Jeff Smith Will Make Graham Challenge Official
Former school board member Jeff Smith says he's ready for a full-on challenge to Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham.
"I'm not positive yet, but we're probably going to file in the next couple of days," says Smith, who has run an exploratory campaign since December.
He's already on the attack: In a posting today on his Web site, Smith unfavorably compares Graham to Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry.
In fact, Smith goes out of his way to brush off Barry, calling his misdeeds "very old news," in order to take shots at Graham and his connections to the taxi scandal that led to the arrest of top aide Ted Loza. (Which would seem to be the older news, by Smith's logic.)
"Apart from its redundancy and opportunistic timing, the move to censure Barry raises the specter of a double-standard at City Hall," Smith writes. "Whereas Barry, who represents Ward 8, has suddenly received renewed levels of public scrutiny, other similar cases of outright scandal right here in Ward 1 remain unresolved and without similar rebuke."
Furthermore: "What thoughtful spectators of this political play should be observing, therefore, is not the elaborate public pantomime of Marion Barry’s censure for ‘corruption’ but the more insidious aggregate of tolerated corruption of the current Ward 1 Council member. Jim Graham and Marion Barry: a double standard, or a reminder of a long-existing need to clean up City Hall?"
In closing, Smith writes: "Join us on March 19th, the first day of Spring, to launch Spring Cleaning. It’s time to clean house."
Sounds like a campaign kickoff to LL.
Smith says that's indeed what it will be if he gets his papers in on time; if not, "that's our spring activities event," he says.
Smith is taking on Graham's formidable war chest—he had more than $160,000 banked as of Jan. 31. Smith reported raising $28,250 for his exploratory effort at that point, with $16,596 left to spend.
He'll also have to contend with the sharp tongue of Graham campaign adviser Chuck Thies, who notes that all of Graham's earmarks survived investigator Robert S. Bennett's scrutiny. He adds: "Unless Jeff used the time he freed up by quitting the School Board mid-term to pursue a law degree or achieve competence as an investigator, I suggest he refrain from issuing inflammatory screeds. In the same way that voters don't take kindly to elected officials who quit on them, they also won't stomach unfounded conspiracy theories."
2:38 pm
I hope this got beat's this Queen, Miss Graham. Miss evil David Catania need to go too. If the Angel of Death called upon Catania, I would be so happy to hear of his death.
2:40 pm
Correction: I hope Jeff Smith will beat this Queen, Miss Jim messy Graham. Miss evil ass David Catania need to go off the D.C. Council too. If the Angel of Death called upon Catania, I will be so happy to hear of his death.
2:53 pm
'WARD4DC', I agree with you except the part of death, which comes across as a bit harsh! I hope this guy Jeff Smith has a good battle plan to beat the 'Queen of All Media', becuase there's one thing I know about queens, they can get nasty!
3:19 pm
Light-skinned and shaved head blacks...what are the whites gonna do? You got Fenty, Jeff, Michael Brown and probably Vincent is going to the barber shop as we speak.
I am not sold on Jeff as he lives in la-la land when it is time for him to remember his younger days as DCPS high-school student.
Pursuit of happiness in politics is probably his goal.
4:52 pm
Oh gawd, not him! This is a joke, right? THIS horse's arse is Jeff Smith? Ward 1, RUN!, Do not Walk, away fron this clown. Jim with all his corruption, his problems, his mean spirit, his vindictiveness, his pettiness, his big a's, his small di'k, is 10 times better then this arrogant, self absorbed, self entitled, creep.
He ran so dirty in the School Board race against a guy who was really good and Chief of Staff to John Conyers as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee (and whose name escapes me but who Jim should call asap) that it is appalling he could infer that anyone else is corrupt. This guy just poses and struts and I have never in all my years in DC politics met anyone who did less. He is lazy but ambitious. No one could be more out of touch. No (insert stereotypical epithet of choice) could be more bougie!
If this is the best that they can do we should start a ballot initiative to return Ward 1 to Maryland.
5:58 pm
WardQueen - or is this Chuck Theis clogging up the comments? Because your candidate did not win in 2004, is not justification for disparaging remarks. It's in poor taste! And if you believe that there is no one better that Jim "with all his corruption, his problems, his mean spirit, his vindictiveness, his pettiness, his big a's, his small di'k" then you can have him all to yourself! Oh, but I forgot, he's paying you, so I guess stooping this low does not surpirse me.
