Ted Wheeler backed by Portland Business Alliance

State Treasurer and former Multnomah County Chairman Ted Wheeler got a big endorsement Wednesday when the Portland Business Alliance backed his bid.

At the same time, the Alliance did have kind words for Wheeler's opponent, Jules Bailey saying, they "sincerely hope to see him in a major leadership position at some point in the future."

The chairman of the Alliance's Board of Directors, Mitch Hornecker, said that while Portland has "two very strong candidates to choose from (the) decision came down to one critical attribute: experience.

"(Wheeler's) years at the head of two key government entities, Multnomah County and the Oregon Treasury, makes him best prepared to lead our city and deal with such issues as homelessness and housing affordability," Hornecker said.

On Tuesday, Wheeler became the fist candidate to receive the backing of a current City Council member when Nick Fish endorsed him.

It won't be clear how much of a difference the Alliance's endorsement will make.

Their candidate has lost two of the last three elections (Eileen Brady who lost to Charlie Hales and Jim Francesconi who lost to Tom Potter) and in the third, they endorsed both candidates (Sam Adams and Sho Dozono; Adams won) so they couldn't lose.

The primary is May 17.

More on Portland's Race for Mayor

Nick Fish backs Wheeler

Portland Police Union supports Bailey