Barry Returns to Court; Clergy Vows Financial Aid

Having settled the central question about his political plans, District of Columbia Mayor Marion Barry focused anew on his drug and perjury trial Thursday, as friends and supporters discussed ways to safeguard his financial future once he leaves office.

After his Wednesday night address closing the door on a campaign for a fourth term and signaling the end of an era in District of Columbia politics, Barry adhered Thursday to what has become his accustomed schedule: a full day in U.S. District Court, where jury selection neared its conclusion.

As Barry was whisked to Duke Zeibert’s restaurant during the court’s lunch break, he waved from his limousine at several hundred supporters who gathered outside the courthouse to protest the U.S. government’s prosecution of the three-term mayor. Barry dined with City Administrator Carol B. Thompson--he had soft-shell crabs--before returning to court in the afternoon.

When asked about persistent speculation that he is talking to federal prosecutors about a possible plea agreement, Barry told reporters at the courthouse there was nothing he could say.

“Mum’s the word,” Barry said.

Things were not as silent on the campaign trail, where the tempo of the Democratic mayoral primary seemed to pick up a bit in Barry’s absence. Two candidates issued strongly worded attacks against rival John Ray, an at-large member of the City Council who is the leading fund-raiser among the Democratic candidates.

Meanwhile, a group of religious leaders, led by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, told reporters they were prepared to help Barry with mounting legal fees and to lobby for legislation that would make the mayor eligible for full pension benefits.

“These leaders are prepared to address these needs and to indeed raise money for these needs,” said Jackson, flanked by 16 ministers at a news conference held outside the Metropolitan Baptist Church. Jackson said the group hoped that a plea agreement could be reached, sparing Barry and the city the pain of a trial.

In recent weeks, the mayor’s friends and associates have privately discussed lining up jobs to provide Barry with a financial safety net when he leaves office in January.