Catania Endorses Mara? Or Not?
LL just got an e-mail from the campaign of Patrick Mara, the Republican nominee for an at-large council seat. The subject line reads, "Councilmember David Catania Endorses Patrick Mara."
That would be big, if not surprising news, since Catania would be essentially dissing current colleague Carol Schwartz who is mounting a write-in campaign to keep her seat. (Catania's already hosted a fundraiser for Mara.) Also, Catania would be, in a way, re-associating himself with the Republican party, which he left dramatically in 2004.
However, if you read the e-mail, there's nothing in there about a Catania endorsement. It plugs the somewhat less momentous news that Mara's gained the Greater Washington Board of Trade's nod.
Huh? LL is finding out what's up. Release is after the jump.
UPDATE, 12:30 P.M.: Says Mara, "That is a typo." It's no secret by the way, that Catania's endorsed Mara: It's on his web site.
Patrick Mara for Council Press Release
October 8, 2008
Contact: Patrick Mara, 202.276.5859
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPatrick Mara Endorsed by Board of Trade
Council candidate calls for reform, accountability
The Greater Washington Board of Trade has endorsed Patrick Mara for one of the DC Council-at-large seats on the November ballot.
Jim Dinegar, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, said "Patrick Mara understands that a friendly business climate in DC will create good paying jobs for District families. We need people on the Council who will institute fiscal discipline and help Mayor Fenty reform the school system to produce the type of workforce Greater Washington's businesses need."
Mara said he was thrilled to have the support of the Board of Trade. "These are the commerce leaders of Washington," said Mara. "Their support is an important signal that our campaign is on track for victory and that our message of reform, accountability and transparency has broad appeal."
Mara's entry into DC politics has been marked by widespread support for his fiscally conservative and socially progressive philosophy. He has also been endorsed by the DC Chamber of Commerce. The former environmental government relations representative is taking his campaign to every neighborhood of the District.
Mara, a former Eagle Scout and Columbia Heights homeowner, mentored students in the Hope for Kids Program. "Everywhere across the District, people tell me they want more good paying jobs and more efficiency in DC government" said Mara. "I am absolutely convinced that a partnership between government and business can achieve those goals."
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11:57 am
I'm confused. I thought Catania already endorsed Mara. What's the difference between hosting a "Reception in Honor" of Mara and endorsing him?
The real risk to Catania, of course, is that if Schwartz loses, she may run for the Republican ticket in 2010 against Catania. That would be a big fight.
12:05 pm
Yes, didn't Catania's post-primary fundraiser for Mara featuring Michael Steele indicate an endorsement?
12:05 pm
No difference really, just that Mara hadn't yet put out a press release touting the fact.
As for Carol in 2010, I don't know...
1:38 pm
And before someone corrects me, I realize that Catania is an independent and wouldn't be competing against Schwartz for the spot on the Republican ticket. What I meant was that assuming Schwartz could win the Republican spot (and maybe next time she'll learn to start campaigning prior to five minutes before the primary) she would face Catania in the general. That would be the big fight.
I just can't imagine she'll go quietly into the night after this election (assuming she loses). Particularly if Mara doesn't win. She can go back to the party and say "look you whiners, your new golden boy got whipped. For better or for worse, I am the only registered Republican that can win in this town."