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The list of potential challengers of Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham expands.
Jeff Smith, the education activist and ex-school-board member, is joining the fray.
Smith, like Adams Morgan activist Bryan Weaver, is officially “exploring” a challenge to the bowtied, recently embattled incumbent. But Smith’s stepped it up a bit—-he’s got a super-slick Web site, complete with super-slick logo and super-slick slogan (“Speak up, Ward 1!”).
Smith says that he’ll be launching his exploratory bid with a fundraiser next Wednesday. Despite the big-time accouterments, Smith says he really is exploring.
“People are fed up with politicians coming to them saying, ‘I have all the answers,'” he says. “To the extent that I become that candidate, I’d like to have a better idea of what people are looking for in terms of leadership for Ward 1.”
UPDATE, 4:40 P.M.: A comment from Graham campaign spokesperson Chuck Thies: “Exploring and campaigning are two different things. Campaigning takes hard work and commitment. Jeff won a 4 year seat on the School Board and quit less than halfway through his term. For the sake of those who might be interested in his candidacy, I hope he has the fortitude to honor their support.”