BEN NUCKOLS
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former D.C. council member Carol Schwartz has submitted more than 6,500 petition signatures to get her name on the mayoral ballot for the fifth time.

Schwartz, an independent, is challenging two current council members, Democrat Muriel Bowser and independent David Catania.

Schwartz needed 3,000 signatures to make the ballot. She said Wednesday that she collected signatures with the help of more than 70 volunteers, which she says shows her campaign’s strength. Schwartz says the only people doubting her chances are reporters.

Schwartz is not trying to raise much money but says she has lent her campaign $30,000 and has more than matched that with contributions, most of them small.

In 1994, Schwartz received 42 percent of the vote while challenging Marion Barry. A non-Democrat has never been elected mayor.

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