WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Post has endorsed Democrat Muriel Bowser for District of Columbia mayor.

In an editorial posted online Friday (http://tinyurl.com/ma7gncx), The Post called Bowser “smart, capable and confident without being arrogant.”

Bowser, a D.C. councilmember, received The Post’s endorsement during the Democratic primary and defeated Mayor Vincent Gray. The Democratic nominee has won every mayoral election in the history of District self-rule.

The Post criticized Bowser’s closest rival, independent D.C. Councilmember David Catania, for his opposition to public financing for the Washington Nationals’ stadium and for his stewardship of the council’s education committee. It says he has passed bills “that were sure to capture headlines but would do little to improve schools.”

The Post says independent Carol Schwartz “has failed to present a credible rationale” for her candidacy.

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Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com

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