DeMorning DeBonis: April 20, 2011

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/mike-debonis/post/demorning-debonis-april-20-2011/2011/04/20/AFhS3qBE_blog.htmlOof. The Post editorial board just slams, slams Vincent Orange today for a rather brazen attempt at line-straddling: “Orange wouldn’t be the first politician running for something who tries to have it both ways. One would be hard-pressed, though, to find a more cynical display of political duality than Mr. Orange’s use of our words to promote his Democratic candidacy for an at-large seat on the council while simultaneously joining in a protest denouncing The Post. If Mr. Orange can’t seem to make up his mind about whether we should be believed or boycotted, what does that suggest about his ability to withstand pressure in governing the city?” The piece ends with a re-endorsement of Patrick Mara: “He says he won’t increase taxes, though that angers some voters worried about cuts to social programs; he tells teachers he thinks it is fair to use student test scores as a factor in evaluations. No one can have it both ways, and Mr. Mara is honest enough not to try.”
AFTER THE JUMP — who has the advantage in the at-large race? — Jonetta makes SBOE picks — Gabe Klein catches Rahm Emanuel’s eye — assaulted New Beginnings officer speaks — one more protest arrest
*** MAIN COURSE ***
LIVING AT-LARGE — More one-week-to-go coverage of the at-large council race: Tim Craig does a rundown for today’s Post, noting that Orange “has amassed a huge cash advantage over his opponents in the race to fill a council at-large seat,” with $134,000 banked. “In an interview, Orange said he will use the money for late mailings, ‘meals and transportation,’ as well as other staples of a District campaign. ‘We should come pretty close to spending it all,’ said Orange. ... Sekou Biddle (D-At Large), who was appointed by the D.C. Democratic State Committee in January to fill the council seat pending the special election, has out-fundraised Orange since March 11. Biddle reported taking in about $74,000, but high staff and consultant costs and an aggressive direct-mail campaign have left him with $25,000 in the bank. ... Orange’s cash advantage might pay dividends Tuesday. For example, Orange said he plans to have ‘two or three’ campaign workers at each of the 143 polling sites.” As of last night, 702 early ballots had been cast. And some city residents, including yours truly, received this striking BUD’SPAC mailer. Martin Austermuhle also runs through the numbers at Four26DC.com, and provides a general wrap-up at DCist.
SBOE PICKS — Jonetta Rose Barras offers her picks in the State Board of Education races to be decided Tuesday. In Ward 8: “Trayon White Sr. has been endorsed by the Washington Teacher’s Union and Ward 8 Councilman Marion Barry. The 26-year-old nonprofit executive may have promise, but some of his policies conflict with the current reform agenda. The better choice in Ward 8 is between Philip Pannell and Eugene Dewitt Kinlow. ... Reducing truancy and dropout rates while increasing parental involvement are among [Kinlow’s] priorities. ... Pannell has promised to make reading a ‘community mission,’ engaging existing organizations to increase family literacy.” In Ward 5 Ward 4, Jonetta sees an “embarrassment of riches” but opts for D. Kamili Anderson: “The former president of the Brightwood Community Association, Anderson has pledged to focus on graduation requirements, ensuring they will make District students more competitive in this global, 21st century environment. She also talked of borrowing innovative ideas from charter schools to institute in traditional schools.”
RAHM LOVES GABE — Gabe Klein is off to Chicago, where he will likely join Rahm Emanuel’s mayoral administration as transportation director. Writes Streetsblog: “Klein earned a reputation as a transportation star in the nation’s capital, helping put Washington on the national map as a leading bike- and transit-friendly city. ... The hiring decision signals Emanuel’s commitment to making Chicago a world-class biking city, one of his campaign promises. Emanuel has also made transit the centerpiece of his proposed transportation plan.” Notes Lydia DePillis at Housing Complex: “I’d say this’ll last until Emanuel manages to get thrown out, but that city is used to high-handed, forward thinking mayors.” Also DCist, Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times, WRC-TV, Examiner.