Abrams Finds Opening to Run for Council

"I'll explore public- and private-sector options," said Silverman, a lawyer who had his own practice before entering public office.

Silverman lost the Democratic nomination for county executive to former council member Isiah Leggett . In November, he will leave after completing two terms.

Silverman said he has spent much of his time since the Sept. 12 primary thanking supporters. From now until the Nov. 7 election, he intends to help Baltimore City Mayor Martin O'Malley (D) beat Maryland's Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr ., he said.

As for his own future, "I'm not focused on the next stage," he said.

What he is focused on is closing down his campaign headquarters in Rockville.

This week, Silverman offered his office equipment, including computers and printers, for sale at a discount. Any items left over probably will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit organization that builds houses for low-income residents, he said.

What to do with the remainder of the $2.2 million he raised for his campaign is less clear. Much of the money went toward high-profile consultants and television ads.

"I'm not expecting that we'll have much left over," he said.

Hard to Charm

The candidates for county executive faced a tough crowd Monday afternoon at a forum organized by Chapter 260 of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

Leggett turned out for the two-hour event. So did independent candidate Robin Ficker . But Republican nominee Chuck Floyd was away on a business trip and sent his treasurer, Rudolph M. Dahl , in his place.

The 50 or so audience members had many questions on a wide range of topics, including property taxes, traffic congestion, free bus rides and street parking fees. And they didn't take too kindly when Dahl expressed his own opinions in response to some of the questions.

"I have a problem with you speaking for him," said Hilda Fishback , 87, a Silver Spring resident who is supporting Leggett.