Running, Yes, but in Circles?

Greene said he wants to shake up the lodge's leadership and bring a fresh sense of purpose. He advocates purchasing a separate building to house the labor committees, as well as providing additional space for college courses, more training seminars and possibly a day-care center.

"The lodge has been a place where it's the good old boys," Greene said. "It needs fresh ideas."

Cannon counters that the lodge already offers training sessions and has looked into the possibility of providing day care. Cannon said he has improved the lodge's finances.

"Where was he with these ideas the past two years?" Cannon said. "I'm doing a good job. The membership tells me that."

The election is scheduled for Wednesday.

Graham Takes a Poll

D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) is conducting a poll of District residents to help him decide whether to run for council chairman.

Graham is mulling whether to join colleagues Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) and Kathy Patterson (D-Ward 3) in a run for the Democratic nomination. Council member Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) is also considering a run.

"I like this line of work,'' Graham said.

Graham has to choose between running for chairman or running for re-election. Unlike Gray and mayoral candidate Adrian M. Fenty (D-Ward 4), Graham's Ward 1 term expires next year. If he decides to run for chairman and loses, he would have no council seat to fall back on.

"Running for chairman would require me betting the ranch,'' he said. "I need to consider this carefully.''

Mayoral Debate Set at UDC

The first candidate forum of the 2006 mayor's race is scheduled to take place at the University of the District of Columbia on Wednesday. All five announced candidates are expected to attend the 90-minute event, which is being sponsored by the D.C. Bar.

Political commentators Mark Plotkin of WTOP radio, Jonetta Rose Barras of WAMU radio and Tom Sherwood of NBC4 are scheduled to ask questions; Post editorial writer Colby King has been booked as moderator.

The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m.

Staff writer Lori Montgomery contributed to this report.