D.C., Maryland and Virginia Politics

D.C., Maryland and Virginia Politics

What is the latest local political news? Who will emerge as the leading candidate in the D.C. mayor's race? What Virginia and Maryland races are heating up?

WTOP political commentator Mark Plotkin is online every Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET to discuss local politics and whatever else is on your mind.

The transcript follows.

On the docket today: deregulation in Maryland, D.C. Council member Kathy Patterson announces for her campaign for chair, governor Tim Kaine returns from Iraq to face the Virginia legislature over transportation, D.C. Council member Adrian Fenty and rent control and D.C. mayor Anthony Williams tries to convince baseball to pick an owner.

Plotkin joined WTOP after 10 years as a political analyst for WAMU radio. He has been active in D.C. and national politics since attending George Washington University in the late '60s.

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Mark Plotkin: We never talked last week about Marion Barry and I would welcome any comments or questions about him. In terms of Maryland, what does everybody think about how deregulation is going to affect the political fortunes of various incumbents and finally, do you notice how often the president in his press conference today mentions the virtues of democracy. I wish one national reporter would ever point out the contradiction an hypocrisy concerning D.C.'s lack of democracy.

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Bethesda, Md.: Plotkin --

What happened to your show last week? You weren't on WTOP, then I read Marc Fisher's article about WTWP ... it sounds like WTOP is sinking and the Post is throwing you guys a lifeline. What say you?

Mark Plotkin: This is an obviously a Mark Seagraves question disguised as an "interested" party. The show will be on WTOP 1500 AM and and 107.7 FM and there will be plenty of cross-promotion for those people who are tuning in to TOP and 103.5 FM to tune in to 1500.

About the Post throwing us a lifeline, that is not an accurate summation, in fact, I think the arrangement is a mutually symbiotic one.

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Odenton, Md.: The man who brought Maryland deregulation has been conspicuously quiet upon the announcement of a 72% rate hike. Is Miller laying low because he knows his hand is too far in this cookie jar to back it out or because he's more political than public service oriented?

Mark Plotkin: Governor Ehrlich of WTOP's Politics Program mentioned state Senate president Mike Miller quite prominently and said he was a conspicuous promoter of this plan and now he wants to distance himself from it. Miller has been asked by the governor to help in lowering the rates and says that the 72 percent hike "will not stand." It's interesting that two Democrats, Miller and House Speaker Mike Busch, don't seem to want to appear in the same room. Sen. Brian Frosh told TOP yesterday that the public service chairman, Kenneth Schlisser, would be "out of there" pretty soon because of all the negative publicity. But the governor stands behind him. Whatever's going to happen, it's going to be done legislatively and they're going to use the proposed merger of Florida Power and Light with Constellation Energy (the parent of Baltimore Gas and Electric) as leverage for getting this matter resolved.

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Washington, D.C.: Why is it that Fenty all of a sudden cares about the Nationals having an owner named? Wasn't he very much against baseball? Why is he involved?

Mark Plotkin: I didn't realize that Fenty suddenly cares about having an owner named but if he has said this, it's obviously to put the issue to rest and to move on. I have heard that some council members definitely do not want the Lerner group to be chosen. The mayor has said that he would be concerned if the Lerner group is picked because it has no minority partners. The critical columns written about Fred Malek by Colby King have not helped that group. And I repeat that Jerry Reinsdorf is very much for Jeff Smulyan. That group includes Eric Holder, Calvin Hill and Alfred Liggins.

So the mayor went out to San Diego to try to convince commissioner Selig to stop fooling around and pick that owner soon. I have said in a commentary in the name of full disclosure that I think it should be Smulyan and I've encouraged him to buttress his local credentials by registering to vote in D.C. He has not taken my advice.

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Washington, D.C.: Mark,

In recent chats, you have encouraged your colleagues to shed light on who the potential owners of the Nationals really are, specifically referring to Colby King's recent columns. Do you have any sense that King or other of your colleagues will be exploring the backgrounds and personalities of the other contenders? To some extent, we've heard about the misadventures of Smulyan while he owned the Mariners and we have seen him become labeled as the "non-local" candidate. Meanwhile, the Lerners have been practically invisible throughout this saga - why do they get a free pass? Is there nothing to be said about who they really are?

