After 8 Years, Incumbent Faces Challenge in Primary

Despite Evans's boasts about rec centers and libraries, there is outcry from many in the ward for more focus on neighborhood projects, which Silverman has used to gain momentum. He has tapped into community activists and others upset with Evans about ward issues, such as Evans's initial support of the sale to a private developer of the West End Library branch, a fire station and surrounding land.

Silverman has used his campaign to reach out to new voters and said, if elected, he would focus on neighborhood projects and be attentive to constituent services. Evans also has been knocking on doors, introducing himself to those new voters.

Silverman also has zeroed in on the tax scandal, questioning Evans's handling of the financial issues.

Evans said in an interview that he took charge after the embezzlement was discovered by getting consultants to review the scandal and interview workers. He said the biggest problem has been a culture of silence since among tax employees.

Some community leaders said privately that Silverman might not have the organization to win but that he has shown that Evans is vulnerable. Evans is facing more questions than ever, but how they translate at the polls is another issue.

Since his election in 1991, Evans has seemed unbeatable, with no one stepping up in the primary, which in the Democrat-dominated city can often be the real contest. This year, he has won all major endorsements, including nods from Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) and Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D).

"There is a bit of a 'youthquake' out there bubbling," said Joel Lawson, president of the Dupont Citizens Association, who said he is remaining neutral publicly. "Cary is working incredibly hard. He's a very nice and smart new person on the scene. . . . But Jack has been very quick to embrace new technologies and new ideas."

During an interview at the John A. Wilson Building, Evans displayed two BlackBerrys, which he slid down a table like air hockey pucks.

"I have two . . . one black, one silver," he said.

The BlackBerrys are not just about technology -- they are about political adaptability. In the 2006 campaign for mayor, Evans supported then-Council Chairman Linda W. Cropp against then-Ward 4 Council member Fenty. Evans criticized Fenty for being tethered to his BlackBerry and unengaged during council meetings.

"Given his council performance, I did not think he had a grasp on being mayor," Evans said. "I'll be the first to admit that was not the case."

Fenty said Evans has a finance background the city needs. "It's an institutional knowledge . . . and a sense of urgency," he said.