UPDATE: Includes Reaction From Candidates Supernaw & Watkins: Mayor Foster Endorses Incumbent Councilman Patrick O'Donnell's Third Term Write-In Campaign

(April 2, 2012) -- Below is a release [UPDATE: reaction also added below] issued at midday today (April 2) by the campaign to elect Councilman Patrick O'Donnell to a third term via LB's write-in procedure.

[O'Donnell campaign release text] Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster has announced his endorsement of Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell in the 4th District City Council Race. Mayor Foster is a respected leader, businessman and environmental champion. His endorsement comes as voters prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming April 10th Election.

"Patrick always fights for his constituents and I’m pleased to support his write- in campaign. I know Patrick will continue to work hard to create jobs and balance our city's budget," said Mayor Bob Foster.

"I’m honored to have Mayor Foster’s endorsement in my write in campaign," said O’Donnell. "Everyone knows he’s an independent leader who is great for Long Beach. I look forward to continuing to tackle the challenges ahead of us."

Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell is running for a third term on the Long Beach City Council as a write in candidate. Voters won’t see his name on their ballot -- however, they can easily write his name in on their ballot by filling in the write in bubble, and writing his name on the line.

Patrick O’Donnell was first elected to the Long Beach City Council in 2004. He ran unopposed in 2008. He lives in the Los Altos area with his wife, Jennifer, who owns a small business and his two daughters.

In addition to Mayor Foster, Patrick is endorsed by the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, Senator Alan Lowenthal and Long Beach Police and Firefighters.

Two candidates' names are on ballot in the 4th Council district: Daryl Supernaw (President of the Atherton Corridor Neighborhood Ass'n/member of city's Sustainability Comm'n) and John Watkins (a retired LBPD Sergeant).

UPDATE: LBReport.com invited reactions from candidates Watkins and Supernaw. Below are their responses received:

John Watkins: I regret that Mayor Foster endorsed a campaign that referred to my family as racists. While proudly serving on the Long Beach Police Department for 29 years, I was called a lot of things, but this hits a new low - a personal attack against my family. I have sent a letter to Pat, requesting that he publicly condemn this attack from his campaign supporters and demand that these public employee unions cease with their negative campaign. And he owes my family an apology.

Daryl Supernaw: This endorsement substantiates even more that voters have very clear choice next Tuesday. Do they want "business as usual" with budget deficits, crumbling infrastructure and reduced public safety levels, or do they want someone new who would not tolerate unpaid parking tickets reaching the 18 million dollar level.

Mayor Foster has also endorsed Lillian Kawasaki in the 8th Council district...who is running against Al Austin...who is endorsed by outgoing 8th dist. Councilmember Rae Gabelich and by LB's police and firefighter unions...and was endorsed by Mayor Foster in a 2007 run for the 6th Council district (won by now-incumbent Dee Andrews.