Clark Ray Wins Ward 8 Dems Straw Poll; Council At-Large Challenger Wins Overwhelmingly Against Incumbent Phil Mendelson
June 19, 2010
Challenger Clark Ray, showing growing momentum, handily won the Ward 8 Democratic Straw Poll over longtime incumbent Phil Mendelson with a vote of 46 to 28.
“I want to thank all of my supporters,” Ray said, “We were told time and again it can’t be done, but we are proving this is a campaign on the move–to change how the Wilson Building responds to the families, small businesses, and neighborhoods which are calling out for change. This campaign is all about change and bringing it to the streets in every part of town.”
Ray is a former Director of Parks and Recreation, was a Constituent Services official under both mayors Williams and Fenty, served as a Reserve Police Officer, and was a high-ranking aide in the Clinton/Gore campaign and administration.
“I’ve built strong ties with neighborhoods across the city, building bridges across DC,” Ray said. “I’m honored to have Ward 8’s show of support, because Ward 8 knows I can and will bring people together to focus on the city’s needs.”
Ray’s campaign has placed over 1,000 signs in yards citywide, knocked on thousands of doors, and has received endorsements from key leaders, from Georgetown to Anacostia.
“I am so honored by the straw poll results of the Ward 8 Democrats,” Ray said. “They are leading this campaign’s way to victory across this city on Sept. 14th.”
