In proving that blogs are still all the rage, Sam Brooks, a candidate for the Ward 3 seat on the City Council, recently launched a blog of his own. Born on December 5 and updated for the first time today, Brooks’ “idea blog” is presented as a means for the young candidate to exchange views with the voters. Writes Brooks:

The basic idea is simple: to begin a substantive discussion about public policy that will help shape the future of Ward 3 and Washington, DC. It’s funny to note that I’ve been advised the Idea Blog is, itself, a pretty bad idea. Because by conventional political wisdom, you keep your campaign positions well-guarded. You limit your vulnerability to criticism. You focus on the big picture, and you leave the details for later. We’re going to change all that.

Brooks’ first substantial post deals with efficient spending within the District public school system, a hot button issue that is sure to dominate the 2006 campaign season. There is no word yet as to whether Brooks’ two opponents — dental institution manager Jonathan Rees and American City Diner owner and former mayoral candidate Jeffrey Gildenhorn — will launch blogs of their own.

Other politicians and candidates have either hosted blogs, announced their intention to host blogs, or had fleeting relationships with their blog. Council-member and mayoral candidate Adrian Fenty (D-Ward 4) has had a blog on his campaign website since earlier in the fall, yet it has never progressed beyond the “Coming Soon” phase. One of his challengers, Michael Brown, has similarly placed a link for a blog on his campaign website, but to date it remains inactive. None of the other mayoral candidates — Marie Johns, Vincent Orange, and Linda Cropp — have expressed interest in blogging. Most famous in District political circles for blogging (or, more appropriately, leaving his blog to die) is Mayor Anthony Williams.

Will any other candidate, whether mayoral or otherwise, follow Brooks’ lead? We hope so.