Williams Rejects Davis' Voting Rights Proposal

WASHINGTON - Rep. Tom Davis' (R-Va.) proposal to legislatively add two new seats to the House of Representatives so that D.C. has voting rights does not sit well with D.C. Mayor Tony Williams

On WTOP's Ask the Mayor program Thursday, Williams says he would not support the District becoming part of Maryland.

"Should we be taking a step toward -- which I think it could potentially be -- retrosession into Maryland? That's a huge step I'm not willing to get on board with," Williams says.

Davis is floating the idea of a 9th Congressional district for Maryland. The new district would represent D.C., while the other proposed new House seat would be in Utah.

"I am not ready to get on board being part of Maryland. No offense to Maryland. Love 'em dearly. They've been allies of ours but no," Williams said.

Williams said he wants to talk with Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C.'s non-voting Congressional representative, to see how the proposal fits into her strategy of getting voting rights for the District.

On another note related to Democratic politics, Williams, who would be one of D.C.'s super delegates for the presidential election, says he's not ready yet to support the winner of of the first-in-the nation primary. Norton, who is another super delegate, has pledged to support whomever the winner is.

"You may get a candidate where, in the party politics down the road, the District could be marginalized," Williams said.

      Print Friendly