In the past DCist has speculated on who might run for mayor. Now that the mayoral lineup has shaped up, we’ve got greener pastures to move on to. And given that the new biggest story in District politics is the emerging scandal of the $425 million in unauthorized payments and no-bid contracts (we’re going to jump the gun here and designate it “Contract-gate”), we figure it’s high time to start guessing who might face firing, who might up and resign, and who, if anyone, might face criminal charges.

Last night at a mayoral forum council chair Linda Cropp announced that she had requested a full investigation by D.C. Auditor Deborah K. Nichols, while Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) similarly announced he would ask the Government Accounting Office to look into the allegations. Council-member Vincent Orange (D-Ward 5), chairman of the council’s Committee on Government Operations, has announced that he will hold hearings on the matter, during which he will surely make a point to go after officials of every level. It’s only a matter of time until the pink slips, letters of resignation, or indictments start coming down.

Even if the hearings and investigations reveal no explicit wrong-doing more than grotesque incompetence, someone will have to go. Since so much in politics is perception, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams may have to stem his administration’s bleeding by dismissing certain employees linked to the scandal. The question is, who?

Below, our best guesses.