http://www.wate.com/story/15624522/former-opponents-back-mark-padgett-for-knoxville-mayor

His three former opponents and the Knox County sheriff have thrown their support behind mayoral candidate Mark Padgett.

The announcement came Wednesday in a downtown news conference that followed a press release from the Padgett campaign.

Padgett finished second behind Madeline Rogero in the race, but she lacked 50 percent of the votes plus one vote to win outright.

The mayor's race will be decided in a runoff in the November general election.

"Mark is pro-business and pro-neighborhood. He has the heart and passion to serve our community, and he's a fiscal conservative who understands how to create jobs and grow our economy," said Ivan Harmon.

Harmon, a former Knoxville city councilman and Knox County commissioner, finished third in the September primary.

"As I've gotten to know Mark on the campaign trail, I've come to appreciate his intelligence, vision and passion," said former councilman and fourth place mayoral finisher Joe Hultquist.

"He understands that Knoxville has to think regionally to grow the local economy and improve our quality of life," Hultquist added.

"After getting to know Mark and his character, I'm supporting his candidacy because I believe he will serve all of Knoxville with a servant's heart," said Bo Bennett, a 911 operator who finished out the mayoral field in fifth place.

"Like me, Mark is not a career politician, and I think that's what we need to help bring our communities together and grow Knoxville," Bennett added.

"Mark has the leadership qualities needed to be a great mayor," said Knox County Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones. "He understands that an involved community is a safe community and will be a great partner in making our neighborhoods stronger and safer."

Early voting for the general election is from Wednesday, October 19 through Thursday, November 3.

Election day is Tuesday, November 8.