Catania tosses hat in ring as independent for mayor

WASHINGTON — D.C. Councilmember David Catania Wednesday filed to run for mayor as an independent.

As an independent, he will challenge the Democratic primary winner in the November general election.

Catania, a former Republican, was first elected to his at-large council seat in 1997 and is one of two openly gay councilmembers.

“I’m not worried about who prevails in the Democratic primary,” Catania said Wednesday.

“I would be delighted to put my record against any of those who currently have Democrat by their name,”

The Democratic primary field includes Mayor Vincent Gray and seven challengers.

On Monday, federal prosecutors alleged in court documents that Gray was aware of an illegal “shadow campaign” that aided his 2010 bid and requested the funds personally.

With the latest controversy swirling around Gray, Catania cuts Gray no slack.

“I said he should have resigned then, and I believe that today

Gray says the allegations are false.

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