Baltimore City State?s Attorney Patricia Jessamy, who has not made an endorsement in any citywide race since her election in 1995, threw her support behind City Councilman Kenneth Harris Tuesday for the council?s top job.
“Ken Harris has been one of the members of the council who has been responsive to our efforts ? and he has done so in a nonhostile and non-aggrandizing way,” Jessamy said in a written statement.
Her husband, Henry, who spoke on her behalf at a news conference Tuesday morning while she attended a conference in Atlanta, said Harris? loyalty earned him her support.
“He stood by her in 2002 when she was up for re-election and no one wanted to go near her,” he said. “She hasn?t forgotten that.”
Harris expressed thanks for Jessamy?s support and said he would continue to support her.
“We need new leadership in the council and I?m not afraid to speak my mind,” Harris said. “I will continue to fight for the citizens of Baltimore.”
Harris also received an endorsement from state Sen. Joan Carter Conaway, D-District 43.
“Based on [what] has happened to the city government, we need Ken Harris as City Council president,” she said.
U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin also attended to support the endorsements.
“He has the vision we need, and more importantly, the integrity; he?s not afraid to stand on his own,” Cardin said.
Luke Clippinger, the campaign manager for City Council President and candidate Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, was unfazed by the endorsement.
“We?re looking forward to showcase some of the people who are coming out and supporting her,” he said of Rawlings-Blake. “She has strong support on the City Council and in the community.”
