Yes, it’s more than a year away, and yes, DCist is engaging in mostly baseless speculation as to who the contenders are. But rumors and innuendo are the life-blood of politics, and the list of potential D.C. mayoral contenders has gotten long and distinguished — enough to justify a guessing game as to who’s running, what their assets and liabilities are, and what their chances might be in taking over the Wilson Building 2006. Unlike the W. Times, though, which jumped the gun on mayoral endorsements last month, DCist has no preferences … at least not yet, though it’ll be unlikely we’ll endorse anyone anyway.

We are, though, saddened that few D.C. politicians are as colorful as Springfield Mayor Diamond Joe Quimby, pictured at left. He may be but a cartoon character, but he is also a true and accomplished leader.