New Cropp Fliers Attack Fenty

Sean Tenner, a campaign consultant with M+R Strategic Services, which conducts direct mailings, said he was unsure why the Cropp material used images that were not of Fenty. "I find it odd that they would not use a photo of Fenty, given that he's a public figure," Tenner said.

Ron Eckstein, Cropp's campaign spokesman, said the issue was not important. "The question is really whether or not these statements are true," he said. "All are true."

A head shot of Fenty is shown on the other side of the campaign literature next to text that reads: "Adrian Fenty turned his back when we needed him." Three smaller photos of the white-shirted man appear next to text that accuses Fenty of neglecting the elderly, children and families.

Cropp points to the case of an elderly legal client whose finances Fenty did not protect seven years ago, citing a court investigation that found he was "either incompetent or negligent or both." Cropp has frequently mentioned the case in recent weeks, and Fenty has acknowledged mistakes and taken responsibility.

The mailer also said Fenty "voted to kill rent control reforms" because he supported a bill in council committee that abolished rent ceilings. The council passed unanimously a final compromise bill that Fenty supported.

Fenty, who was canvassing for votes when contacted by a reporter, said he had just knocked on the door of a voter who told him the "Blind Ambition" literature persuaded her to vote for him.

"This is what we are consistently hearing from voters," Fenty said. "They think those type of personal, dirty tactics just cross the line."

Cropp has bought advertising time on several broadcast and cable stations, Eckstein said, and the ads will start airing tomorrow.

Representatives from WRC-TV (Channel 4) said Cropp has two advertisements, a positive ad highlighting her background and another one comparing her record of accomplishments with Fenty's.