Photo by Michael DeAngelis.

It took long enough. Reports are coming in that D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee has begun campaigning on behalf of Mayor Adrian Fenty. Rhee spoke at a rally in Chevy Chase this morning, and then appeared with Fenty as he campaigned in Eastern Market. Rhee, who has been a subject of controversy in this year’s primary battle, had mostly stayed away from campaigning, citing concerns with the Hatch Act, a federal law that limits campaigning by government employees.

Rhee’s speech in Chevy Chase, the upscale neighborhood once considered safe Fenty territory, took place just blocks from an early voting location. Fenty has been mounting a massive early voting effort, which has included arranging vans to bring voters to polling places. According to the Washington Post, Rhee’s speech mostly discussed economic development and city-wide progress. Rhee told the crowd “What I want to be very, very clear about is that the work is not done yet. The only way we are going to continue the progress we’ve seen is to reelect this man here.” The chancellor also acknowledged the mayor has made mistakes, but that he has learned from them. This has been the emerging theme at the close of the campaign, which some have dubbed Fenty’s “apology tour.”

Rhee is limited to a certain extent by the Hatch Act, however she is permitted to speak at rallies in the capacity as a private citizen.

Fenty trails Council Chair Vincent Gray in the polls, though voters across the city indicate they are pleased with the progress the city has made. Voters appear to have mixed feelings about Rhee, whose bold reform efforts have caused division. Gray has refused to comment on whether he would fire Rhee if elected.

At this point in the campaign, Fenty has little to lose by appearing with Rhee. Fenty’s only hope for reelection is to shore up support among those who approve of Rhee and her reform efforts. Rhee has said she will continue to support the mayor any way she can in her off-hours.