DC Mayor Fenty Seeks Another Term

WASHINGTON - Adrian Fenty is asking for four more years. DC's mayor launched his run for re-election at a huge, new campaign headquarters, the old Curtis Chevrolet Building on Georgia Avenue. Crowds of supporters chanted "four more years" inside and outside.

The group outside, signing up volunteers for the campaign, had to compete with a very small group chanting "recall Fenty." Two or three of them were collecting signatures on a petition to recall the mayor. But they were outnumbered and drowned out.

Inside, Fenty, who was flanked by his parents, wife and young daughter, made his case for another term. He said the city has seen a renaissance, thanks to his tough decisions and shaking things up. Fenty boasted about progress in the school system, about bringing new development that has transformed areas like Columbia Heights. Supporters said they didn't understand polls showing declining popularity, because they feel Fenty is upgrading facilities, bringing down crime rates, "doing the things you want a mayor to do."

Over at the Wilson Building, DC Council Chairman Vincent Gray, who had already tossed his hat into the ring, is promising to give Fenty a run for his money. Gray, who was chairing his monthly youth hearing, said he thinks people are angry at how the city has been managed, especially east of the river, and want new leadership.