At 75, Marion Barry Gears Up For Another Campaign

Published January 5, 2012 8:36AM (EST)

WASHINGTON (AP) — As HBO considers making a movie about Marion Barry with Eddie Murphy in the title role, the real Barry is doing something that comes naturally: running for re-election in the nation's capital.

The former four-term District of Columbia mayor who was busted for smoking crack cocaine 21 years ago now plays the role of elder statesman on the D.C. Council, where he represents a poor, predominantly black ward.

At 75, Barry says he has more influence than in more than a decade and fully intends to seek a third straight council term this year, even if the prospect makes some wince. He even predicts his victory margin, saying he'll capture at least 70 percent in the April Democratic primary.

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By Salon Staff

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