Former DC Mayor Poised for Comeback with Federal Probe Over

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Washington mayor Vincent Gray appears poised for a return to politics now that federal prosecutors have dropped their nearly five-year investigation of his 2010 election campaign.

Six people who worked on the campaign pleaded guilty to felonies as prosecutors tried to build their case against the former mayor. The most serious revelations involved a $660,000 slush fund that an influential businessman used to boost Gray's get-out-the-vote efforts. Gray apologized repeatedly for his aides' actions, but insisted he never broke any laws.

The U.S. Attorney's office announced Wednesday that there wasn't enough evidence to charge anyone else.

Gray is now pondering a bid for the D.C. Council. He could run in his home ward east of the Anacostia River, where he still has a strong base of support.

(Story by: Ben Nuckols, The Associated Press)