Golding out of District 55 race

ST. PETERSBURG- Republican Paul J. D. Golding has dropped out of the District 55 race.

Golding, a Sarasota activist, said several of his family members have fallen ill.

"It would be irresponsible of me to continue a race and not be fully focused on the constituents of District 55," Golding said.

This means write-in candidate Calvester Benjamin Anderson will again be the ultimate hurdle for whomever wins the Democratic primary. State Rep. Darryl Rouson and the Rev. Charles McKenzie are both vying for that spot.

-- Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Comments

good

the only loss here is 300 lbs of dead weight...

[Jon F.]

Good for him, looking after his family. Our prayers are with him.

[betty]

I am glad he is not running anymore. He was the last thing Florida needed. He didn't even live in the district! He seems like the kind of person who would make up the fact that he has ill family members just to save face.

[Don C.]

Shame on you betty, for thinking that. You do not even know this individual. Yet, he takes criticism from ignorant people like you and still drives on. If you honestly want to talk about the last thing Florida needs, it is people like Rouson. Mr. Golding is a good man, and a gentleman. It takes a lot for someone to run for office, and it is people like you who make it almost unbearable.

[betty]

Actually I do know him. That is why I can say things like that. Everything I have said is true. He is no gentleman. He thinks guns can solve everything. He had no knowledge of the district he was vying to represent.

[sarasotan]

Funny, in the Sarasota paper, it says he failed to qualify. What is the real reason he is not running?

[Don C.]

Betty, if you supposedly know him than why have you not contacted Mr. Golding and spoke with him. That would be the appropriate thing to do. I know for a fact that he does live in District 55. If you would like to be grown up about this I can get you his contact information.

For the individual posting under sarasotan here is the official press release that was given to all of the local papers. You will find that that Jeremy Wallace made a mistake with what he had wrote.

"With the birth of this nation, a republic arose where all citizens have the fundamental right to vote on their leadership, who will represent the people of the community. The people place their faith in their elected leaders to serve the community and hold the people's trust. Those whom decide to run for public office are willing to commit themselves to serve their fellow man.

I entered into this race to serve the people and create a better community. During this journey, I was able to speak with thousands of people and learn about what they want to see in their community and how to make it better for their children. Before I can serve the public, I must tend to the needs of my family first. With that said, I am withdrawing my candidacy for Florida State House of Representatives District 55.

The show of support from my family, friends, and members of district 55 has been humbling. I wish to thank everyone who has supported me in my quest to create a better future for all Floridians.

Paul J.D. Golding"

[betty]

Don- How do you know I haven't spoken with him? Do you field his calls or were you involved in his campaign? Why not disclose that? Having gone to high school with Paul, I feel that I am being grown up and also being a responsible citizen by simply passing on my insight of his lack of qualifications to others. If he truly wants to become involved, why doesn't he run for local office in the district he supposedly lives in and start there?

[Don C.]

Betty- I have fielded his calls and volunteered on his campaign. If you wish to be at full disclosure for your comments why not give your full name? Also, for saying that you went to High School with Mr. Golding, does not show much of anything. That was over 7 years ago, and people change. I am sure you are not the same person you were back in High School. You should have current information on what his plans and know what his qualifications are, now not 7 years ago.

It doesn't really matter in the end because he would have lost anyway!

Unfortunately, that is speculation, and you are talking out of your fourth point of contact.

[sam]

I don't want to get in the middle of your squabble but he really does not seem that he has the experience, training or skills to be a state rep. Most people who run for such office cut their teeth on the local level and move up. It takes more than being an activist to be an effective legislator. In fact, from my observations, activists are often the worst politicians. They are often ineffective at compromising and want to push their own agenda, rather than representing people from all parties be they republicans, democrats, independents or other. I have never even heard of this guy, I just came across this article while I was looking to see who was running for office in the district. I clicked on his name and went to his website. It is one the worst written web pages I have seen in a long time. All I can say is the guy needs to learn how to write and check his grammar if he wants to convince people that he is electable. I mean, elected officials have to write policies! Some of his ideas are okay but it was like reading something by someone just learning English or who is a middle school student.

[sam]

Well, we ought to be used to illiterate politicans by now. Just look at our president!

[John]

http://www.bradenton.com/186/story/811237.html

Paul is one of the biggest liars I have EVER met.

[Paul Golding]

Is this someone we want in office? Seriously.. The kids a joke.

http://forums.realpolice.net/showthread.php?t=45533

[Paul Golding = Liar]

Paul Joseph Golding has 3 felony charges pending.

See for yourself:

http://www.manateeclerk.com/CourtServices/Criminal/criminal.htm

[Paul Golding = Criminal]

Con Artist = Golding

Paul, How many more worthless checks are you going to write? How many more people are you going to steal money from? I hope you get yours buddy.