Defending democracy in D.C.

It’s difficult to be surprised by anything the D.C. Office of Campaign Finance does. After all, it exonerated Ward 8 Councilman Marion Barry when he used public funds for a sole-source contract to a paramour. Still, OCF’s ruling and fine of $18,500 against Save DC Now was stunning and could have a chilling effect on citizen participation in future elections. Moreover, they testify to the agency’s discriminatory enforcement of local laws.