It’s very rare for our nation’s capital to have a stake in any consequential federal election where we might honestly have even a little effect on the outcome. As most of you hopefully know, we do not have voting representation in Congress despite having a larger population than a few states (looking at you, Vermont) and only carry 3 electoral votes which automatically go to the Democratic candidate in the general election.

My adopted city is often disparaged, sometimes for good reason. We’ve had terrible bouts with crime and corruption, and the simple notion of the federal government draws the ire of many “regular folk.” But this is a great city. A city that, because of this disparagement, is brushed aside as a simple breeding ground for political insiders.

That’s really too bad.

We voted today. We braved the cold and snow (which is a big deal for the people here, unlike the tough bastards in Maine), and have been packing the polling sites since early this morning.

People are excited. With regards to our federal democracy, we finally count for something. All too often people reference D.C. to talk about “those horrible Washington insiders,” forgetting about the rest of this city. The people who move here to work, not caring about their “future political career.” The people who grew up here, completely separated from the dirty laundry of politics.

Those people never have a say in federal affairs, yet are affected in the same ways as every other American citizen (if not more so – Congress has a say over our city’s budget and governance). Today we do. It does not heal the injustice of our Taxation without Representation, but perhaps it will serve as a reminder to the rest of the country that this city exists outside of the politicians you send here. We have a voice. We’d like to continue using it.

For further coverage of today’s Potomac Primary:

• The Washington Post is the obvious go to site for area coverage.
  
  • While you’re there, be sure to check out Gene Robinson’s op-ed and Dan Balz 8 Questions the Potomac Primary Could Answer
• Raising Kaine is the best place for Virginia specific updates.
• I wonder if my previous prediction will continue to hold…