Martin Austermuhle
Maryland Lt. Governor and candidate for the U.S. Senate Michael Steele must be red in the face these days — after calling an association with the Republican Party and President George W. Bush “a scarlet letter” in an anonymous interview with the Post’s Dana Milbank, Steele is now trying to limit the damage of his surprisingly honest comments. “I’m not trying to dis the president,” he was quoted as saying by the Washington Times. “I’m not trying to distance myself from the president. I’m trying to show those lines where … I have a different perspective.” Steele also called Bush his “homeboy,” according to WTOP. We realize you have a different perspective, Lt. Gov. Steele. Your perspective is that Bush isn’t helping you win that Senate seat. Should that be surprising given his approval ratings and the number of Democrats in Maryland?
Williams Calls for 5,100 Police Officers: As we mentioned yesterday, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams is pushing for an increase in the size of the police force from the current 3,800 officers to 5,100, writes the Post. Councilmember Adrian Fenty (D-Ward 4), the only dissenting voice in last week’s vote on the emergency crime legislation, applauded the idea, while Kathy Patterson (D-Ward 3) sounded a note of caution and noted that first the current crop of police must be used more efficiently.
Correctional Officers Fired: Eleven D.C. correction workers have been fired in response to the brazen daylight escape of two inmates in early June, notes NBC 4. The escape, which angered residents near the D.C. Jail, prompted an investigation of 12 workers, only one of which was eventually exonerated. Two may face criminal charges for actively helping with the escape.
Metro Puts Out Call for Art: So what if it’s not even a sure thing yet? The Post is reporting that Metro has put out a call for artists to submit concepts and ideas for decorations and designs of four new stations along the Orange Line extension to Dulles. We hear that Borf is available these days. Why not ask him?
Williams to Host Sit-Down With Lerner: Looking to make peace, Williams and new Washington Nationals owner Ted Lerner are looking to meet soon to resolve difference over parking around the new stadium in Southeast, writes WJLA. Lerner favors traditional above-ground parking structures, while Williams has pushed for mixed structures that would have above- and below-ground parking and commercial mixed in with residential and commercial development.
Briefly Noted: Don’t eat the gumballs … U.S. Capitol Police to patrol Mall … Williams hearts Fenty, or not … West Nile Virus coming closer … Wild ponies go for a swim.
This Day in DCist: On this day last year, we gave some tips on shopping for suits, baked a Salty Oatmeal Cookie, paid homage to D.C. Blogs, and found out that D.C. is a dating haven. Two years ago, we saw the D.C. Council rebuke Marion Barry and saw an effort to recall Mayor Williams fail.
Picture snapped by zachstern
