Andrew Young endorses Bottoms in mayor's race, Fort remains neutral

ATLANTA - A former mayor, U.N. ambassador and civil rights icon made a decision on who he wanted to endorse in Atlanta's narrow race for mayor.

Andrew Young initially got behind former City Council President Ceasar Mitchell in the race for Atlanta's next mayor, but today he put his name behind Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Bottoms, a member of the Atlanta City Council, is in a runoff against Mary Norwood, who also serves on the council.

Young said his choice represents the best chance for Atlanta to continue the multiracial coalition that has led to the city's growth.

Mitchell finished sixth in the election's first round and has endorsed Norwood yesterday, prompting Mayor Kasim Reed, a supporter of Bottoms, to call them both "losers." 

Former Georgia state Sen. Vincent Fort, who failed to finish in one of the top two spots, also held a press conference today to discuss his endorsement.

Fort heaped praise on Mary Norwood, recounting how he'd worked with her in the past. Yet, he decided it would be best for him to remain neutral.

He said his candidacy sparked a "revolution," and vowed to continue what he started despite falling short of his goal.

Bottoms finished first in the Nov. 3 vote with 26 percent of the vote. Norwood received 21 percent.