Ethics at Center of D.C. At-Large Council Race

The primary race for D.C.’s at-large council seat has largely focused on ethics issues, as some of the city's top leaders are under federal investigation.

Kojo Nnamdi’s WAMU Politics Hours hosted the final face-to-face debate for the candidates before the primary Tuesday. General disgust with city ethics problems was a key issue for three challengers seeking to unseat at-large Council member Vincent Orange.

“What we are seeing now are people who disrespect each other, people obviously who have no morals,” the Rev. Gail Holness said.

“This is a very, very broken political culture right now when it comes to campaign finance,” Peter Shapiro said.

“It's clear that residents right now are clamoring for strong ethical leadership to address some of the most pressing issues in the city,” Sekou Biddle said.

“We need to be very clear. Vincent Orange is not under federal investigation, not under local investigation, have not been accused of any wrongdoing whatsoever,” Orange said.

The debate also focused on unemployment, schools and red-light cameras.

This race is attracting the most attention in Tuesday’s primary, which includes candidates challenging Council member Marion Barry in Ward 8, Council member Yvette Alexander in Ward 7 and Council member Muriel Bowser in Ward 4. Ward 2 council member Jack Evans is unopposed.

Polls in D.C. will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Contact Us