Photo by dr_kim_veis.

Good morning, Washington. The Post takes stock this morning of reactions and prognostications in light of this week’s Senate passage of the D.C. House Voting Rights Act, and — unlike our own Martin Austermuhle — finds plenty of optimism to go around. Former Virginia Representative and longtime D.C. voting rights champion Tom Davis believes that the bill’s controversial gun amendment will be removed during conference; the same goes for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). The idealogue reaction appears to indicate that even though the shadow of the National Rifle Association hangs heavy over several members of the both Congressional chambers, many legislators would still get their gun-toting cred even if the amendment is removed. In any case, we’ll likely find out on Wednesday when the House is expected to take up a vote on the matter.

Around the horn this morning:

>> Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden might want to start updating his resume — Baseball Prospectus’ Unfiltered blog notes that the team is “strongly considering” dumping Bowden in light of his alleged involvement in a Dominican money skimming operation which is reportedly being investigated by the FBI.

>> Fairfax man beats the state of Maine, as the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that he rightfully owns a rare broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence — which he paid $475,000 for seven years ago.

>> Adam Tuss reports that DDOT is exploring the possibility of a new Circulator route which would cross the Key Bridge into Rosslyn.