Photo by Kyle Gustafson / photokyle.comFormer DCist editor Kriston Capps was on the scene at last night’s Ward 5 straw poll, and he reports that Marion Barry was on the offensive for Vince Gray:
“I supported Adrian Fenty,” said Barry, speaking of the candidate’s 2006 run against Linda Cropp. “He wined me, dined me, impressed me.” Barry said that he made robocalls on the then-candidate’s behalf.
But Barry said that Mayor Fenty has since become a “great disappointment,” indulging in “cronyism” and a “culture of corruption.” Barry said that he supports Gray because he is “more personable” and cares for the District’s “vulnerable citizens.”
That’s certainly an interesting take by Mr. Barry. I suppose you’d have a hard time finding someone with more experience with corruption to make such a claim. After all, the Ward 8 Councilmember does have plenty of experience with censure, inappropriately awarding contracts and kickbacks, tax evasion, drug conviction, sexual indiscretions and the such. Of course, Barry claims that he never did take a penny that wasn’t “owed” to him, so maybe we are coming down a little harsh on the Mayor-for-Life.
Look, all I’m saying is that, at the risk of ignoring the first rule of D.C. politics, perhaps Mr. Barry shouldn’t be the one to lead the “Mayor Fenty is corrupt” charge.
