A D.C. Council committee threatened Thursday to open a probe into the city’s lottery contract after D.C.’s chief financial officer repeatedly declined to discuss the matter and a District lawmaker mounted an emotional defense of his conduct amid fresh allegations that his activities “had overtones of pay to play.”

“I have been an honest public servant in this city, and no one has suggested the contrary,” said Ward 1 Councilman Jim Graham, who demanded an end to what he called “this besmirching of what is an honorable record.”