Shawn Rocco - srocco@newsobserver.com
Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker, right, has endorsed mayoral candidate Nancy McFarlane as his successor.
RALEIGH -- Mayor Charles Meeker is endorsing Nancy McFarlane as his successor.
"She's run a strong campaign," Meeker said. "She's been a very good city councilor. And I think she's going to be an outstanding mayor."
Meeker, who is not seeking a record sixth term, made the announcement today eight days before the Oct. 11 election at his downtown law office.
It could be a major boost for McFarlane, a two-term councilwoman who is involved in a three-way race for the seat against real estate executive Billie Redmond and gynecologist Randall Williams.
Since joining the council in 2007, McFarlane has generally supported Meeker's progressive agenda, centered on downtown revitalization, parks and greenways and environmental safeguards.
She spent 15 years at Raleigh Community Hospital before launching MedPro Rx, a company that provides infusion medications and services to clients with chronic illnesses.