Photo by voteprime

Good morning, Washington. It seems to be human nature to want to rank everything on a list on the basis of somewhat objective factors. And in some cases, it makes sense. In others, yeah, not so much. WTOP is reporting that a new survey finds that D.C. drivers are the sixth most courteous bunch in the country. Not only that, but since 2008 our local drivers jumped from fifth worst to the Top 10 best. Essentially, we leap-frogged almost 40 states. In two years. The rankings are based on the “likelihood of seeing fellow drivers talking on cell phones, or eating and drinking behind the wheel.” I’m going to call BS on this one. I’ll be the first to joke that Maryland and Virginia drivers are nothing short of criminally negligent (it’s a joke, people), but I won’t ever line up defend the idea that our local city drivers are all that nice or courteous behind the wheel. Maybe it’s because I often experience them from the vantage point of my bike, or maybe because I become a rageful bastard when I drive around here. (I admit my response to this subjective ranking it totally subjective too.) In somewhat related news, Alexandria wants its cabbies to be nicer people.

Man Killed on U Street: A man was beaten to death last night near the corner of U and Ninth streets NW, reports NBC4. He was apparently denied entry to DC9, threw a brick through the bar’s front window and was chased down by a group of patrons. A number of people are being questioned in response to the death. (The question remains as to whether DC9 will be forced to close for a few days, as other bars that have suffered violent incidents have had to.) The Post is also covering the killing.

D.C. GOP Candidates Struggle Mightily Against Odds: Our local Republican Party doesn’t get much attention, but this year it’s getting credit for focusing its attention on ward-level races instead of citywide contests like the mayor’s office. NBC4 profiles Ward 3 hopeful Dave Hedgepeth, who’s running against incumbent Council member Mary Cheh because she didn’t support Mayor Adrian Fenty enough. Meanwhile, the Post is reporting on TIm Day, who is taking on Ward 5’s Harry Thomas, Jr. Day has accused Thomas of running a shady non-profit that actually serves as a slush fund for the council member. Other GOP candidates are Marc Morgan in Ward 1 — we had a brief post on him yesterday — and Jim DeMartino in Ward 6.

Ramsey Denies Ordering Pershing Park Arrests: Former D.C. Police Chief Charles Ramsey was in town yesterday to testify in the never-ending saga related to the mass arrest of 400 people at Pershing Park in 2002. According to the Examiner, Ramsey claimed that he did not give the order for the arrest, nor does he know what happened to the evidence that might clear up who did. While the District has finalized its settlements with those arrested — to the tune of more than $20 million — the question still remains as to why the arrest took place, who ordered it and what happened to police logs that would give a better picture of it. Ramsey has steadfastly denied having given the order, despite what others claim.

Just Who Is Kaya Henderson?: The Post’s Bill Turque digs a little deeper into just who Interim D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson is, and comes up with a good description: Michelle Rhee without Michelle Rhee. Yesterday, WTOP had a good rundown on Henderson also. In related news, check back a little later for our rundown on last night’s Ward 2 town hall, which Henderson attended and where Vince Gray defended Rhee.

Briefly Noted: Virginia no longer Number 1 for business … I know nothing of Maryland politics, but the gubernatorial race seems to have gotten a little snippy … Area’s tallest building coming to Rosslyn.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2009, Amazon.com started same-day delivery in the District. In 2008, Maryland ordered its registered sex offenders to post really scary “No Candy” signs outside their homes.