WASHINGTON — D.C. Councilmember Michael A. Brown and challenger David Grosso sparred over Brown’s personal finances and Grosso’s misdemeanor marijuana conviction during their first televised debate.

Grosso said on NewsChannel 8′s “NewsTalk” program Thursday that Brown is “not fit to be in office” because of his struggles managing his personal and campaign finances. Brown accused Grosso of trying to hide his 1993 guilty plea to possessing a small amount of marijuana. Grosso says he has been honest about that charge.

The battle for Brown’s at-large seat is expected to be the most competitive race in the District of Columbia this fall. Campaign finance reports show that Grosso has more than three times as much money in the bank as Brown, who says more than $110,000 was stolen from his campaign account.

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