THE D.C. Council's debate on Peter J. Nickles's confirmation as the city's attorney general revealed more about council members than about Mr. Nickles. The latter is, as we already knew and as even his fiercest critics had to concede, an eminently gifted attorney. But it's troubling that he squeaked by in such a close vote. Seven members of the council refused to play politics with this important office. Leading this majority was Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D), who in casting the deciding vote showed that he would not allow any grievances with Mayor ... (more)