Though he hasn’t yet officially conceded, the WaPo is reporting this morning that Sen. George Allen is “realistic” about the outcome of the Virginia election after the Associated Press called the election for his opponent, Jim Webb, last night. With nearly 100 percent of the votes counted in the state, Webb continued to lead by approximately 7,300 votes. He’s even begun staffing already, and the phones at his headquarters are being answered, “Hello, Senator-elect Webb’s Office.” So yes, we’re going to go out on a limb and call this one ourselves. Both houses of Congress are now under Democratic control for the first time since 1994.
Bush to Study D.C. Voting Rights Bill: We know, we can’t believe we just typed that headline, so we’re guessing you can’t believe you’re reading it either. But it’s true! After being embarassed by the Washington Post’s Mike Fletcher during a press conference yesterday when asked about the bill, a spokesperson for the President said he plans to study it further. Most others quoted in the story seem to predict that Bush will not veto the bill if it comes to him, so the only question remaining is whether it could pass through Congress this year, or if it might be smarter to wait until the new Congress takes control next year. We’ve often been cynical about voting rights, but after the last two days, it does seem like anything’s possible, doesn’t it?
Mayor-elect Moves Quickly: The Examiner has a pair of stories that show just how fast Mayor-elect Fenty will transition into office. Yesterday he named his director of operations during the campaign, Tene Dolphin, as his chief of staff, and vowed to introduce the rest of his top-level staff in quick succession, including a new attorney general expected today. The Fenty team also took the time yesterday to pledge a “transparent transition”, so expect a lot more announcements over the next few weeks.
Briefly Noted: Bobb vows to oppose Fenty’s school takeover plan … Cindy Sheehan arrested again in D.C. … Possible serieal rapist in PG County … Police looking for Honda with woman locked in the trunk.
This Day in DCist: We offered up our finest chili recipes and noted the end of construction on Pennsylvania Ave.
Photo by grundlepuck.
