Democratic candidate for D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser was endorsed by President Obama Monday, as new poll numbers suggest her competitor is gaining ground.
In a written statement, Obama called Bowser "a champion for working and middle-class families, and a passionate proponent of Washington, D.C."
Thank you @BarackObama for your endorsement. I look forward to working with you as DC's next Democratic Mayor! http://t.co/y7pyi3Y9w7 — MurielBowser (@MurielBowser) October 6, 2014
Seventy-five percent of D.C. residents are registered Democrats, but an unaffiliated poll released Monday says Independent candidate David Catania is behind Bowser by just 4 points, a significant drop from an NBC4 poll in mid-September that had him behind 17 points. Another recently published had him 8 points behind.
"It's narrowing every day and our message is resonating," Catania said.
Bowser Monday also sought to downplay a Washington Post report that some neighborhood groups are irritated with her decision to skip debates.
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"We have put together a broad and diverse and energetic group of citizens and you see them behind me," she responded.
Catania and fellow Independent Carol Schwartz are attending all of the forums they've been invited to.
"I think it's important that all the candidates come out and explain exactly how they're going to secure out city's future, and you can't do that if you don't show up," Catania said.
Obama has also weighed in on other cities' elections. Earlier this year, Obama endorsed Democrat David Alvarez in his ultimately unsuccessful bid for mayor of San Diego. Last year, he supported Democrat Bill de Blasio in New York City's mayoral race.