6:03 pm
Didn't J. Smith's spouse work for Marion Barry for Years??? So if he was SO bad, why did she continue her employment? Please, quit with the politics of the moment, okay.
6:32 pm
I know nothing about Jeff Smith. As for Graham, however, his conduct and grandstanding are a disgrace. He should've resigned and left DC 6 months ago.
6:34 pm
After seeing that creature (Graham) rudely putting his face into EVERY shot on the news this evening and forcing himself into wedding cereomonies, I'm reminded of that movie, 'The Wedding Crashers'! Somebody get rid of this ass hole, PLEASE!
7:22 pm
I would vote for Jeff Smith, if I lived in ward 1, because Mr. Graham is as corrupt as Fenty, Rhee, Skinner, Nickles, Rubin,Catania, Bozer,Lanier, etal.
8:11 pm
I know Jeff and I know Jim. I also am familiar with the campaign for school board. I have absolutely no idea what "corruption" supposedly occurred in that campaign. As for the school board, wake up, there is no school board anymore, there was nothing to quit.
Since Loza's trial will be before the election I think that is the newer news. How can anyone support a councilmember who knowingly kept on his staff a woman beater, and who went to Chief Ramsey to get charges dropped against the same staffer for punching out a 78 year old man on 18th street over a parking space. Loza caused a lot of people pain, got people fired saying he was speaking for Jim and opening called people racist if they disagreed with him (over such things as parking). Graham knew all this and did nothing.
8:37 pm
I hold Graham liable for the lethal Metro disasters, as well as the merely maddening problems of the local traffic and transit systems. He has squandered his position as chairman of the council committee on Public Works and Transportation, and abused his tenure as WMATA board chairman for years. By his own admission, he has no staff in his office with a brief for transit. My pet peeve: his re-branding the Woodley Park station "Adams-Morgan". The train don't go there, Jim.
9:14 pm
Jeff quit the school board in protest of the new policies being implemented by Mayor Fenty and approved by the council...looks like those worked out REALLY well. Jeff left just in time. He continues to be active in DCPS reform through DC VOICE.
Graham is part of the problem and has had 12 years to fix it. He's done what he can. Its time for someone new.
9:53 pm
Who reads these comments? I'll tell you who:
Some people who need to go back on their meds and, of course, Jason Cherkis
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2010/03/09/our-morning-roundup-firing-offenses/
10:04 pm
The "sharp tongue" of Graham's campaign adviser, Chuck Thies, would appear to be forked as well.
Thies prefaces his his ballast and bluster with the phrase "Unless Jeff used the time he freed up by quitting the School Board mid-term to pursue a law degree or achieve competence as an investigator..."
For the information of Thies and the readers of this blog, Jeff Smith is a graduate of Howard University School of Law, where he served as the Vice President of the Student Bar Association from 2000 through 2001. Are the voters of D.C. to understand from Thies that Jim Graham does not consider a legal education at Howard University a "law degree"?
10:30 pm
First, this is my REAL name. I am supporting Jeff and not Jim. I know both parties. I like and respect both men. However, there are important issues facing this city. Jeff is a veteran we have not had anyone who has served in the military on the Council in a long time and we have a record number of returning veterans. Jeff also knows education, I have a daughter in public schools and he has a child about to enter public school.
I am also concerned about the huge recent tax breaks given to Ward one developers. Also Radio One is not going to move into the parcel the city gave them, in fee simple, to bring them back to the city. That was land originally designated to build District owned office buildings on while the District pays lots of rent. We have exceeded the debt ceiling and are in the hole.
Finally, I cannot believe the Councilmember would sink to the level of working with Chuck Theiss and use him as a spokesperson. His history of ad hominan attacks on people in my neighborhood with little basis in fact is legendary.
11:22 pm
LOL@Rick Mangus
Rick, I know it may sound harsh, but Catania is a mean SOB. I have had dealings with this hateful bastard. LOL
11:25 pm
Quote by Rick Mangus: After seeing that creature (Graham) rudely putting his face into EVERY shot on the news this evening and forcing himself into wedding cereomonies, I'm reminded of that movie, 'The Wedding Crashers'! Somebody get rid of this ass hole, PLEASE!
