Hoffmann pulls in long list of endorsements

One of her opponents disregards the nods

Politicians highlighted Hoffmann’s political experience and connections, describing her as the office seeker with the most know-how.

Standing in front of the Rockville Library in Town Square — the heart of the downtown public-private mixed-use development supported by Hoffmann — Cardin emphasized the candidate’s ability to work with county, state and federal officials.

‘‘We work very well together as a team and that’s important to the people of Rockville,” Cardin said.

Hoffmann’s support crosses old political lines locally. Former Mayor Rose G. Krasnow, who came out against Giammo in past elections, lined up with him in support of Hoffmann.

‘‘Susan is running for mayor, I believe, for all of the right reasons,” Krasnow said. ‘‘And she brings the right skills for the job. Susan loves our city.”

Hoffmann’s endorsements read like a Who’s Who of local politics. Former mayors William E. Hanna Jr. (also a long-time County Council member) and James F. Coyle were on hand. The mayors of Kensington, Gaithersburg and Somerset support her.

The councilwoman counts endorsements from U.S. Rep. Albert R. Wynn (D-Dist. 4) of Mitchellville and all three District 17 state delegates.

Others include Maryland State Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot (D), Del. Sheila Ellis Hixson (D-Dist. 20) of Silver Spring, Del. Anne R. Kaiser (D-Dist. 14) of Olney, Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy, county Sheriff Raymond M. Kight, Clerk of the Court Loretta Knight and Register of Wills Joseph Griffin.

Hoffmann’s two opponents reacted differently to her endorsement lineup.

‘‘I don’t know what that’s going to do for her,” mayoral candidate Drew Powell said.

Powell claims ‘‘intimate working relationships” with County Executive Isiah ‘‘Ike” Leggett (D) and Gov. Martin O’Malley (D), something he contends Hoffmann lacks.

‘‘That’s absurd,” Hoffmann said in reaction.

Hoffmann supported Steven A. Silverman over Leggett in the 2006 county executive race. She also supported Douglas M. Duncan over O’Malley in last fall’s gubernatorial primary.

‘‘She’s on the outside looking in. Let’s just put it that way,” Powell said. ‘‘We need a strong leader who can advocate on behalf on the City of Rockville and my opponent is not that person.”

Hoffmann disagreed, saying she maintains good relationships with Leggett, who is her boss — she works for the county as marketing and special events manager in the Silver Spring Regional Center — and with whom she worked in an earlier election, and O’Malley, who is aware of her long-standing support for Rockville native son Duncan.

‘‘I am very, very honored that one of my opponents continues to take potshots at me,” Hoffmann said, referring to Powell. ‘‘It only proves to me that I am, in fact, the front runner and the candidate to fear.”

Leggett, who attended Powell’s campaign kick-off event, does not plan on endorsing anyone in the race, his spokesman, Patrick K. Lacefield, said.

Mayoral candidate Mark M. Pierzchala characterized Hoffmann’s endorsements as impressive and likely to land her some votes.

‘‘She is very connected,” he said. ‘‘You would expect that. I see no surprises there.”

Late to get into the race, Pierzchala claims no endorsements of his own. Powell said he has received endorsements, which he will announce at his own

Powell said Hoffmann is ‘‘the candidate of continuity, what’s come before. I’m personally saying we don’t want that — that it’s time for a change.”