Patterson Gets Lift In Chairman Bid
By Eric M. Weiss
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Mayor Anthony A. Williams has agreed to host a fundraiser for council member Kathy Patterson next week, following through on his vow last month to reward supporters of a stadium lease agreement with Major League Baseball.
Patterson (D-Ward 3) voted against the stadium financing legislation in December 2004 but supports a lease agreement. She is running to replace mayoral candidate Linda W. Cropp (D) as council chairman.
"The mayor has always believed in helping council members who help him," said Vince Morris, a Williams spokesman.
On Dec. 14, Williams (D) told council members that he would reward those who vote for the stadium lease, promising to "work tirelessly and mightily to support them. The people who do not support it, I won't forget."
Patterson said her vote is not for sale or for rent.
"I don't do deals, period," Patterson said. "That's just the way it is. I realize this is politics, but anyone who knows me and my record knows I don't do deals."
Williams was out of town yesterday. But Morris said the mayor agreed to host the event because he "believes Kathy Patterson has done an outstanding job on the council and is delighted to help her with this fundraiser. But he isn't making any endorsements at this time."
Williams, who has said that he will not run for a third term, remains popular, especially with the city's business community, and his support would be considered a plus for any candidate's fundraising efforts.
Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), a stadium opponent who is considering running for chairman, said he was puzzled by Williams's support for Patterson.
"Is Kathy Patterson being rewarded by the mayor for supporting baseball? I don't know," Graham said. "But the real question is whether D.C. voters will reward her for supporting this stadium deal."
The mayor criticized Graham last month for supporting the use of public money for a new parking garage for a Target store in his ward while opposing public investment for the stadium. Graham responded by saying that the parking garage was a much smaller investment and suggested that the mayor was in "meltdown mode."
Council member Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7), who is considering a run for chairman, said he was surprised that Williams would get involved in the race eight months before the Democratic primary and before others enter the contest.
"I worked closely with the mayor on the hospital," Gray said, referring to a proposed partnership with Howard University on a new medical center. "I would assume if I declare myself in the future, presumably he would do the same for me."
The mayor considers Gray a crucial swing vote as the council prepares to vote on the stadium lease next month.
The fundraiser, scheduled for Monday, will be hosted by Williams and John Ray, a former council member and longtime Patterson supporter. Ray is employed by Major League Baseball to promote the stadium deal.
The breakfast will be held at the downtown offices of Ray's law firm. Suggested donations are $1,500 to be a "host," $1,000 to be a "patron," $500 for a "friend" and $250 for a "supporter."
The event is part of Patterson's effort to raise funds before the Jan. 31 campaign finance filing deadline. She also plans to hold a fundraiser today with U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), with the same donation requests. Patterson said Harkin is a family friend and longtime political ally.
A large campaign treasury this early in the race could discourage others from running.
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Robert V. Brannum has also filed forms to run for chairman.
Patterson said she voted against the baseball financing legislation because she would have preferred a better deal. Now, she says keeping the Nationals would be good for the city's future, bolster tax revenue and help the District's "mental health."
"The change is that the District of Columbia has moved forward with a deal," Patterson said. "The city has moved forward, committed the funds and would be liable if we go back on the deal we made."
Staff writer David Nakamura contributed to this report.
View all comments that have been posted about this article.