Moran Opponent Charles Beatley Dies

The 1/1/04 Washington Post article on the passing of former Alexandria Mayor Charles R. Beatley states the following: "Mr. Beatley lost a 1985 reelection bid to James P. Moran Jr., now a congressman, after a bitter campaign fight between the two former political allies."

Beatley was mayor during the plea bargain, conviction, and forced resignation of then Alexandria Vice-Mayor James Moran for misdemeanor conflict-of-interest in 1984. A June 13, 1984 article in the Washington Post described Moran's temporary downfall and noted:

"Mayor Charles Beatley, whom many said Moran would likely succeed, called the events leading up to the resignation 'a great tragedy.' He characterized Moran as 'a young man of great promise who just didn't understand the system well.'

Moran and Beatley had butted heads recently over the Democratic nomination for mayor in next year's elections. Moran later announced his intention not to seek the office.

Beatley said yesterday he was not surprised by yesterday's events: 'I've seen it coming for a long time.'"

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