Marion Barry to Run for D.C. Council
Former Mayor Marion Barry, fresh from a six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession, ended widespread speculation about his political future on Saturday by announcing that he will run for a seat on the City Council.
“There is a living God, for I have experienced a spiritual resurrection--a living proof that there is life after death,” Barry said in a speech outside his campaign office.
“My decision to run is a continuation of 30 years of serving . . . uplifting and advocating on behalf of the people,” said Barry, 56, who was released from prison in April.
Barry said he will seek a council seat from Ward 8 in southeast Washington, competing with incumbent Wilhelmina Rolark.
Barry’s well-publicized trial included a videotape of him smoking crack cocaine in a hotel room. The case ended his 12-year mayoral tenure.
The Democratic primary will be Sept. 15. In the past, winning the nomination has been tantamount to winning the seat since Democrats outnumber Republicans in the District of Columbia by 10 to 1.
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