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DURHAM -- The People's Alliance announced this week that it's endorsed the incumbents running for re-election in this year's City Council and mayoral races.
The liberal group is backing Mayor Bill Bell, Ward 1 Councilwoman Cora Cole-McFadden, Ward 2 Councilman Howard Clement and Ward 3 Councilman Mike Woodard.
People's Alliance spokesman Milo Pyne said the group believes that because of the economy, the city needs continuity at the top.
"These are difficult times and we don't want to take a chance on new hands," Pyne said, adding that all four candidates received unanimous, voice-vote support from the 60-some people who participated in the endorsement debate.
The challengers, by contrast, all lack the "record of service" members were looking for, he said.
Though some gave good answers to the group's questionnaire, "the overall package is just not there," Pyne said.
The conservative Friends of Durham political group and the N.C. Sheriff Police Alliance have also endorsed the incumbents. Still to be heard from is the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People.
The primary is Oct. 6 and the general election is Nov. 3.
