I was disappointed by your Aug. 18 article ["Forehand vs. Kagan: Political observers say face-off was bound to happen"] about the District 17 State Senate Democratic primary contest between challenger Cheryl Kagan and incumbent Jennie Forehand. I was looking forward to the usual, thorough Gazette treatment of local politics and policy, and all I got was a lot of speculation about their personal relationship. Frankly, who cares how much Cheryl and Jennie do (or used to) like each other? What about the issues voters care about? What about who would most effectively represent Rockville, Gaithersburg and Garrett Park in the State Senate? What about the voters?

From what I've seen and heard so far, it seems to me that Kagan is better equipped to deal with the tough economic times we face. I'm also impressed by her having racked up a dozen organizational endorsements — ranging from the Sierra Club, to NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland, to the firefighters, to the B-CC Chamber of Commerce PAC — even though she's up against a 32-year incumbent. In debate clips I've seen on Kagan's website, she seems more organized and energized to tackle today's problems.

I was hoping the Gazette piece would further inform my decision on Sept. 14, but in this instance, I was wrong.

Michael L. Salgaller, Rockville

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