WASHINGTON -
Can a new leader move the D.C. City Council away from the controversy that has haunted it for well over a year? On Wednesday, the 12 remaining council members will choose a new temporary leader. Voters will pick a permanent leader in November.
It has been a terrible year for the D.C. Council. Chairman Kwame Brown stepped down last week, and earlier this year, Ward 5 Council member Harry Thomas, Jr did the same. Both were charged with felonies.
But now the fight is on for new leadership. Council members Phil Mendelson and Vincent Orange appeared on FOX 5 Morning News Monday. Both are considered in the running to lead the council temporarily.
Orange and Mendelson are not under investigation, but they both have admitted to taking campaign contributions from well known fundraiser Jeffrey Thompson. Thompson's home and office were raided by the FBI a few months ago.
Also Monday, D.C. elections officials announced a special election to fill the Chairman's seat will take place during the already scheduled general election on November 6. That will save taxpayers some money, but how much is still being determined.
When it comes to the special election to fill Kwame Brown's seat, petitions will be made available this Friday. Each candidate must get 3,000 signatures to be placed on the ballot.