Rick, your comment is funny and truthful about Miss Graham. LOL LOL LOL LOL
11:27 pm
Hell, Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowswer need to go too. This woman kisses Fenty's ass so much, she's all in his crack.
11:31 pm
For the record, I don't wish for the Angel of Death to visit Miss Graham. I only wish for the Angel of Death to visit that hateful D.C. At-Large Councilmember David Catania. David Catanis make Jim Graham look like a Saint. Catania is an evil SOB.
1:16 am
@DC Voter, you said:
"Are the voters of D.C. to understand from Thies that Jim Graham does not consider a legal education at Howard University a "law degree?"
Being that Fenty, a Howard law grad, continually uses the terms "Mens Rea" and "thesis" in the wrong context when speaking to the media...one may not know what in the hell to consider a legal education at Howard.
Other piss poor reps are Will Purcell, Omar Karim and Fred Cooke...the irony that the acronym for Howard University School of Law sounds like "hustla."
2:26 am
King Fenty majored in English at Oberlin College in Ohio.
3:02 am
@Georgia Avenue Day: Are you trying to be provocative or merely trading in baseless stereotype? My 'thesis,' if I dare say, is the latter.
7:04 am
For those who think Catania is an SOB...maybe it is because he holds DC bureaucrats responsible for their jobs, knows about city-wide health care issues, and does not suffer fools greatly that run around the mayor's office!
7:49 am
Jeff are you really gonna bite the hand that has fed and continues to feed you, your wife and child?
I can't even believe you would attempt to take a low blow at Barry.
Nyasha Smith, Jeff's wife worked in Barry's office for years. Barry even orchestrated getting Nyasha promoted to a chief of staff position in the technology office and even put in a good word to get her in Alexander's office which is where she is now.
FYI, Jeff you're lower than a rookie in DC politics. I'm not a fan of Barry's nonsense either, but you may not want to enter the game Barry bashing. Despite his current clown status amongst most in DC, Barry still ain't nothing to fuck with and carries a lot of clout throughout this city, not just Ward 8. There are people throughout the city and urea that Barry has made millionaires and/or middle classaires that will do any and everything to throw people under the bus that attempt to throw him under the bus.
Vince Gray and Adrian Fenty take notice.
7:52 am
@DC Voter, you said:
"Are the voters of D.C. to understand from Thies that Jim Graham does not consider a legal education at Howard University a "law degree?"
Being that Fenty, a Howard law grad, continually uses the terms "Mens Rea" and "thesis" in the wrong context when speaking to the media...one may not know what in the hell to consider a legal education at Howard.
Other piss poor reps are Will Purcell, Omar Karim, A. Scott Bolden and Fred Cooke...the irony that the acronym for Howard University School of Law sounds like "hustla."
8:40 am
I'm looking for someone other than Graham, but this Smith guy isn't the one. And this thread makes me really glad that dumbfuck bigot trash like WARD4DC are becoming rarer and rarer in this town.
9:11 am
ward 1 voter: You are right on the money. Jim and Jeff are both piss poor choices. And WARD4C is little more than a bitter, angry old fool. Sounds like he's a black caricature of Glenn Beck.
10:01 am
I hate to say it, people, but Jim Graham may not go anywhere. By the time September comes, he may be able to count on a few more votes from some of the happy couples he posed with yesterday. DC is the newest gay mecca...and Ward 1 is its heart and soul.
You must use simple tools to dislodge Mr. Graham from his dais. Loza, by himself, won't be sufficient. Dig deep...please.
I want to come back to DC.
10:07 am
I believe it was a report about the gay ceremonies on WUSA 9 last night, the reporter was talking to newly wed couple and said, "You have a alot of friends and family here, and even councilman, Jim Graham!". The couple answered quickly and sternly, "We did't invite him!".
10:10 am
REVISION: Line two, 'talking to a newly wed'
10:46 am
ANOTHER REVISION: Line five, "We didn't invite him!", I need to get coffee in me before writing these things!
11:58 am
Nyasha Smith is the salt of the earth. I have nothing but great things to say about her.
12:34 pm
I was working with Nyasha when she went to OCTO as Chief of Staff, she had not worked for Barry for several years. She applied through the competitive process and was hired. She is a bright, intellegent and extremely well-organized woman. Get your facts straight. BTW, Thurgood Marshall--remember him Supreme Court Justice, and many others brilliant lawyers went to Howard.
