Mayor John DeStefano is standing by an aldermanic candidate who has been catching heat for failing to pay $20,000 in child support for his kids in two different states.
Marcus Paca (pictured), who’s 31, is running in Edgewood against veteran Ward 24 Alderwoman Liz McCormack in a Democratic primary. Click here for a story detailing his legal woes and extensive reader debate. DeStefano’s administration and the Democratic machine have supported Paca from the outset; McCormack is not considered a reliable vote for City Hall.
“I support him,” said DeStefano Wednesday.
“Has he made some mistakes? Yes,” said the mayor. But he said Paca has been honest in owning up to what he did.
“I don’t think he should be crossed off the list for this offense.”
“The issue is whether it’s a deterrent to voters,” he said.
The mayor was asked about allegations that his Democratic team didn’t adequately vet the candidate before publicly supporting him.
“Marcus wasn’t recruited to run,” responded DeStefano. “Marcus decided to run.”
He said he believes Paca is a better alternative to McCormack because he has “energy” and because on the campaign trail he is showing a commitment to working with people in the ward. The campaign will be won or lost based on those face-to-face interactions, he said.
“Voters will make the decision in the end.”