Mark Plotkin: I agree with you totally. The Lerners have gotten a free pass. I've described him as a Jewish Howard Hughes. He's got deep pockets but except for philanthropic efforts, no local connections. People tell me that he is presently the frontrunner and I think the choice of him would create an explosion of protests. Who is this guy, they all say.

But the decision is obviously not mine but the king of baseball Bud Selig.

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Washington, D.C.: What do you make of the whole Omar Williams situation in Foggy Bottom? It does not reflect well on Hobbs' recruiting methods. At least with the other players from the fraudulent prep schools, there is at least a bit of plausible deniability. In Omar's case, there is none. This is not a comment on Omar. From what I hear he is doing well at GW and is scheduled to graduate on time. This is more a comment on Hobbs and what seems to be dirty recruiting. BTW, tough loss to Duke. That cupcake schedule killed you in the seedings. Beware the punishments of the selection committee!

Mark Plotkin: I have assiduously avoided this question because I've needed time to reflect. I know this astonishes most people because they don't consider me a deliberative and thoughtful analyst. I've come to the conclusion that what should matter is how Omar Williams did at school, not his secondary school preparation, that is, at first I was as president Steve Trachtenberg said he was embarrassed. I was really under the impression that you had to graduate high school before you could be admitted to George Washington University. I think that what GW did is done in many other schools and although it doesn't please me I think it's a fact of college athletic life. I'm going to have John Feinstein on WTOP on Friday and I'm going to delve into this in great length.

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Washington, D.C.: Are you jumping on the George Mason bandwagon yet? And can you find it in your heart to root for the Hoyas since they're local?

Mark Plotkin: This is the Seagraves question. He likes to cloak himself in anonymity and really all he is is a frustrated troublemaker. But I will indulge him. Of course, I'm routing for the underdog Cinderella George Mason and I cannot find it in my heart to root for the Hoyas. In fact, I understand that crack investigative reporter Seagraves has a blockbuster story ready for TOP concerning old man Thompson. In the immortal words of Dave McConnell, "Stay tuned."

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Washington, D.C.: Now that Marion Barry has apparently escaped punishment for his most recent sins, including "tax evasion", what is your sense as to whether he could be re-elected, again? I am a native Washingtonian, an African American, and I am embarrassed at the failure of his constituents to send him see what a mistake it is to keep him in office. I don't live in his ward, so I can't help them get rid of him; however, it seems like the residents of Ward 8 don't share my view. What's up with that? Does the media(including you) share the blame for not coming down on Marion Barry hard enough, for not making it as plain as the driven snow just how bad he is for ward 8, and the city?

Mark Plotkin: My gut feeling is that Marion Barry would be reelected in Ward 8 and that is upsetting to me. Everybody in Ward 8 is legally bound to pay their taxes and why would they feel that if they had to pay their taxes Marion Barry does not? But as for political consequences, I don't think there are any. His citywide aspirations are, I think, definitely over but a ward that so desperately needs a role model he does not fit the bill.

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Columbia, Md.: Mark, any predictions on the primary races for Senate and Governor in Maryland? Will it be a bloody one for Dems this year? Thanks

Mark Plotkin: Right now I definitely feel that O'Malley is in the lead and Cardin less so in the Senate. Cardin has the Mfume factor where his African American base is so significant that in a five or six person-field it could cause a problem. His campaign is not very well funded. But his challenge is to get his base out. Forty percent of the Democratic primary vote is African American. If they come out and vote in great numbers almost as a monolith, Cardin might be in trouble. Van Susteren, Lictman and Rales have to create an identity for themselves where they gain some visibility and traction. There are no runoffs in Maryland and you literally can win with 30-35 percent of the vote.

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Silver Spring, Md.: EXCUSE ME? Ted Lerner has "no local connections" except for his philanthropic endeavors? What planet do you live on, Mark? He was raised here, his family is all here (son and daughter and their families). His company is all over the Washington, D.C. area. Care to explain you dissing him?

