Cincinnati ? While pop singer Justin Jeffre was speaking at a rally in his bid for mayor, dozens of teenage and 20-something women were backstage trying to talk to his 98 Degrees bandmate Nick Lachey.

Lachey, husband of actress Jessica Simpson, made a pitch on stage for Jeffre’s candidacy as the group reunited for a rare appearance together.

“It’s a very important time for Cincinnati,” Lachey said. “Don’t take it lightly. This is a big deal – and this guy knows what he’s talking about.”

Jeffre, 32, is one of seven candidates in the nonpartisan Sept. 13 mayoral primary; the two top vote-getters will move on to a November run-off.