the crowded contest convincingly, taking just over 43 percent of the vote and besting secondplace finisher Delano Hunter by over 2,000 votes. What accounted for such a lopsided victory? Plenty of things. First off, McDuffie enjoyed both broad union support and backing from progressives and newer Ward 5 residents. The unions played to the ward’s middle class roots, while progressive support brought out new voters in what turned out to be McDuffie’s strongest precincts, those encompassing parts of Bloomingdale, Eckington, Brookland, and his home base, Stronghold. The breadth of his support was obvious when the votes were tallied—McDuffie outright won 10 of 18 precincts, and in the eight that he didn’t win, he placed second. In the precincts he won, he won big, taking between 67 and 71 percent in his top two. Second, many of his competitors either didn’t adequately define themselves, took too long to hit the ground running or were conflicted by past positions. Republican contender Tim Day could boast of having brought down Thomas, but he fell short on retail politics. Frank Wilds, who finished third, raised a lot of money quickly, but early in the campaign couldn’t accurately inspire any confidence as to why he was running. Hunter struggled with his 2010 opposition to samesex marriage; progressives distrusted him for it, while fellow opponents of marriage equality were upset that he was trying to distance himself from a past policy position so quickly. McDuffie, who will have taken office when this column hits the stands, can use the broad support—after having been unrepresented on the council since January, Ward 5 residents can at least move on from Thomas with a representative that was widely supported.
CHGC’s Annual Bulb Giveaway Free Spring-flowering Bulbs In October 2012, the Capitol Hill Garden Club will continue for the eighth year in a row to give away free spring-flowering bulbs for use in public spaces on Capitol Hill. Daffodils and crocus are chosen as they come back – and even proliferate – every year. No qualified applicant will be turned away! Applicants should include a plan for the planting, which must be visible from the street. A photograph of the space is appreciated. The plan must also name the person responsible for the planting. Both individuals and organizations are invited to apply. Applications, available June 1, are due on September 15. The bulbs will be distributed in October, 2012– in time for planting. To request an application form, which can be submitted electronically, please contact the blogspot of the Capitol Hill Garden Club at http://capitolhillgardenclub.blogspot.com/ or phone Elvira Sisolak at 202-546-2534. This simple program has brought tens of thousands of daffodils and crocuses to public spaces on Capitol Hill. Please apply now – for a lovely springtime show in 2013.
Martin Austermuhle is the Editor-inChief of DCist.com and a freelance writer. He lives in Petworth. H
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