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(AP) -- State Sen. Ralph Long endorsed mayoral candidate Mary Norwood from the heart of his heavily black southwest Atlanta district. 

Long is the first black leader to back Norwood, the only white candidate seen as a frontrunner in the Nov. 3 contest. Long condemned a racially charged memo that circulated last week among black Atlantans encouraging them to rally behind Lisa Borders, who was cast as the leading black candidate.  Norwood has held a citywide council post for 8 years.

Flanked by dozens of mostly black supporters, Norwood on Thursday reiterated her commitment to representing the entire city. 

Long said his endorsement was based on her support of a homegrown police chief and economic development, especially in blighted areas.

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