The 'Other' Michael Brown: Name Confusion in DC At-Large Council Race

WASHINGTON - For D.C. residents voting in the at-large council race next month, if you want Michael Brown, make sure you know which Michael Brown you are voting for.

The Michael Brown, who is running for at-large council against three-term incumbent Phil Mendelson, is a shadow U.S. Senator who's been lobbying for D.C. statehood. He is often confused with Michael A. Brown, already an at-large D.C. Councilman, not up for reelection this year.

There was confusion amongst voters at the Ward 4 straw poll last month. Mendelson got 364 votes. Michael D. Brown, who just jumped into the race a few weeks ago, got 330 votes. He was ahead of Clark Ray, who has been campaigning for a year now, and picked up only 199 votes.

Mendelson says Michael Donald Brown is clearly benefiting from the name confusion. There are some who are accusing him of political identity theft. His answer to that was "How can I steal my own name?"

Michael A. Brown, who once ran for mayor and is the son of the late Commerce Secretary Ron Brown, says he is enthusiastically throwing his support behind Mendelson.