Marie Johns is one of the big-five mayoral candidates, but some experts say she’s a dark horse to win the whole thing.
With the public’s attention focused on front-runners Linda Cropp and Adrian Fenty, the climb to electability has required extra work, Johns said recently. “It’s frustrating as a candidate, but it’s disturbing as a citizen that the press is so locked on incumbents that the public is denied other voices,” Johns said.
On Tuesday, Johns climbed atop her soapbox, literally, to preach her positions on the issues she believes will win her the Democratic primary on Sept. 12. The former Verizon executive lectured from a platform in all eight wards on what she called “Taking it to the Streets Day.”
“I’m Marie Johns, candidate for mayor,” Johns said near the corner of 14th and K streets Northwest. “Come shake my hand, please.”
Johns chatted with anyone who passed, answering questions and tryingto stir up some energy. The 14th Street location was two doors away from Linda Cropp’s campaign office, though Johns said she “hadn’t noticed.”
“D.C. voter? No. Then go buy something,” Johns told a pedestrian. “We need the sales tax.”
Nathan Daschle, a Northwest resident, took Johns’ literature — and a fan — but said he was undecided as to the mayor’s race. Another passerby said she “didn’t even know she [Johns] was running.”
“Frankly, I don’t think we’ll see the fruits of our labor until election night,” said Richard Johns, the candidate’s son.
