Michael Brown, What's In A Name? | News

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WUSA) -- Michael D. Brown is running for the at large seat on the DC Council now held by Phil Mendelson a popular democrat and proven vote getter in all parts of the District.

The first surprise is that its NOT the Michael A. Brown who already sits on the Council, the son of the late Democratic Party leader. That Michael brown is not up for re-election.

The Michael Brown on the ballot is the Shadow Senator for DC, a fairly unknown public figure, outside the DC full voting rights movement.

DC voters are apparently confusing the two Browns and telling Washington Post pollsters they prefer the latter Michael Brown, when they really mean the former.

Michael D. Brown dropped the middle initial in his name on the ballot, further confusing voters.

The second surprise is the name confusion could cost Mendelson the election. The Post poll says Michael D. Brown is leading the veteran politician by 12 points among likely democratic voters-with two weeks to go before the primary.

Written by Bruce Johnson
9NEWS NOW & wusa9.com