Leopold is the one whose sexual conduct is on the line and he's trying to cover it up, so that's why the high attorney's fees! He made the large salary and he should pay court costs and attorney's fees! I believe the women who have come forward!

Hmmm....how about not the hard working tax payers of Anne Arundel County

he's a Republican so of course Mr. Benoit thinks he should pay.

What should happen is the county should pay and if he is found guilty, he should br required to reimburse the county for his defense.

In a perfect world, Leopold would pay if the allegations are proved to be true, but the accusers would have to pay if he is found not guilty. Unfortunately, I don't think the legal system works that way. As a compromise, I would suggest that Leopold should pay the legal fees, but if he is found not guilty, the county should reimburse him in part or in full. I hope he is not guilty, but I think he probably is.

John Leopold has consistently touted his frugality and how much money he saved the taxpayers. Is he really going to continue his political career while sticking the taxpayers with legal bills for his actions?

Having sex with employees. Is that part of the County Executive's official duties and responsibilities? Can't wait for a loyal Leopold supporter to explain that away.

Having sexual relations during the workday. How much in payroll, taxes, insurance, security expenses, etc. was spent for the County Executive and his employee(s) to play while on the clock? Was an additional employee(s) hired to do the work of the "active participants" while they were busy emailing, texting, emailing, and calling from County-issued computers and phones?

I think the county should pay. Leopold is an effective leader and should not have to pay because the opposition party wants to eliminate him as a potiental candidate for governor.

I don't know what is wrong with Leopold looking into records of candidates running for the highest position in the county. We would not like to have the wrong person elected and then have issues to remove them that tie up the government, cause 100's of ballots and effectively tie up the government for months, would we?

Since when is personal behaviour a legal matter and what is wrong with his driver running errands while he is busy. Should Leopold stopped work and rode along with the driver? Leopold would never waste that time he would stay at work while keeping his driver busy. The other charge of pulling opponents signs just caused me to chuckle. He probably lost many signs in a similar fashion.

A case like this could utterly destroy most people, financially. I think the county should pay (as painful as it is). If we were to set that precedent, it would be too easy to squeeze an opposing official out of office with a frivolous lawsuit using the threat of financial ruin. By the time the case was tried, the person would be long gone from office. I'm not saying this case is frivolous, as I have only watched it in the periphery, but politics is a bloodsport these days.

Aside from who should pay the legal fees, there's a point that many commenters are ignoring. While it's true that what Leopold is accused of is illegal, at this point he is only accused of these activities. There is much credible evidence that he is guilty, but as yet he has not been found guilty. Whether he is a public figure or not and whether he should live up to a higher standard because of his office is beside the point until there is a verdict. We can believe what we choose, but at this point it is just our opinion. Many of us would be in deep trouble if we were tried in the press or in neighborhood gossip, rather than in a court of law. Imperfect though it may be, the legal system is still our best hope for justice.

Responding to the original question. If he is found guilty in court, or pleads guilty, he should reimburse the county for every penny. That said he has not even had his day in court so please don't convict him before his trials. I recognize that there are people who despise him as well as those who love him, but if we insist on convicting elected leaders in the press without any legal process we will end up with anarchy and if Congress is any sort of guide we seem to be well on the way.

He is the one that should pay, we tax payers pay way to much as it is.

Because he was acting in his capacity as the County Executive, the county should pay his legal fees, but the county should also get to select the lawyers and determine how much is reasonable. If he is found guilty or the case is settled out of court, he should be required to reimburse the county for those legal expenses and settlement costs. Innocent, then the county foots the bill.

I think Mitt Romney should pay.

I also think that someone should tell our County Executive to never wear a tie with a short-sleeved shirt. What a fashion faux pas!

County tax payers should pay, because all except the 47% who do not pay taxes voted for him, so they are responsible for his conduct. Wait, voters are not the same as tax payers. So how about a special levy on everyone who voted for him, whether they pay taxes or not.

I think the laws needs to be changed statewide, not just for the county; if the elected official is found 'not guilty', then the state, city or county (whichever jurisdiction has alleged charges) should pay; if found guilty, the elected official should pay every dime out of thier own pocket. They also should be stripped of thier pension, & made to serve all of thier jail time as well. Maybe then, people with criminal intent will think twice before running for office in the first place.

Totally outrageous this man has definitely abused his position. We tax payers are burdened enough. Pay your own attorneys fees Leopold!!!

Really? It should be ALL on him! this is a personal matter, not actong on AA Co residents behalf at any time

I think we should pay ( he is innocent right now ) that is how the system works and
he works for us. Lets take a closer look at what the lawyers charge us. ? Unreal
No way are they worth $450 an hour.