At-Large Council Race: Michael *D* Brown is NOT council member Michael *A* Brown

[Anonymous]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/30/AR2010083005165.html?hpid=newswell

In a surprising development, the results also show that in the at-large council race, longtime incumbent Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) is trailing the District's lesser-known shadow senator, Michael D. Brown. Many voters have confused him with At-Large Council member Michael A. Brown (I) in part because he is listed on the ballot simply as "Michael Brown."

Brown, a late entry into the race who had raised no money as of the Aug. 10 campaign finance filing deadline, leads Mendelson 38 percent to 21 percent among Democratic voters and is receiving strong support from African Americans. Seven percent of Democrats favor a third candidate, Clark Ray, the former D.C. Parks and Recreation director. Among likely voters, Brown is clearly ahead of Mendelson, 41 percent to 29 percent.

Just an alert to voters in the upcoming At-Large City Council race. Michael D. Brown is winning in the polls, most likely because voters think he is Michael A. Brown, a current At-Large council member. Michael D., a white man who has barely campaigned, is our shadow-Senator. Michael A., who is black, is not up for re-election this year and Michael A. Brown has endorsed Phil Mendelson. I'm a strong supporter of Phil Mendelson and would hate to see him lose to Michael D. just because of voter confusion but even those who support the other candidate, Clark Ray, may find it in their interest to make sure people understand the distinction.

So, if you end up voting for Michael Brown in the At-Large Council race, just be sure you know which one is actually running!

NOTE: I identified the race of the two different Michaels in order to help distinguish them from each other. That's all.

[Anonymous]

I saw Michael D. Brown at a forum. His answer to virtually every question was that statehood would solve the problem. Even if that were true, Council Members can't do much to bring about statehood.

Like OP, I support Mendelson. If Kwame wins the Chair race, I would be happy to support Clark Ray to replace him as At Large, but I can't take Michael D seriously. I sure hope those who actually vote in the primary are more aware of who is running than those who answered the poll!

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:I saw Michael D. Brown at a forum. His answer to virtually every question was that statehood would solve the problem. Even if that were true, Council Members can't do much to bring about statehood.

Like OP, I support Mendelson. If Kwame wins the Chair race, I would be happy to support Clark Ray to replace him as At Large, but I can't take Michael D seriously. I sure hope those who actually vote in the primary are more aware of who is running than those who answered the poll!

I agree 100% with this poster. Vote for Mendelson. I've heard of people running on their family name, but Michael D. Brown is taking it to a whole new level.

[Anonymous]

If confusion over Michael D. Brown will somehow pry Mendelson out of his seat, more power to him. I know nothing about him, but unless he's actually one of The Joker's henchmen, he can't possibly be more of an advocate for violent criminals than Mendelson has been.

[Anonymous]

Mendelson sent me a campaign piece with a Voter Alert, showing him and his colleague, Michael A. Brown with quotes saying Michael A is not up for election and is endorsing Mendelson. Mendelson has my vote.

[Anonymous]

bump

[Anonymous]

In case anyone is still confused, or would like to help your friends get it straight, here is my attempt at explaining it:
http://takomadc.info/AtLarge.htm