Gray now has security detail

Continuing to assume the role of front-runner in Tuesday's Democratic primary, D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray now has a security detail.

Gray said some of his advisers persuaded him to be shadowed by guards because of heated passions in his race against Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D).

"They're worried about me, and I appreciate that," Gray said Monday. "But I am very comfortable in this city and was born and raised here."

Gray said taxpayers are not picking up the tab for his detail because the guards are volunteering their time to his campaign.

Gray said there have been no specific threats against him, but he noted that there have been testy exchanges on the campaign trail between supporters of both candidates. Last week, Gray said he felt harassed when some Fenty supporters chased him while he tried to campaign in Southeast Washington.

Fenty also has a security detail, but he frequently drives himself around the city and shows up to events on his own. But city officials have stressed that even though Fenty often appears to be alone, his detail is keeping close tabs on him out of public view.