O'Malley visits Montgomery County kitchen

The Democratic governor asked the students about AP courses, career technical education and the economy. He delivered a portion of his stump speech, reminding them that in a tough budget time he'd protected education funding.

They had few questions though -- and perhaps that's a good sign. The students, for the most part, reported that they were all either employed or on the path to fields with apparent labor shortages like nursing, engineering and green roofing.

Adults in attendance were more chatty, and repeatedly told the governor to try and hold the line on tuition increases.

Democratic Sen. Nancy King underscored the point saying prospective students have returned the legislative $1,000 legislative scholarships she's awarded because they can't make up the difference.

She's adopted a new tactic: Give fewer grants for more money.

Afterward, O'Malley said he feels comfortable in the D.C. suburb. "I grew up in Montgomery County," he said. "I know Montgomery county really well."