In a press conference today, former Boston mayoral candidates John Barros and Felix Arroyo took to the podium to formally announce their endorsement of State Representative Marty Walsh. Speaking at William F. Flaherty Playground Park, the contender for Tom Menino’s City Hall office was humbled and honored.

With backing from Barros and Arroyo, it’s only a matter of time before Walsh closes the mere 7-point marginal gap recently estimated by the latest Suffolk University Poll.

Arroyo, a Boston City Councilor At-Large, said in his address, “While my campaign has come to an end my commitment to our City has not.  Marty Walsh stands out as the candidate who uniquely understands the critical importance of these issues for Boston’s future.  I am proud to endorse Marty and look forward to campaigning with him through Election Day”

Similarly Barros, a community outreach advocate, made mention that, “We need a Mayor who will not only work to improve our education system, but one that will work to ensure every child has a quality educational seat, one that will work to ensure every resident and neighborhood has opportunity for affordable housing, one that will work to ensure every neighborhood is benefiting from economic development, and ensure that every resident lives in a safe neighborhood. Marty is the candidate that can do that.”

Both former mayoral candidates carry enough respect and reputation to send shivers down the spine of the John Connolly campaign. Walsh’s chief rival will have ample time to state his own case, as four televised debates are scheduled prior to the November 5 election day.

[Photo courtesy of the Committee to Elect Martin J. Walsh]