The vote follows a contentious week that included accusations of secret deals and heavy-handed influence by Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and former Congressman Lou Stokes. They endorsed Warrensville Heights Mayor Marcia Fudge after a closed door meeting with all the candidates.
This morning, the Black Elected Democrats of Cleveland also endorsed Fudge. One of its' members, who is also a voter tonight, is Cleveland Ward Three Councilman Zack Reed. He expects the endorsements to be persuasive.
REED: "I think they'll look at all that entire leadership, that they've had confidence in now, and in the past; and they'll say "You know what? These guys haven't failed us in the past with good recomendations," and I think they'll take those things into account."
Three independents and Republican Thomas Pekarek are also vying for the seat.