And... They're Off!

Aired during "Let's Talk Politics with Adrienne Washington" segment on Lyndia Grant’s "Think on These Things" WYCB-AM show (1340 AM)  7/27/12, 6-6:30 p.m. http://www.myspiritdc.com/


Well, this week in the DMV they’re off… off to the races, off to the games, off and running for a special election that has yet to be set!

First Lady Michele Obama is leading the Presidential delegation to London and the Olympic Games pushing her healthy lifestyle program “Let’s Move.” Meanwhile her husband is campaigning stateside making appearances again in the important swing state of Virginia and appearing at the National Urban League convention in New Orleans where he touted his middle class agenda which he claims helps African Americans and where he unveiled an education initiative aimed at improving academic achievement and opportunities for African American children, in the tradition of the Urban League. Some say President Obama can bet on support from black voters again in November, but with increasingly loud dissenters, such as scholar Cornel West and talk show host Tavis Smiley, there is No Way President Obama could have passed up an invitation to the NAACP convention, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Urban League in the same election year, if he is hoping to get even half the number of blacks to the polls in November as he did in 2008.

Speaking of betting, Cha-ching $$$$$. Do you hear the sound of slot machines on the shores of the Potomac with a view of the Washington Monument in full view? The biggest and most anticipated development in the DMV this week was Gov. Martin O’Malley’s controversial call for a special General Assembly session on Aug. 9 just to deal with gaming, specifically in Prince George’s County, which will undoubtedly upset the African American religious community which has fought against additional gaming in the past. It is a foregone conclusion that legislators will approve a referendum whereby voters can decide if they want more slots and Los Vegas style gambling, primarily at National Harbor. Here is where your listeners may participate in the political process by letting their state representative know how they feel about this move for a special industry by calling, writing and joining up with supporters or proponents depending on what you want to happen. Most folks think this is a done deal and the politicians are just window-dressing by going through the legislative process when , in fact, it’s clear they want to see more slots at National Harbor but are seeking cover by stressing that the measure will bring more jobs to the county which has been hit hard by foreclosures and high unemployment.

There is some parlor room betting going on in DC, too. Would-be mayoral contenders are already soliciting supporters and donors for their fantasy candidacy-by-default sweepstakes, acting as if a special election is a foregone conclusion, and as if Mayor Vincent Gray has already been forced from office by prosecutors or the court of public opinion although he has been charged with NADA! The best bet has been placed on number 31, which is the Aug. 31 date that Gray would have to be ousted in order for the DC Board of Elections to have enough time to hold a special election before the end of the year. Now, roll the dice on the first white mayor since DC won limited Home Rule in 1973!

Don’t forget to check your voter registration status and read my blog at awashingtonnote@blogspot.com.