Borders Readies Endorsement

Published Nov. 11, 2009 at 10:59 a.m.

(WSB Radio) -- The woman who finished third in the Atlanta Mayor's race says she will support Kasim Reed in the December 1st runoff election against Mary Norwood.

Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders made her decision public in a  2 p.m. news conference.

Borders says after talking with both candidates, she shared similar policy ideas with Reed on issues such as public safety, the city's finances, and afterschool recreation centers.

She says Reed can count on her to campaign for him door to door.

"This endorsement comes with my full support and the support of all my supporters who are willing to stay engaged...they have agreed that we want Kasim to win...and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with his team immediately," says Borders.

As for Borders role should Reed be elected, he says she'll definitely play a role on his transition team and offer advice in the lease extension with Delta airlines.

During post-election meetings last Thursday and Friday, Borders questioned both candidates about their ability to withstand the financial storm, pull the city together and deliver what Atlanta needs.

On November 3rd, City Councilwoman Norwood received 47 percent of the vote.  Reed, the former State Senator from Atlanta, garnered 36 percent.  Borders was a distant third with 14.5 percent.

The new mayor will replace Shirley Franklin, who by law, cannot serve a third consecutive term.

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