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Two former Salem mayors have announced their endorsement of Carter Turner, the Democratic challenger in the 8th District House of Delegates race.

One was expected: Former Mayor Howard Packett ran and lost as a Democrat against current Del. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, in 1993.

Packett's predecessor as mayor, Sonny Tarpley is a Republican, and he also has endorsed Turner.

Tarpley served as Salem's mayor for 10 years before stepping down in 2006. He is believed to be the longest-serving councilman in Salem's history.

Both Tarpley and Packett cited their friendship with Turner and his family as a factor behind their support."I'm not an anti-Morgan person," Tarpley said. "I think he [Turner] is a fresh young face. Maybe we need that."

Packett said he considers himself a friend of Griffith's, but added, "The Republicans have been in charge in Richmond for a long time and things are not going well.

"Turner's a good candidate and I think it's time we got some good new people down in Richmond," he continued, but added, "Morgan is the House leader. It's going to be a tough fight."

Current Salem Mayor Randy Foley announced his support for Turner in July, days after Turner entered the race. The two are longtime friends and were teammates on the 1986 Salem High School football team.

"I think it's significant that the two past mayors and the current mayor are supporting him," Packett said Wednesday.

The Griffith campaign announced its own endorsement Tuesday from a political action committee representing the National Federation of Independent Business.

The district includes Salem and much of Roanoke County.