Ike Leggett to endorse Aruna Miller’s congressional bid

Outgoing Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett (D) has been generous with his political endorsements this campaign cycle.

Leggett, so far, gave his seal of approval to Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker’s III (D) gubernatorial campaign.

The county executive extended endorsements to three additional candidates:

• Montgomery County Council at-large candidate Gabe Albornoz, director of Montgomery County’s Department of Recreation; District 15 candidate;

• Lily Qi, Leggett’s Assistant Chief Administrative Officer;

• District 39 candidate Gabriel Acevero (D).

One former Montgomery County employee is conspicuously missing from Leggett’s list of endorsees: Maryland state Del. Aruna Miller (D-Darnestown).

Miller, who represents District 15 in the House of Delegates, is locked in a Democratic primary to succeed outgoing Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.). Delaney announced in 2017 that he is running for president.

A longtime Montgomery County government employee, Miller, fits Leggett’s endorsement criteria.

Miller and Leggett are said to have a “great and working relationship.”

Montgomery County political insiders speculate that Leggett will endorse Miller’s congressional bid – but when?

Shortly after the 44th Annual Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Awards Luncheon, scheduled for March 16 at the Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in North Bethesda.

Leggett is slated to receive the MCCC Public Safety Champion of the Year Award during the March luncheon.

Leggett’s award will be presented by Total Wine & More; the company is co-owned by Miller’s top Democratic rival, David Trone.

Total Wine & More is among a handful of Montgomery County businesses included in the Chamber’s “Leadership Circle.” Trone, who co-owns Total Wine & More with his brother, Robert, has for years been a major financial benefactor of Montgomery County’s Chamber of Commerce.

Multiple sources tell A Miner Detail that Leggett did not endorse Miller sooner because he feared Trone could withhold financial support for the Chamber’s annual luncheon.

Miller’s campaign, when reached Thursday, said Miller “would be honored to earn Leggett’s endorsement and support,” but refrained from commenting further.

Miller is locked in a crowded Democratic primary with state Sen. Roger Manno (D-Silver Spring), Dr. Nadia Hashimi, retired Army officer Andrew Duck, Christopher Hearsey, and businessman David J Trone.

The last day to file to run for office in Maryland is Feb. 27 at 9:00 p.m.

The primary election is on June 26.

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