Gillen and Reynolds-Brown were both endorsed by Liberty City Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club and the infamous 9th Ward. The 9th Ward, which covers parts of Chestnut Hill and Mount Airy, is important to candidates because it turns out a large number of votes under ward leader Andy Ross .
Liberty City is a good endorsement because it means support at the polls on election day.
Gillen was not surprised at the endorsement. Gillen, who beat out former 30th Ward leader Stanley White , said she intends to use her ward power to her advantage in this election. She said that although she likes Reynolds-Brown, she considers her to be a serious contender. Aside from Gillen and Reynolds-Brown, Liberty City endorsed John White Jr. for mayor. Reynolds-Brown is the former legislative aide to U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah and has picked up steam lately by getting around a lot more than she did when she last ran, in 1995.