Mark Plotkin: The Lerner family, as far as I know, is not connected to the city of Washington, except for their charitable giving. I do not minimize that but that does not make for a total local connection. And I've said before he has no minority partners and I agree with the mayor that's a major problem. He will not speak to the media and uses a public relations outfit and says he'll talk to the media after he's chosen. I think this is a bad sign and is an indicator that he will be reclusive and somewhat secretive as an owner.

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Potomac, Md.: Brian Frosh is a publicity hound. He's notorious for always trying to grab the microphone, it's become almost a joke around here. Does he have a credible opponent in November?

Mark Plotkin: Calling Brian Frosh a publicity hound is, I believe, unfair. The chairman of the Maryland Public Service Commission was e-mailing a BG and E lobbyist about strategy and Frosh called him on it. That's a public service. His district is overwhelmingly Democratic and so I think he's in pretty good shape.

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Oakton, Va.: Hey Mark!

I've been amused with all the Internet hype with the James Webb campaign.

After attending Gerry Connolly's fundraiser last Friday, I left with the sound impression that 100-125 people came the event to only vote for Webb -- they were not there to support Gerry. I've never seen these folks before, and neither has Gerry. That was fine by me, it made it an interesting evening and Gerry did well in the fundraising department.

Now the blogs, and even the James Webb campaign Web site (and his press release) are saying that James Webb won a straw poll for Fairfax County and/or the Fairfax County Democratic Committee. Funny thing is that most of these Webb supporters who came to the event were not even from Fairfax County!

Obviously, James Webb has some pretty enthusiastic supporters who are willing to travel and pay $35 to get into the event in order to vote for him in a silly straw poll. That is impressive.

But what I don't get is all the fanatic attention from the younger left-wing Democrats that are supporting a former Republican. Even Leslie Byrne and Chap Peterson recently endorsed Webb, and even Chap admitted last Friday that he just met James Webb last month!

Help me out here, Mark. What is all the excitement over a guy who has been a Republican his whole life, especially since he endorsed Allen just six years ago?

Thanks in advance. Love the show.

Mark Plotkin: The Webb campaign has a lot of potential and as you obviously know the most important thing in any campaign is to identify your supporters and make sure they came out on election day. I've heard that he was first a Democrat, then became a Republican and then came back to the Democratic party. He has star appeal and many feel that he has the potential to do very well in the general election. That's why certain Democrats are excited about him.

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Washington, D.C.: How does a man who refuses to touch a computer, has no e-mail address, and still uses a Smith Corona with a slide in ribbon cartridge manage to host an online chat?

Mark Plotkin: You're wrong. I don't even have a Smith-Corona. I would hope that you would value substance over form and I'm fortune to have individuals who don't mind -- maybe they do -- transmitting my "brilliant insights" to a wide audience. Please value content over form.

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Washington, D.C.: Mark--Ward 8 doesn't need a role model; it needs an effective council member. Because he has missed over thirty percent of the votes since he's been council member (according to The Post) Marion Barry is not an effective representative.

I sadly agree that he likely will be reelected.

Mark Plotkin: Marion Barry represents something to the residents of Ward 8. He projects himself as their champion. I just wonder why Barry still holds such an emotional tie to them. You'd think at some point they would say abide by the rules just like I have to.

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RE: Lerner Not Connected To Washington???: I'm no Lerner hanger on, but have you ever heard of 1050 Conn. Avenue...The building where Morton's is and where Duke Zeibert's was? How much more DC can you get?!?! I'm sure that that's just a small part of the portfolio that he owns here. C'mon, Mark, do your homework!

Mark Plotkin: Look, holding real estate is not proof of local concern or awareness. And I'm glad you mentioned Duke Zeibert's (where are the pickles and would I love one of those onion roles). But Lerner just seems like some rich guy who wants to give his son and family a baseball team to have. Maybe my standards are too high. I'm looking for a Bill Veeck or somebody who isn't afraid to talk to people about their plans for the team and the city. Bill Collins, Jeff Smulyan, John Ledecky ... they've all appeared on my program and made some effort to engage the citizenry, to open themselves to questions and that is an attribute that is positive.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Plotkin and Feinstein together?