12:47 pm
Oh Christie, sharper then a serpent's tooth are thy words which label me as that pond scum, Chuck Thies. I know Chuck Thies to be crazier then a bag of cats. I may be "eccentric" but that divorced from reality I am not.
With Graham and Thies water has found its own level, utter corruption meets utter insanity. No legitimate campaign professional would work for Graham and no one else would hire Chuck Thies, go figure!
In addition to ad hominem attacks on individuals Thies's favorite tactic is to plant scurrilous blind items in the press through hacks he has flattered and cajoled. Truth and accuracy matter not.
That being said Ward 1 needs to come up with a
better choice then Jeff Smith which is no choice at all.
This could be a real opportunity for someone. I am of the belief that Graham will not in the end stand for reelection. Either the Loza plea deal or the Loza trial will be the cause which makes Graham's 30 year career of corruption finally unravel.
To miss this chance and replace one suit for another would be a huge mistake for Ward 1.
1:30 pm
To DC DUDE, Ward 1 Voter, and DC John can kiss my black ass. Fuck all of you. I was born and raised here and yes I will be happy to hear of Catania's death. He's a racist white Republican son of a bitch. Catania only care about his lilly white gay friends and I guess the 3 of you are in David Catania's white circle. Bad karma will be coming to Catania soon for the way he have talked or mistreated people who didn't agree with his evil ass. Maybe this is why his boyfriend left his ass, because he's a bitter bald headed Queen.
1:34 pm
Quote by Ward 1 Voter: I'm looking for someone other than Graham, but this Smith guy isn't the one. And this thread makes me really glad that dumbfuck bigot trash like WARD4DC are becoming rarer and rarer in this town.
Catania's being gay is not why I dislike this son of bitch. He's a nasty mean spirited person who like to put people down that disagree with him. You white gays kill me with the name calling. Why don't the fuck you move back to your mid western towns or southern cities. Racism is alive a well in D.C. and in the United States. You white crackers gay and straight will always think you are the superior race on earth.
1:40 pm
I am white and heterosexual and I agree, David Catania is a mean son of a bitch. What comes around goes around and Catania will suffer a horrible illness in the end. Good riddance to him!!! I do think Catania is a racist and he show white gays favoritism over others in the District of Columbia. I agree with Ward4DC, racism is embedded in the American culture and blacks will always be looked at by most whites in America as second class citizens, unless they are light skinned Negroes and Democratic Senator Harry Reid put it.
Dear Mr. Catania, you reap what you sow in this life. Jim Graham need to go to jail with his South American boyfriend Ted Loza.
1:45 pm
D.C. Councilmember David Catania is an asshole and many black and white D.C. residents don't like him. Catania is arrogant, rude, and he's very vindictive. Miss Catania will not mess with former ANC Ward 2 Commissioner Leroy Thorpe. Leroy Thorpe called Catania a puck a couple of years ago in a D.C. Council hearing and Catania backed the down on the dias. Catania know who to mess and who not to mess with, because someone will whip his ass one day in the street for talking down to them.
All 13 members of the D.C. Council need to go, not just Jim Graham.
1:49 pm
DC Dude wrote: ward 1 voter: You are right on the money. Jim and Jeff are both piss poor choices. And WARD4C is little more than a bitter, angry old fool. Sounds like he's a black caricature of Glenn Beck.
DC Dude what do a person age have to do with their being bitter? You do know, that's age discrimination. I am 56 years old, does this mean, I am an old man with no self worth? Anyone can be bitter of all ages. I find many gays regardless of skin color are bitter and vicious.
1:52 pm
Slave to the Rythm and Pull Up To The Bumper Baby!
I love me some hot muscular masculine young white men. Many black women are dating and marrying white men. The black women have been many white men desires since slavery in the United States. Look at all the mulatto blacks running around in the country like Lena Horne.
Miss Catania and Miss Graham are neither one.
2:00 pm
How did the topic end up on racims and name calling? I am white and I too have my own prejudices about certain guys, but I am trying to overcome them. We all as humans have prejudices against others. I have many white gay male friends who will not date black men and they find them not attractive and sometimes they make racist comments. I remind them, how can we talk about gays having equal righta and we make racist comments against gay black men?
