D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray lashed out at a D.C. Council member’s bid for the 2014 mayoral election Thursday, hinting that the GW alumnus plans to run for a second term despite a year of scandal and accusations.
Gray criticized D.C. Council member Muriel Bowser’s campaign for mayor – which launched two weeks ago – on NewsChannel 8, the Washington Post reported Thursday. Bowser, who won reelection for Ward 4 in November, has claimed she would bring “urgency and energy” to D.C. government.
But Gray said such statements were “ridiculous” and “preposterous.”
“Who has more energy than me?” the 70-year-old told NewsChannel 8, citing his 16-hour work days. “Bring it on.”
Bowser has hesitated to respond to Gray’s statements, telling the Post, “We’re involved in a campaign that will not be focused on any individual; it will be focused on our vision for the city, which is based on what residents say they’re concerned about — having a focused leader holding agencies accountable and delivering services with dispatch, period.”
The 40-year-old is the first to formally unveil a campaign for mayor, a year ahead of the Democratic primary election for the position. Her announcement beat out Gray, who has not yet confirmed that he will run again.
Gray’s office has writhed under allegations that he had illegally funneled thousands of dollars into his 2010 campaign against incumbent Mayor Adrian Fenty. The federal government launched a probe into the alleged “shadow campaign,” and a former aide confirmed in July that the campaign picked up $653,800 in illegal donations.
Gray has repeatedly denied any connection to his campaign’s illegal activities.
“I’ve said I didn’t do anything; I don’t know what else to say,” Gray said in the TV interview. “I will make a decision on 2014 based on what I think my record is moving forward. I think the record we have is certainly more than defensible. It is, I think, a sterling record, to be honest with you.”
A person “familiar with the mayor’s political operation” told the Washington Examiner that although Gray has not announced his candidacy, his supporters have begun to build up a campaign.
Three other Council members, including Foggy Bottom’s representative Jack Evans, have mentioned interest in running for mayor.
