Most of the 17 mayors supporting Sutherland are Republicans. No surprise there. It's the two democrats and one independent among them that Sutherland is touting.
SUTHERLAND: In order for us to move forward, we have to cross whatever divides us, whether it's party, community, whatever. And, we've got to work together to try and move this region forward.
Standing with supporters outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Sutherland said there are ten other democratic mayors who support her but won't say so publicly for fear of backlash. Parma Heights mayor Martin Zanotti recently crossed party lines to endorse Sutherland and was promptly kicked off the Cuyahoga County Democrats' executive committee.
That hasn't stopped Democratic Mayor Bruce Rinker of Mayfield Village from supporting Sutherland. Rinker says he admires Sutherland's work on the Cuyahoga County Mayors and Managers Association, which promotes towns and cities working together. He's not sure, though, what the party reaction to his cross-party endorsement will be.
RINKER: I really haven't contemplated that. I'm aware of it, but I've been much more attuned to the fact that, knowing Mayor Sutherland, I think she brings a lot into play and I think those are positive things.
A county democratic party official says Mayor Rinker is likely to be asked to resign from the 750 member executive committee - that's the body that endorses candidates for office. The party bylaws require elected democrats to support the party's endorsed candidates.