"There are many people who could fill [Reeves' former] role," she says.

Duehay, too, cites the need for change that he believes many city councillors support.

"I think that what happened is that there are nine people on the City Council," Deuhay says. "I think that all of them want to be mayor at one time or another and someone serving twice prevents them from [enjoying] this opportunity."

Deuhay says all the councillors, and not just Reeves, have the leadership skills to head the City Council and the School Committee.

"All nine are elected and I think each person would bring different leadership skills and abilities [to the position]," Deuhay says. "People have different qualifications. [Reeves] is not the only one."

Other Candidates

Deuhay, who has served 13 two-year terms, emphasizes his experience as the main reason why he should be chosen mayor.

He says he was an elected member of the School Committee and has served as mayor twice before.

Deuhay also cites his experience in teaching at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

"I think I'm very well qualified," Deuhay says, and then adds quickly, "Not to demean the qualifications of other candidates."

Russell, who could not be reached for comment, has emphasized her experience and energy in previous interviews.

Russell served as vice mayor of the City Council under Reeves.

Although Reeves' chances of election seem slim and the Cambridge Chronicle reports that six councillors have said they will not vote for him, Reeves is not giving up just yet.

"They treat the mayor of Cambridge as a symbolic position, but the truth of the matter is that today, the chairing of a school committee could never be ceremonial," Reeves said of his fellow councillors in a Cambridge Chronicle article earlier this month.

Citing the fact that under his leadership more students are taking algebra and have access to science courses, Reeves said, "I'm very interested in ensuring that we do not fail our children."