State lawmakers back Reed ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Today, about a dozen Atlanta state lawmakers endorsed Kasim Reed's Mayoral campaign.

The Democrats highlighted what Reed has done for Atlanta while he represented the city in the State House and Senate.

WABE's Charles Edwards reports

In the state House, Roger Bruce represents the same Southwest Atlanta district Kasim Reed did in the late 1990s. Over an 11 year period, Reed also served in the State Senate and Bruce says that experience is key.

BRUCE: "There's no city in this state that can do anything without state approval first. Who better to have in the role of Mayor than someone who's established those relationships."

One of those relationships is with State Senator Vincent Fort.

FORT: "I was with him when there was a proposal to increase the homestead exemption for the first time in almost 20 years from almost from 15 to 30 thousand dollars. And he stood up and worked with us and negotiated a piece of legislation which would do that."

In accepting their endorsements, Reed also said his legislative experience gives him an advantage over his competitors in getting the state to hear Atlanta's concerns about water and transportation.

REED: "And because of my relationships, candidly, I will be able to make sure that Atlanta's interests are a forethought rather than an afterthought and at the table."

Another lawmaker endorsing Reed is State Representative Karla Drenner; Georgia's only open lesbian member of the legislature.

However, Reed doesn't have all Atlanta state lawmakers' support.
Earlier this month, State Representative Ralph Long, a Democrat from Sylvan Hills, endorsed Mary Norwood.

Charles Edwards, WABE News. © Copyright 2012, WABE