5 Candidates Hope To Unseat Barry

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WUSA) - Marion Barry is seeking another term on the D.C. Council representing Ward eight, home to the the District's poorest residents.

He's been an icon in the area despite some personal scandals.
With the Democratic primary one month away, five candidates are hoping to unseat Barry.

At age 75, Marion Barry can still draw a crowd, and it's often people in need of help.

 

He's held elected office for 31 years, 16 of them as Mayor of DC, and for a growing number of people, that's long enough:

Sandra Seegars and Jacque Patterson are but two of five candidates hoping to unseat Barry as the Ward eight D.C. Councilmember.

His bouts with drugs and the IRS are now legendary;
Barry and his supporters weigh that against his lengthy record of service.

He's had health issues--prostate cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure--but Barry says he's in good health and plans to finish a third term if reelected.

A crowded field and small voter turnout favor Barry. We've learned that a meeting was suggested to get candidates to drop out, but no one was willing to do so.

The D.C. Primary is April 3. The Democratic nominees become heavy favorites for the general election because Democratic voters far outnumber Republicans voters in the District.