Parade of Politicians

While the annual Palisades July 4th parade is known for bringing out the city's politicians, the 29th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade drew enough candidates to be considered the unofficial kickoff of the 2008 local campaign season -- more than a month before candidates in the September primary can start circulating petitions to get themselves nominated.

Council member Carol Schwartz (R-At Large) waved to the crowd from her yellow convertible. She was followed by three candidates planning to run as independents, posing a challenge for her in the November general election. The District's political system requires that two at-large members be of a different party. That means one of them can't be a Democrat. For example, Phil Mendelson, a Democrat, and David A. Catania, an independent, won the 2006 at-large races.

Michael A. Brown, who has run enough to be called a perennial, walked the parade route on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, as did well-financed newcomer Adam Clampitt. Not to be outdone, community activist and attorney Dee Hunter appeared in a hunter green convertible to match his campaign colors. ( Keep reading to see all the pictures.)

Seemingly without competition, Council member Kwame R. Brown (D-At Large) made an appearance and threw blue Mardi Gras-style beads into the crowd.

Council members Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4) and Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7), who won special elections last year, worked the crowd. At one point, Bowser sprinted, throwing green Mardi Gras-style beads, while Alexander hung out of the cab of her campaign manager Darryl Rose's monster truck.

Of course, they were all in Anacostia. That's Ward 8 country and the battle appeared to be on yesterday.

Community activist Sandra Seegars had four vehicles and a catchy chant, "Who's the best? S.S," for her challenge against Council member Marion Barry.

Charles E. Wilson, president and a founder of the Historic Anacostia Block Association, walked with supporters. His campaign cards simply said, "Vote Charles for Ward 8 Council."

What about a last name?
"I'm trying to get name recognition. It will say Charles Wilson later," he said.

Name recognition is no problem for Barry who literally rode in on a high horse, ending the parade in a black cowboy hat and with a posse of others on horseback.

By Nikita R Stewart |  April 7, 2008; 8:06 AM ET  | Category:  2008 District Election
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Posted by: IMGoph | April 8, 2008 7:44 AM

Posted by: Voting and Hoping | April 8, 2008 7:46 AM

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