Candidates Give One Last Push

Candidates in tomorrow's primary made their final pushes this weekend by calling voters, knocking on doors and putting up even more signs.

Saturday's rain canceled several events, including a news conference by Ward 4 candidate Baruti Jahi who was going to unveil his endorsement from civil rights legend and former Congressman Walter Fauntroy.

But when the sun reappeared yesterday, incumbents rallied their volunteers.

Council member Kwame R. Brown (D-At Large) held a cookout for volunteers at the home of colleague Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), who has endorsed him. "Everyone of the people here is working a poll," he said. "It's like a coming together."

Meanwhile, Council member Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7) threw a bash at Fort Dupont Park with singer Raheem DeVaughn as the headliner. "It's just time to celebrate the hard work we did," Alexander said.

Is that presumptuous?

Alexander is being challenged by three candidates John Campbell, Robin Hammond Marlin and Villareal Johnson.

"This is the pre-victory party," she said.

Council member Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7) poses with singer Raheem DeVaughn who performed at her campaign rally yesterday.(Photo By Nikita Stewart - TWP)

In Ward 8, Council member Marion Barry appeared to be reflective as he sat in the front pew at Matthew Memorial Baptist Church for his "Gospel Explosion Pre-Election Day Rally."

A choir rocked the church as he sat quietly smiling.

Former Council member Sandy Allen, who he unseated in 2004, is now working on his campaign and gave tips to volunteers on how to approach voters at the polls. Her most important advice, she said, was to be the last person a voter sees before they walk in to cast a ballot.

"Let them see the Barry green so it's on their mind," she said, referring to Barry's trademark green campaign color, adopted by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D).

Barry is up against Howard Brown, Braxton-Jones, Sandra Seegars and Charles Wilson.

Other council contests today are for the at-large seat held by Carol Schwartz, who is being challenged by Patrick Mara in the GOP primary, and the Ward 4 race, where incumbent Muriel Bowser is facing Baruti Jahi, Malik Mendenhall-Johnson and Paul Montague in the Democratic primary.

Hilary Schwartz, daughter of Council member Carol Schwartz (R-At Large), hangs posters yesterday for her mother's re-election campaign on Connecticut Avenue. Schwartz is running against newcomer Patrick Mara.(Photo By Nikita Stewart - TWP)

In Ward 2, incumbent Jack Evans is running against Cary Silverman in the Democratic primary.