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Mayoral hopeful Carol Schwartz handed in more than 6,500 signatures to get on the ballot this afternoon. Barring some catastrophic signature errors, that should put her on the ballot in November as an independent against Democratic nominee Muriel Bowser and, uh, what’s-his-name.
“I have friends who have had Bowser lawn signs in their yard,” Schwartz told journalists at the elections board’s office. “The minute I announced, they took them out. And the same with the other, you know, the other opponent.”
“Say his name, Carol,” said one reporter.
“I can say his name,” Schwartz replied, without actually saying it.
After more badgering, Schwartz finally gave in and said rival, and fellow ex-Republican, David Catania‘s name. Whether or not her campaign is a practical joke on friend-turned-foe Catania, though, Schwartz’s hefty signature haul suggests that Schwartz is taking her fifth run at the mayor’s office seriously.
Schwartz just wishes the media would do the same. After dropping off her signatures, Schwartz pleaded with reporters to consider her a credible candidate and not, as the Catania campaign has alleged, as a stalking horse for Bowser.
“I just want you to take me a little bit more seriously,” Schwartz said.
The next test of Schwartz’s credibility comes this Monday, when all of the mayoral campaigns will disclose their campaign finances. Schwartz concedes that she hasn’t raised much money so far (she declined to reveal how much), but has loaned her campaign $30,000.
Photo by Darrow Montgomery