We have a mixed race President in the White House and many white Americans in the United States hate it. Tune in to Rush Limbaurg on WMAL daily and you will hear the racist comments coming from many whites in America. Maybe it's a good thing blacks and whites are mating and having beautiful mixed race children. Hopefully in time, we will have that one mulatto (olive wheat) looking color in America.
I am white and gay and I agree, David Catania can be a mean and nasty human being. He himself seem bitter.
2:08 pm
I find Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham to only look out for himself as a lot of politicians do. I don't think Graham is a racist, because he have cruised me at a public function. I am black and heterosexual and I took it as a compliment. I do feel Councilmember David Catania is an undercover racist. The man was a Republican and he got mad with former President George Bush for not supporting Gay Marriage and he switched to an Independent. I do think Jim Graham would date a black man, but I don't think David Catania will date a black man.
Jim Graham is corrupt like most politicians, Republican or Democrat. Whomever replace Jim Graham, I hope they will be a honest person and work and serve the voters in Ward 1.
Mike
Ward 5 D.C. Resident
Michigan Park
2:21 pm
I am white and a bisexual man. I have had sex with black, white, European, Puerto Rican, Colombian, Cuban, Dominican, and West Indian men. I don't think of myself as a racist, but sometimes I do have little prejudices as we all do. People like Ward4DC and others have a right to their opinions and to feel the way they do. I have never walked in their shoes, but I know as a white All American male, I have been afforded certain privileges not afforded to black men and women.
I don't like Jim Graham or David Catania. There being gay have nothing to do with it. It's their personalities and demeanor that I don't like about each. As Rodney King stated, can we all just get along?
2:22 pm
To: Lin2Lynn, why prey tell girlfriend. I didn't know that. I learn something everyday. lol I am not surprised by Jim Graham actions. Jim preference is Salvadoran/Latino men.
2:34 pm
LOL@WARD4DC for call Catania a bitter bald headed QUEEN. If this is how you feel about this person, no one can change your opinion. Many people didn't like former President George Bush. Kayne West call him a racist during the Katrina disaster. Today in 2010 many people don't like the current President Obama. During the Presidential Democratic campaign, many white Democrats in Pennsylvania voters stated, they wouldn't vote for a N&&&&&. They voted for Hilliary Clinton. People have a right to their opinions and feelings.
2:37 pm
Ward 1 Voter and others, I too think David Catania is a white racist. His being gay does not mean he cannot be a racist.
I don't know anything about Jeff Smith, but if I lived in Ward 1, I would vote for the Devil over Jim Graham.
2:41 pm
Jim Graham and David Catania are 2 punks sitting on the D.C. Council. They both get fudged packed in their behinds.
2:43 pm
These comments on here are nothing compared to the WTOP and in the Washington Post when it come to racism and people speaking the truth about how they feel. Political correctness is destroying America, because people are afraid to speak out their true feelings without being labeled a racist or homophobe.
2:47 pm
What about Bryan Weaver? Is he not serious enough as a contender for the Ward 1 seat?...
4:07 pm
First, David Catania is a SOB, graduated with honors from the 'Rahm Emanuel School of Charm' and both Graham, aka 'The Queen of All Media' and Catania are both members of that political action committee, FUDGEPAC!
First off as a gay man I thought a little humor was needed!
4:08 pm
Is Ted Loza still sitting around at home collecting a paycheck from the DC taxpayer? When's he going on trial?
4:56 pm
Thank you Rick Mangus, I always enjoy your comments and your sense of humor. LOL
I wish others had your sense of humor and knowledge.
10:09 pm
David Catania should marry Rahm Emanuel. I wonder which would be the bottom?
7:48 pm
Hi - thanks for the post. I never know what I will come across when I scroll these blogs. But just wanted to let you know I really liked yours. Keep it up.
Pamela
8:06 pm
To MPD White Official:
David Catania is exclusively a bottom so it is to be presumed that in a romantic dalliance with WHCOS Ram Emanuel Catania would assume the role of the "wife". That being said, Emanuel is such a complete a''hole that all bets are off.
9:21 pm
Nyasha and Jeff Smith are good people. Not sure about the politics surrounding these nasty comments but I wish Jeff a fair and successful campaign. Let go of the hate, people Your comments are very negative and off topic. And for all of you who claim you know Nyasha and Jeff's story so well, you obviously don't because Nyasha worked for former Councilmember, Carol Schwartz, not Marion Barry. I do hope voters reading these comments don't take the nonsense as fact.