By Rand Paul
Obama acts as though we no longer have a Constitution
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
Kenyan McDuffie had taken only a few steps into the D.C. Council chamber on Wednesday when a standing-room-only crowd applauded and cheered wildly for the newly elected lawmaker.
Kenyan McDuffie tells me he is taking to heart the message that Ward 5 voters sent on Tuesday about what happens to crooks, liars and wannabes.
Mayor Vincent C. Gray said voters in Ward 5 made “an outstanding choice” in picking Kenyan McDuffie to be their voice on the D.C. Council and restore integrity to a seat marred by scandal.
Kenyan McDuffie, a born-and-bred resident of the District's Stronghold neighborhood who touted public policy experience and a laundry list of labor endorsements, soundly defeated a crowded field on Tuesday to replace former D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. and begin a new chapter for Ward 5 leadership at city hall.
Voters in Ward 5 will replace former council member Harry Thomas Jr. on Tuesday by choosing from a long menu of candidates who hope to restore confidence and integrity to the Northeast ward's seat at city hall.
Who is going to replace Harry Thomas Jr. as the Ward 5 D.C. Council member?
A major labor union has endorsed Kenyan McDuffie for the Ward 5 seat on the D.C. Council ahead of the special election next month. It's a boon that could help separate his candidacy from a crowded field despite recent evidence that organized support does not guarantee victory.
Sixteen candidates are competing to replace former D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr., who pleaded guilty in January to stealing more than $350,000 from the District and left Ward 5 without direct representation in city hall.
A string of Ward 5 hopefuls picked up paperwork on Friday as part of the race to replace former council member Harry Thomas Jr. in a special election on May 15, less than two weeks after the ousted legislator is scheduled to be sentenced for theft and tax fraud involving public funds.
"I don't know how significant it will be," Mr. Wilds said before referring to the unsuccessful candidates in Wards 7 and 8. "Didn't they endorse Tom Brown? Did that bring victory? Didn't they endorse Jacque Patterson? Did that bring victory?"
"They want someone who is free, more independent," Mr. Wilds said.
