Mayor Gray to Sit Out Tonight’s Debate at Dumbarton House

Expected to attend — and advertised as such — incumbent Mayor Vincent Gray will not be at tonight’s mayoral debate, sponsored by the Citizens Association of Georgetown and the Georgetown Business Association at Dumbarton House. No explanation of Gray’s absence was given.

The mayor will hold a campaign kick-off rally on Saturday. Yesterday, he was interviewed by WUSA9’s Bruce Johnson and said he was sorry for his 2010 campaign’s illegalities.

“Frankly, the things that happened in my campaign, you know, they were painful, they were embarrassing to me,” Gray told Johnson. “There were things that I wish hadn’t happened, and I’m very sorry that those things happened. . . . I didn’t do anything. At the same time I want to apologize to people about the campaign.” . . . “I can’t apologize for what other people did, but it was the Vincent Gray campaign. I understand that.”

Nevertheless, the debate remains set — 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 9. This exchange of views on issues about the District of Columbia is open to all on a first-come, first-serve basis per seating arrangements; doors open 6 p.m.

The debate is for candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for mayor. While Mayor Vincent Gray has dropped out of tonight’s debate, four Council members Jack Evans, Vincent Orange, Muriel Bowser and Tommy Wells, who are seeking to win the Democratic primary, plan to be there — as well as State Department official Reta Jo Lewis and restaurateur Andy Shallal. Other candidates include: musician Carlos Allen and contractor Christian Carter. Current Newspapers publisher Davis Kennedy will moderate the program.

For more information, call Dumbarton House — 2715 Q St., NW — at 202-337-2288.