By BJ Austin
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-969043.mp3
Dallas, TX – City Councilman Ron Natinsky says he'll decide in the next few days if he'll endorse anyone in the runoff race for Dallas Mayor. KERA's BJ Austin reports.
Natinsky came in third in Saturday's vote - behind Mike Rawlings and David Kunkle - who are now in the runoff. Natinsky's decision "could" sway the 17 thousand who voted for him. But Dallas political strategist Leslie Sorrell says there's no guarantee.
Sorrell: Just because you get the endorsement doesn't mean all their followers will go and vote for that person.
Sorrell says an endorsement needs to bring more than a name to a campaign in order to be successful.
Sorrell: But unless someone is knocking on doors for you, or picking up the phone and getting their supporters to vote for you, or helping you raise money - it really doesn't go that far.
Former Pizza Hut CEO Mike Rawlings believes the Natinsky supporters' pro-business/no new taxes philosophy would translate well in his campaign. Rawlings says he's the pro-business candidate, and has vowed not to raise taxes. Former Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle says he's a no-tax-hike, fiscal conservative who protected Dallas citizens as Police Chief and will protect them at City Hall. Both runoff candidates are looking for endorsements, votes, and money for the June 18th runoff.