(Washington Post) — D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, who was elected four years ago with a strong showing in all parts of the city, finds himself locked in a competitive race with Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray that has pitted the mayor’s fast-paced, relentless door-to-door operation against the chairman’s more deliberate, big-tent campaign.
In television ads and direct mail and at go-go concerts, Fenty has emphasized his administration’s work to improve school test scores, reduce the city’s homicide rate and build parks and recreation facilities. But the mayor’s popularity has dipped significantly since 2006, particularly in the city’s African American communities. His challenge heading into Tuesday’s Democratic primary has been to overcome the perception that he is arrogant and aloof and that he has favored the District’s predominantly white neighborhoods.
