ATLANTIC CITY – The Irish Pub just off the Boardwalk is one of those places where politicians just go to during the League of Municipalities Convention.

And so it was Tuesday afternoon for newly-announced gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill.

She showed up at the pub and soon had a pint of Guinness in hand. But this was not just a time for “day drinking.”

Sherrill was just endorsed by the state firefighters mutual benevolent association and she was here to accept the endorsement- so to speak.

She joined Eddie Donnelly, the association president, and a few dozen members for a “meet and greet”

Donnelly, speaking over the din of a crowded bar, praised Sherrill’s values and work ethic.

Later, Donnelly, Sherrill and the entire group headed outside and soon reformed in front of a firefighters memorial on the Boardwalk.

He said the the firefighters association voted to endorse Sherrill unanimously.

In brief remarks, the congresswoman said:

“You’ve always had my back so I hope you know I have your backs.”

Then the group broke up – there are a lot of parties to go to.

A half hour or so later, Steve Sweeney, another gubernatorial candidate, was spotted strolling up to the pub.  Campaign workers already had put up “Sweeney for Governor” signs in the parking lot.

Sweeney certainly knows the lure of the Irish Pub during the convention, but he said he didn’t know Sherrill had been there.

No matter. He was preparing for an event at the pub of his own.