FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Karen Miler, 443-838-1518
August 13, 2007—Governor Martin O'Malley and former-Congressman Kweisi Mfume endorsed Mayor Sheila Dixon today, surrounded by numerous other elected officials.
The joint endorsement follows earlier political endorsements by Comptroller Peter Franchot, and Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger.
Among the mayor's political supporters, State Senators Catherine Pugh and Nathaniel McFadden attended along with state delegates and city council members. The full Baltimore City Delegation endorsed the mayor as well (see addendum below).
In response to the outpouring of support, Mayor Dixon said, "My vision for Baltimore is strengthened knowing that so many of my esteemed colleagues believe that I am the person for the job. With this kind of executive support, we can make our city a truly cleaner, greener, healthier and safer city."
Gov. O'Malley, though publicly quiet about his endorsement until recently, has supported the mayor behind the scenes since her campaign began. "Mayor Dixon has a record of accomplishment and progress in the City of Baltimore, and I am proud to endorse her today," said O'Malley. "Mayor Dixon has shown time again that she has the experience and the energy to bring people together to produce results - to solve problems - and improve the quality of life for the people of our City."
Said Rep. Mfume, former president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, "I know her commitment to public service. She represents a bright hope for the city. She's earned her endorsement. She's earned the right to serve as mayor."
Both announced their support at 11 a.m. in front of the War Memorial, across from City Hall. Pastor Frank Reid, of Bethel A.M.E., the mayor's church, provided opening remarks and introduced Gov. O'Malley and Rep. Mfume.
Donning navy blue and white, cheerleaders from Northwestern High School, Mayor Dixon's alma mater, deemed her an honorary cheerleader.
A lifelong Baltimore resident and former elementary school teacher, Mayor Dixon has been a community advocate and public servant for over two decades. The West Baltimore resident and mother of two serves on numerous community boards and is an active member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church.
Political Endorsements:
1. Governor Martin O'Malley
2. Congressman Kweisi Mfume
3. Senator Verna Jones
4. Senator Catherine Pugh
5. Senator Nathaniel McFadden
6. Senator Lisa Gladden
7. Senator George Della
8. Senator Joan Carter Conway
9. Delegate Barbara Robinson
10. Delegate Shawn Tarrant
11. Delegate Samuel Rosenberg
12. Delegate Nathaniel Oaks
13. Delegate Curt Anderson
14. Delegate Ann Marie Doory
15. Delegate Maggie McIntosh
16. Delegate Ruth Kirk
17. Delegate Keith Haynes
18. Delegate Melvin Stukes
19. Delegate Cheryl Glenn
20. Delegate Talmadge Branch
21. Delegate Hattie Harrison
22. Delegate Carolyn Krysiak
23. Delegate Brian McHale
24. Delegate Peter Hammen
25. Councilwoman Rikki Spector
26. Councilwoman Helen Holton
27. Councilman Robert Curran
28. Councilman James Kraft
29. Councilwoman Sharon Middleton
30. Councilwoman Agnes Welch
31. Councilwoman Reisinger
32. Councilman Bernard "Jack" Young
**Also joined by Delegate Shirley Nathan-Pulliam (Baltimore County) and Delegate Tom Hucker (Montgomery County)