OY!

Mark Plotkin: Well then I'm sure you'll be listening on Friday.

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Baltimore, Md.: Mr. Plotkin,

I've been following the Dem Gubernatorial primaries here in Maryland. I gotta tell you that as much as I like Doug Duncan, I'm no fan of his negative campaigning. Isn't there another way for him to get himself known (as the Post reports today) than to dump all over Baltimore? We're not too keen on the way he's trying to win the nomination. Besides he can't play guitar!

Thanks!

Mark Plotkin: I think Doug Duncan is searching to get himself known and he hasn't yet found his voice. Many people have said to me who are elected officials that they much prefer Duncan because he would be a more "effective" governor but politics unfortunately is perception and the perception right now is that O'Malley is a stronger general election candidate than Duncan. I repeat, there's still plenty of time before Sept. 12 and longshots can come alive and overtake favorites.

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Silver Spring, Md.: OK -- I got it -- you don't like Ted Lerner because he won't talk to you before the new owner is announced. I guess to get the Plotkin seal of approval he has to bow down before you.

Mark Plotkin: Lerner won't talk to anybody. It's not just me. That's my problem. You don't have any context to look at him or evaluate him. I will say for the Malek Zeintz group, they've been at this a long time and they've enlisted local political figures who've endorsed them. Jonathan Ledecky has signed up Frank Smith, the former council member and Bill Collins before he wanted to go to Virginia, was talking to Sharon Pratt Kelly about getting major league baseball to locate in D.C.

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Stanton Park: Can you shed some light on the proposed rent control changes? I can't seem to get any of the Councilmembers to actually tell me what the proposals actually are. I'm one of many that thinks rent control is actually a negative - it gives property owners a reason to go condo since their rents are artificially low, it is the reason for at least some of our housing in DC being so run down (why spend big money to fix it up beyond the basics if your rent doesn't increase).... etc.

But my biggest concern is that major rent control legislation is being proposed by it's impossible to get info on it.

Mark Plotkin: You really should all Jim Graham's office and talk to his staff or him about the changes that are being proposed. There was a vote in committee but there will be a hearing and a full vote on the proposed legislation in full committee in a few weeks.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Who do you think is going to be the LG pick for Ehrlich and Duncan?

Mark Plotkin: I didn't understand what LG was but I've now figured it out. It means Lieutenant Governor. I asked Ehrlich on Friday on WTOP who his lieutenant governor pick would be and he gave me the impression that he was leaning against choosing another African American.

Duncan has told me that he would definitely pick a woman or an African American but they don't seem to be in any hurry to do that.

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Fort Washington, Md.: What are Melvin High's chances of remaining the Chief of Police? Is his stock lowering in the Johnson's camp?

Mark Plotkin: It would seem to me that Jack Johnson, the county executive, would keep former D.C. assistant chief Melvin High at least through the election. If he fired him or asked for his resignation it would seem to me that it would reflect poorly on Johnson. So he might leave involuntarily after the election.

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In response to Bethesda above:: Mark we all enjoy hearing you talk about local politics - no matter what station you're on. Also, how about handicapping the Patterson and Mendelson races? Will race play a factor or do you think personalities will be more important?

Mark Plotkin: Thanks for the kind words. They seem to be increasingly rare but appreciated. It seems to me that Patterson is the underdog and a Ward 3 tag doesn't necessarily register as a positive. Both Patterson and Vince Gray are substantive, intelligent and dedicated public servants but I think race will play a factor and that African Americans want the council chairmanship to be occupied by an African American. There's nothing wrong with that. It's Patterson's challenge to make race not a factor. Vince Gray is somebody who is definitely qualified by personality and experience and so is Patterson. What the voters have is not a Hobson's choice but an excellent choice between two attractive candidates.

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Mark Plotkin: As for the at large race, I 've said this before, Mendelson needs to be more visible and he's had a charmed political existence in that many candidates have split up the vote against him. That's going to be a close race. And Mendelson needs to get his base out.

See ya next week. Hope to hear from Ted Lerner.

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