Carrie Meek Endorses Gimenez For Mayor

MIAMI DADE (CBS4) - Less than 24 hours after a new poll showed Miami-Dade mayoral candidate Carlos Gimenez with a substantial lead over his opponent Julio Robaina in the eyes of likely voters, he picked up a major endorsement from a longtime South Florida politician.

"Carlos Gimenez is the man we need," former Congresswoman Carrie Meek told a gathered crowd at Gimenez's campaign headquarters. "It's not often we find an honest person running for elected office, but we have one right here. We need Carlos Gimenez."

"I am truly humbled to have the support of Congressman Meek," said Gimenez. "What she has done for our community is very admirable and I vow to continue moving her efforts forward to bring a brighter future for all of Miami-Dade."

Miami Gardens Councilman Andre Williams, former North Miami City Manager Clearance Patterson and former North Miami Councilman Jacques Despinosse also expressed their support for Gimenez's candidacy by attending the open house.

According to the latest poll sponsored by CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald, 50 percent of likely voters would pick one time underdog Gimenez. Only 39 percent said they would vote for Robaina, who has been the front-runner since the March 15th recall of Carlos Alvarez. However, 11 percent of the voters said they had yet to make up their minds.

Miami-Dade Mayoral Election Poll

'The poll, conducted by Bendixen and Amandi International, found that Gimenez, a former county commissioner, has garnered support from various groups of voters including Hispanics under the age of 65, African Americans and non-Hispanic whites.

Meek's endorsement on Saturday should go along way in helping him secure the African American vote.

Robaina, however, received the most support from only his core group - older Hispanics. His failure to widen his appeal could lead to his loss in the June 28th election.