ads accusing her of misrepresenting the death of her brother, who was killed while robbing a grocery store in 1980. Her disappointing showing in the primary was a surprise to many political pundits. Jim Singleton's career in politics began in the 1970s under mayor Moon Landrieu and included a 24-year stint on city council. Leader of the Central City political organization BOLD, Singleton controlled a powerful voting bloc in council for much of the 1990s. Troy Carter, city council member for District C, ran on a campaign promoting economic development. With a reputation as an aggressive fundraiser, he raised $1.1 million for his primary race, more than any of his opponents. Other candidates also running included: Tulane University law professor Vernon Palmer Pastor Leonard Lucas, who defeated longtime incumbent Sherman Copelin to become a State Representative in 1999 funeral home owner Emile Labat Clarence Hunt, the owner of two employment recruiting firms, who returned to New Orleans to run for mayor after living in California for years gardener Quentin Brown Jr. lawyer Thomas Delahay Dunn Jr. University of New Orleans student Timothy Hill unemployed actor and supermarket produce manager Manny "Chevrolet" Bruno lawyer Ed Cerrone plumber Albert "Superman" Jones Write-in Drew “Player for Mayor” Michel Campaign The primary campaign was relatively short and quiet. The candidates agreed on most major issues, including the need to boost the city's economic climate by eliminating patronage and improving public schools. Some controversy arose from one of Nagin's main campaign planks, a proposal to sell or lease the city's Louis Armstrong International Airport and use the money to improve roads and schools. Other candidates proposed regionalizing the airport, but were unwilling to take the drastic step desired by Nagin. Nagin also proposed setting up committees to oversee the appointment of officials in an effort to curb political patronage, while Pennington insisted on retaining mayoral prerogative in appointments. Nagin was also the only candidate to oppose a living wage referendum, which passed but was eventually defeated in court. Nagin went into the primary round of voting with influential endorsements from both the Times-Picayune and the Gambit. Outgoing mayor Marc Morial did not endorse any candidates in the primary or the runoff; both leading candidates were promising a reduction in the patronage that was so prominent in Morial's administration. The runoff campaign saw Nagin pick up endorsements from defeated candidates Singleton, Carter, and Lucas. The campaign