Okay, so to clarify, this is not Leon Panetta, but... another Panetta who's still pretty damned important around here in Washington, DC.  (figured I'd clarify that after the "Edwards" brouhaha yesterday)

Mike Panetta, the elected Shadow Representative to Congress for DC, has officially announced his endorsement of Senator Obama. And with the DC primary coming up in just a few days, the timing couldn't be better.  Here's his statement:

U.S "SHADOW" REPRESENTATIVE MIKE PANETTA (D-DC) ENDORSES BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT

Contact:  Mike Panetta
(202) 253-6534
press@mikepanetta.com

(WASHINGTON, DC February 8, 2008): Mike Panetta, the elected U.S. "Shadow" Representative for the District of Columbia, today announced his endorsement of Barack Obama for President.

"The torch has been passed to Senator Obama as the vanguard of a new generation of leadership, and I know he’ll use that torch to light the fires of democracy here in the District of Columbia," said Representative Panetta.  "It’s clear to me that Senator Obama can bring hope to our nation, and hope to those fighting for full citizenship right here in America’s capital."

The largest march for DC Voting Rights is taking place on Monday April 16th.  

Thousands of people will march from Freedom Plaza to the U.S. Capitol in demand for voting representation in Congress. More information and how you can be there after the jump.

Shameful action by a few House Republicans last week temporarily blocked the progress of the DC Voting Rights Act.

Making two phone calls today can make sure it goes back to the House floor. More info on who to call (and their numbers) after the jump.

Today will be an historic day in efforts to secure representation in Congress for the District of Columbia as the House will meet this morning to consider H.R. 1433, the DC Voting Rights Act.  More info and how you can help after the jump...

Good news out of Washington for the people who actually live there!

I got the word last night that hearings have been scheduled in the committees of jurisdiction for H.R. 328, the DC Voting Rights Act. It seems Speaker Nancy Pelosi has give the green light to move forward and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has pledged to get things moving - as soon as next week!

More info and how you can help after the jump.

Efforts are underway to address the "taxation without representation" situation in the nation's capital. Read more on how you can help.

Conservative columninst George F. Will wrote a piece in The Washington Post today about the recent move by the House of Representatives to give all the five territorial delegates in the body voting powers in the Committee of the Whole. The move to give the delegate's voting rights could have unforseen consequences for the District's campaign for an actual seat in Congress.