As aedile, Cicero made a positive impression thanks to help from the grateful Sicilians, who brought their products to Rome to reduce market prices. In light of Verres’ case, Cicero now began to attract top clients, including his first senatorial client, M. Fonteius, whom he defended on charges of extortion. Cicero also continued in politics, canvassing for and gaining election to the praetorship. Serving as praetor in 66, he delivered his first political speech, supporting a special command for Pompey against Mithridates vi of Pontus. The following year, he announced his candidacy for consul. He faced opposition from two nobles, L. Sergius Catilina (“Catiline”) and C. Antonius, who formed an electoral alliance against him. With the help of his friend Atticus and with a speech in the senate fiercely denouncing his competitors (the Speech in a White Toga), he was able to shore up the support necessary to win election.