[media-credit name=’DEREK MONTGOMERY/Herald photo’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]A small collection of supporters gathered to help Ald. Austin King, District 8, jump-start his re-election campaign Wednesday night at the Memorial Union.

With an informal setting similar to King’s laid-back attitude, King hit the campaign trail once again to hold his spot on the City Council.

Fellow politician Jeff Erlanger, who was King’s opponent in the 2003 election, joined King at the kick-off.

“It’s a testament to King’s hard work that I’m here joining him today,” Erlanger said.

Erlanger noted King’s extreme passion for not only his beliefs, but also his ability to reach out to those who do not fully agree with his beliefs.

Erlanger is not alone in his support for the alderman. King mentioned approval and endorsement from both local and state representatives, as well as numerous organizations, including Associated Students of Madison, College Democrats and the local Green Party.

King said in his last campaign, he set out with four primary goals he hoped to achieve. He stated he delivered on three of the four promises — enacting security laws and regulations for apartment buildings, repealing the requirement of the cabaret license in bars and passing the minimum-wage law. He added he is left with nothing but determination to act on the fourth promise.

King, one of only two Madison renters among the 20 councilmen, said he feels strongly that it is his right to protect the rights of tenants. On the forefront of his re-election campaign, King said he believes security deposits should be placed under protection of the state rather than the landlord.

“People are getting ripped off on their security deposits,” King said. “Tenants currently only have the option to sue in order to get their deposit back in some cases, and that just is not right.”

King said he hopes since 90 percent of his constituents are renters, it will become a major issue in the campaign.

King and Echnaton Vedder, a county supervisor and supporter, both agree the activation of a performing-arts license will appeal to the voters of District 8. The license would allow people under the age of 21 into establishments currently off limits to those that are not of age, primarily to allow those under 21 to hear live music.

“Kids shouldn’t have to get IDs in order to enjoy music,” King announced.

Vedder said he believes enacting a performing-arts license would promote a better, friendlier nightlife in Madison.

“Austin has an amazing amount of knowledge and connection pertaining to the predominantly student population in his district,” Vedder added.

King said he hopes his established relationship with his constituents is enough to get him re-elected in April. King is faced with two opponents, local musician Ryan Corcoran and Kimia Lounge owner Kami Eshraghi. However, King said he believes his opponents are older and out of touch with the primarily student population of District 8.

The election will be held this spring.