005 beyond the number that would have been approved under the old policy, according to a county planning department analysis.