As we hit the final stretch of the campaign, more of Philly’s big guns are getting off the bench and throwing their support behind their chosen candidate.

For instance, State Senator Vincent Hughes announced today his endorsement of Jim Kenney.

“Both as a councilman and a candidate, Jim Kenney has showed a strong commitment to public education,” said Hughes. “He has a clear plan for municipal District funding and has committed to working with me to get every child reading at grade level. As the first candidate to come-out in support of universal pre-k and community schools, he also clearly has a comprehensive understanding of what a quality education looks like for our children. I’m proud to support him for mayor.”

“State Senator Hughes will be an invaluable ally in Harrisburg for the next mayor, and I’m honored to have his support,” Kenney responded. “Senator Hughes and I agree that there is no issue more pressing than the state of Philadelphia’s public schools, and we are both committed to increasing state and local funding for our children and teachers. I look forward to working with him to provide a quality, neighborhood school for every child, regardless of which community they live in.”

Meanwhile, ever since the Inquirer/NBC10 poll showed Kenney with such a wide lead against his opponents, Anthony Williams has been fighting back.

He challenged Kenney directly in a press conference today while attempting to tie him unfavorably to powerful union leader John Dougherty.

WHYY Newsworks’ NinetyNine also revealed a number of prominent Philadelphians are coming out to support State Sen. Anthony Williams including: Lt. Governor, Mike Stack, Congressman Chaka Fattah, District Attorney Seth Williams and Fmr. City Controller Jonathan Saidel.

“I support Tony Williams because he is the only candidate with a real plan to address the City’s most pressing issue, and the issue I have championed my entire career: quality education and educational opportunities for all of Philadelphia’s children and families,” Rep. Fattah stated.