DC Mayoral Candidates Say They Watched Barry-Moten Debate on FOX 5

WASHINGTON - Much is being written and said about the fiery exchanges on FOX 5 News at 10 Tuesday night between Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry and Peaceoholics co-founder Ron Moten. Local newspapers carried articles. People have been blogging about it.

On the campaign trail Wednesday, the two major candidates for D.C. mayor said they watched the debate.

"I thought it was a good exchange about different opinions about where the city should go. And obviously I agree with Ron Moten," said D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty.

D.C. Council Chairman Vincent Gray said, "It was a vigorous discussion between the two. I appreciated the fact that Mayor Barry made the point early going that he did not speak for our campaign."

In the debate, Moten said he was surprised that someone like Barry, who has made mistakes, is unwilling to forgive Fenty for making them. Barry referred to the Parks contracts controversy involving $82 million, and said he didn't see how anybody could vote for Fenty.