Committeeman and state rep candidate Joe Palm is rapidly finding himself alone on a political island.

First, his committeewoman and ally, Pat Moss, withdrew her name from seeking re-election. Then he found himself with a serious opponent (Khatib Waheed) to his 26th Ward Committeeman post while at the same time trying to unseat State Rep. Talibdin “T.D.” El-Amin. And now, his ward’s alderman is publicly endorsing El-Amin for re-election.

The following press release from El-Amin’s campaign reports the endorsement of both Alderman Frank Williamson and Congressman Lacy Clay:

State Representative Talibdin “TD” El-Amin received yet another boost in his re-election bid. Congressman William “Lacy” Clay, 1st District and 26th Ward Alderman Frank Williamson announced the endorsement of Representative “TD” El-Amin.

“Congressman Clay and the Clay family have a long, and rich tradition in national, state and local politics and have been instrumental in shaping the political, social and economic landscape of St. Louis, and it’s a tremendous honor to have the Congressman’s support.”

Joining Congressman Clay in his support of El-Amin is Alderman Frank Williamson, 26th Ward.

“Representative El-Amin has demonstrated a strong ability to lead, his “hands-on, style of people-politics,” and his ability to build bridges makes him best suited to lead the 57th district,” stated Williamson.

“El-Amin has shown he’s not afraid to take on tough issues, his accessibility and commitment to engage the community and take a forward role in its stewardship makes him worthy of my support. I look forward to continuing to work with Representative El-Amin in his efforts to continue progress in the 57th District”, stated Congressman Clay.

El-Amin has garnered the support of other political heavyweights. Former Mayor Freeman Bosley Jr., St. Louis’s first African-American mayor has also thrown his support behind El-Amin’s candidacy, as well as Pearlie Evans, long-time community activist and former top aide to former Congressman Bill Clay.

This is how Jet Magazine reported on March 22, 1993:

Freeman Bosley Jr., is poised to become St. Louis’ first Black mayor after winning 44 percent of the vote in a four-man Democratic primary.

Bosley, 38, who is currently the Clerk of the Circuit Courts, polled 8,000 votes more than his closest challenger, Aldermanic President Tom Villa, and faces little-known Republican John P. Gorman in the April 6 general election. No Republican has been elected to the mayor’s office in 44 years.

Bosley, who captured a surprising number of White votes, is seeking to replace embattled mayor Vincent Schoemehl, who is retiring after 12 years in office. If Bosley is triumphant April 6, he would be sworn in April 20.

15 years later, it’s time to get the bang back together again.

On Monday, April 21, friends, supporters, and former members of that historic Bosley Administration, will be gathering at the Norman C. Probstein Clubhouse in Forest Park to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Freeman Bosley, Jr.’s inauguration as mayor.

WHERE: Norman C. Probstein Clubhouse, 6141 Lagoon Drive, 63112

WHEN:  Monday, April 21, from 5:30 - 7:30 PM

“People from all sections of St. Louis, of all ethnic backgrounds and all persuasions supported me,” Bosley told Jet in 1993. “That’s what makes me feel good, more than anything.”

Voters, Bosley said, want to “see a new attitude, an attitude of freshness, an attitude of togetherness, an attitude like we’re in this together and together we can make a difference.”

Fifteen years later, there may still be reasons greater than a party to get band back together.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BOSLEY ADMINISTRATION:

• Oversaw the battle against the Flood of 1993
• Helped to orchestrate the $70 million bailout of Trans World Airlines
• Help moved the Rams football team to St. Louis from California
• Expanded city services in north St. Louis neighborhoods that had long been underserved
• Two property tax increases were passed by the voters with funds helping to pay for neighborhood improvement projects, monies which all 28 wards still get today