David Grosso, former chief counsel to Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), is battling to move from behind the scenes to center stage by running for one of two at-large seats on the D.C. Council.

While backbiting can quite often be the norm here in Washington, those who previously worked with Grosso seem to be behind him all the way.

A D.C. native who now lives in the city’s leafy Brookland neighborhood, Grosso is making his bid for office as an independent candidate. His core issues include educational advancement, economic development and budget reform.

A campaign aide tells HOH that Grosso’s name remains on the lips of co-workers and friends still toiling away on the Hill — a group that is apparently enthused to see an alumnus strike out on his own. One former Congressional aide confirmed the excitement.

“It’s always fun to watch,” the ex-staffer said. “David’s a good guy … and having that legislative view as a staffer should serve him well.”