Jim Martin endorses Kasim Reed in ATL mayoral runoff

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – Jim Martin, a veteran of state politics, endorsed Atlanta Mayoral candidate Kasim Reed Monday in his runoff battle against Mary Norwood.

WABE's Charles Edwards reports

Martin endorsed Reed near Freedom Parkway. Voters here have always hated plans to run an interstate through nearby neighborhoods. It's never happened but some, like Republican gubernatorial candidate John Oxendine, show interest.

Martin says Kasim Reed will fight against that proposal.

MARTIN: "We need to make sure we have a mayor who will stand up. Stand up for the neighborhoods. Stand up for Atlanta."

Mary Norwood is also against Oxendine's plans. Reed and Norwood have something else in common: location. Minutes after Martin endorsed Reed, Norwood was less than two miles away waving to voters.

Reed and Norwood need this part of Atlanta. It's district 6 and only one other district has more registered voters. Voter turnout here is typically high and this year could be the same. Voters here have to go back to the polls for a city council runoff as well. Both candidates hope that will boost turnout in their race.

Charles Edwards, WABE News.