In a prepared statement, Anne Arundel County Council Chairman Jerry Walker (R-7th District), of Gambrills, said he would not run for the executive's seat because of questions about the appointment process.

"Our county has had a black cloud of ethical and illegal activity hovering above the administration over the past two years and I have no desire to enter the office with questions about the legitimacy of my appointment," he said. “As the Chairman it is important that the Council has  an element of stability as the legislative body guides the county through this process”.

Walker's announcement comes a day after a legal opinion sought by the county attorney concluded that Council members were not eligible for the executive appointment because of wording in the county's charter.

Councilman John Grasso (R-2nd District) had also expressed interest in the executive's position, but announced Thursday that he would not be applying.

Five candidates for the executive's position gathered Thursday night for a forum in Odenton. Patch captured videos of each candidate's pitch for office.

The County Council will hold a meeting on Feb. 21 to vote on candidates. The winning candidate must receive at least four votes from the Council.

See also: 

• Legal Opinion: Council Members Not Eligible for Executive Appointment
• County Exec Candidates Pitch to the Public
• As Deadline Looms, No Candidates Have Filed for Executive Race
• Leopold Resigns, Acknowledges 'Serious Errors in Judgment'