Republican Erran Persley to Challenge D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton

Earlier this evening, Republican Erran Persley announced his candicacy to run against D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. The fundraising event was held at the stately home of a Democrat located a few blocks west of Dupont Circle. He'll need more than a few Democrats to cross party lines if he hopes to win, so this is a good sign.

I had never met Persley before, but he was immediately likeable. When I told him of my concerns, he listened. When he spoke to those assembled, his speech was polished.

Persley spoke of a need to protect those D.C. citizens who are being priced out of their homes by real estate taxes that have increased in response to rising home values. He also pledged to advance the cause of Republican Congressman Tom Davis’s D.C. voting rights bill, the one supported by Mayor Williams and Democrats on the City Council, but not Norton.

Persley is a candidate who is not afraid to run proudly as a Republican. While some would counsel that a Republican who hopes to win an office in the District should minimize his or her political affiliation, others encourage a courageous strategy to build the party in the District. Persley aptly called his upcoming struggle as one between David and Goliath. It would not be surprising to soon see Delegate Norton announce a legislative proposal to ban slingshots in the District.