Supporters To Gather Downtown For Menino Campaign Kick-Off

Mayor Tom Menino is expected to announce Wednesday that he is running for re-election.

Supporters of Mayor Menino have been asked to appear at an event downtown where they were told he would announce his candidacy. The Mayor is also expected to make appearances in Roslindale and Roxbury tonight.

One of Menino's opponents, City Councilor Michael Flaherty, welcomes the mayor's entry into the race.

"People in this city are desperate for a public discourse and a debate, something that has not occurred in Boston for a long, long time," Flaherty said.

Another of Menino's opponents, City Councilor Sam Yoon, declined to comment. His campaign says today is the mayor's day.

Menino would be running for his fifth full term.