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	Graham reconsiders challenge (Published June 28, 2004) By DIANA WINTHROP

Ward 1 Councilman Jim Graham’s decision not to challenge at-large Councilman Harold Brazil isn't really final yet, sources say, even though Graham publicly withdrew in early May.

Council Chairman Linda Cropp jumped into the fray to urge Graham out, reportedly hinting at a powerful committee chairmanship next year. But Graham ‘s 11th-hour mulling whether to change his mind and jump into the race results from some less-than-flattering published reports that have raised questions about Brazil's ethics. Based on those reports, the Office of Campaign Finance and Ethics has begun a preliminary investigation into Brazil's alleged use of his council staff as stand-ins for him when he couldn't appear in court for his private law firm. Probably more important, from a political standpoint, is the recent sighting of a Washington Post investigative reporter culling through Brazil’s campaign finance filings at the Office of Campaign Finance.

Sources claim Graham has been inundated with calls urging him to reconsider and announce he is a candidate for the at-large seat. A strong, grass-roots campaign organization might still be able to collect the needed 2,000 valid Democratic voters’ signatures by July 7 to get Graham's name on the primary ballot. School board President Peggy Cooper Cafrtiz jumped into her first campaign just a few weeks before the deadline for submitting signatures.

Graham reportedly considered challenging Brazil because, as critics have long complained, the affable at-large member is not viewed as a hard worker by his colleagues. Brazil has been spending more time on his law firm, they say, and if he comes at all to council sessions, he is often not prepared and sometimes his statements are rambling, goofy missives.

If you spend any time watching the council hearings, it isn't difficult to agree with Brazil's critics -- he is often the entertainment for the day.

Brazil is viewed, even by some of his critics, as a charmingly nice guy, but his supporters are not passionate and they run thin in many neighborhoods. He is the darling of the downtown law firms and the restaurant community. His critics complain that Brazil is not known as a workhorse like Adrian Fenty, and his detractors say he is more of a dim bulb than a bright light in the District’s political leadership.

Graham, too, should be faulted for listening to Cropp, rather than having the courage to stand up for his beliefs and stay in the race from the start. Sources say Graham is hinting he will jump back into the race if there are more damaging news reports about Brazil.

Brazil has served on the council since he was first elected to represent Ward 6 in 1990. Given the level of criticism he now faces, it is too bad that Brazil is seeking another term rather than allowing some new blood an opportunity to serve on the council.

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Diana Winthrop is a native Washingtonian. Contact her at diana@thecommondenominator.com.

Copyright 2004, The Common Denominator