It’s rare for elected officeholders to sell their souls for cash even before they have been elected. Doubly so for a candidate as highly touted as Adrian Fenty, the District of Columbia’s mayor-elect in all but name.
As the coronation parade marches toward Election Day, however, it’s clear that the big interests and the city’s self-interested have taken an interest in buying the new administration even before the votes have been tallied.
Mayoral elections in the capital city are decided in September: it’s called the Democratic primary. The summer campaigns of the would-be Marion Barrys need a steady stream of cash to stay alive. This year’s campaign cash flows centered on two major candidates: D.C. councilmember Linda Cropp, and Fenty, also on the City Council. Locked in a tight race, they each raised millions; Cropp, who was endorsed by current mayor Anthony Williams and much of the city establishment, raised most of her money from large donors.
Fenty, on the other hand, prided himself in receiving many donations from individuals and small businesses. A carefully cultivated image of a populist outsider versus a symbol of the status quo propelled Fenty to a strong primary victory.
It’s quite possible that Fenty could spend no dollars and win by overwhelming margins on Tuesday; he really doesn’t need any more campaign cash. Yet the money keeps on flowing into his campaign. This time, the establishment forces that backed Cropp in the primary are now giving thousands to Fenty’s campaign, which has raised half a million dollars since his primary win. Marriott, Clear Channel and the Washington Nationals owner have all dumped cash into Fenty’s campaign pockets, according to WTOP Radio’s web site. Many city officials have jumped on the Fenty bandwagon as well; they can’t risk getting on the wrong side of the new mayor, and stand to gain a lot in terms of influence.
Corporate and establishment contributions are common in all campaigns, and have one purpose: to make the officeholder feel beholden, or at least benovelent, towards donors. Barry’s administration was dogged by accusations of favoritism in city contracts.
The sheer number of bribery and influence-peddling scandals that have erupted in recent months shows the danger of donor influence on government. Accepting these contributions does not automatically convict Fenty of anything. It does suggest that Fenty’s office will soon be filled with those seeking to buy access, favors or jobs.
Fenty will likely end his election with a full war chest that, thanks to election law, he will have to empty, most likely by transferring the funds to a city government fund shortly after the election.
He won’t spend it all before Tuesday, and can’t carry it over to future elections; so why would he accept so many contributions from well-heeled interests?
Maybe Fenty will become the one who finally changes the District’s reputation for not-so-good government. His open, eager wallet suggests he probably won’t be.
