Obama endorses Durham mayor, and vice versa

DURHAM -- Barack Obama thinks Bill Bell should remain mayor of Durham, and Bell thinks Obama should be president.

The political back-scratching occurred today, just days before the Durham mayoral race that pits Bell against challenger Thomas Stith III.

Obama is "well-respected both nationally and in North Carolina," Bell said today. "Certainly his endorsement should carry some credibility."

Six years ago when he first ran for mayor, Bell came up with a similar November surprise: Former President Bill Clinton recorded a pro-Bell phone message that was sent primarily to black households in Durham.

That helped propel Bell to a narrow victory over popular incumbent Nick Tennyson.

It wasn't immediately clear whether Obama would do anything similar this time around; a campaign aide stayed mum when asked.

The support of Obama, one of the most prominent and respected black politicians in the country, can't hurt Bell in a city where 42 percent of registered voters are black.

Stith did his best to rain on Bell's parade, saying the incumbent shouldn't be proud of having to go outside the Bull City for a boost.

"You would hope the people of Durham would be able to decide a local election," Stith said.

"To me it just shows that [Bell] is trying to do whatever he can to hold onto power and continue the failed policies that we've been subjected to."