"[Jesse L. Jackson]'s support of another candidate is an indication of a problem he has, and that is of betraying and going against people who helped him over the years," [Marion Barry] said during an appearance on the Diane Rehm Show on WAMU-FM. "I've been a strong supporter. I've helped Jesse Jackson more than anybody in this town."

Barry's comments about the campaign represent the second time this year he has publicly criticized Jackson. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in January, Barry scoffed at the possibility that Jackson would run for mayor, saying, "Jesse don't wanna run nothing but his mouth."

Jackson, who said he and Barry had not talked about the campaign or about Barry's unhappiness, said he decided to support Mason before Barry announced his candidacy for the council. He said Mason is one of the founders of the Statehood Party, and "I'm running for statehood senator."