Folks in Bethesda will get to see the three Democratic candidates for county executive in action next week, as the trio is set for a debate on Friday, March 7.
The Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce and Bethesda Magazine are putting on a traditional debate featuring County Executive Isiah Leggett, Councilmember Phil Andrews and former County Executive Doug Duncan from 8:15 a.m.-9:45 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda (1 Bethesda Metro Center).
Bethesda Magazine political reporter Louis Peck will moderate.
Also next week, county executive and County Council candidates will gather in Silver Spring for a candidate forum on renters’ issues.
The Montgomery County Renters Alliance (a BethesdaNow.com advertiser) is hosting the free forum from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5 at the Silver Spring Civic Center (1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring).
The last day to file for the June 2014 primary is Tuesday, meaning we’ll have a clear picture of all of the races.
Duncan, who ran the county for three terms before Leggett took over in 2006, has consistently argued he’s a stronger leader than the two-term incumbent. Leggett has touted his fiscal stewardship during the Great Recession and put some of the blame for the county’s financial difficulties during that time on Duncan’s spending. Leggett has also said the county is in much better economic shape today because of his leadership.
Andrews, who will not take campaign contributions from interest groups, is campaigning as a change of pace from the two county Democratic heavyweights.
The Chamber debate on March 7 will include a networking and continental breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. Registration is $35 and $25 for Chamber members.
