Norton: D.C. Voting Rights Bill Poised to Pass in '10

WASHINGTON - It's been in the works for years, but D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton says time is of the essence for the D.C. voting rights bill.

Democrats in Congress "have got to get this bill passed now while we have a super-majority," Norton said Friday on WTOP's The Politics Program with Mark Plotkin.

Norton says she thinks 2010 is the year a bill giving the District a voting seat in the House of Representatives will become law.

However, Norton isn't commenting on the state of the bill just yet.

"I'm not in a position to tell you what the bill looks like now, but you will find out very soon."

Norton indicated "soon" is about two weeks away.

At issue is whether the bill will contain a gun amendment tacked on by the Senate last year that strips D.C of most gun control laws.

"[I will] carry a bill to the floor that I think can pass the House and the Senate. This is our last clear chance to get voting rights in a very long time," Norton says.

Norton also indicted D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty isn't working with her to achieve voting rights for the District.

"The mayor appears not to have conversations with other elected officials."

When Fenty was first elected into office, Norton says she invited him to dinner, but he was "never able to arrange" plans.

"While we do have some conversations with members of his administration, there seems to be a reluctance even there," Norton says.

When asked when the last time he spoke to Norton about D.C. voting rights, Fenty said, "I can't remember."

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