Hackworth comes downtown

ST. PETERSBURG -- Bob Hackworth (left), the mayor of Dunedin who's running for the Congressional District 10 seat now held by veteran U.S. Rep. Bill Young, brought his campaign to south Pinellas County tonight for a fundraiser.

Hosts included George Rahdert, a St. Petersburg lawyer, state Rep. Darryl Rouson and St. Petersburg City Council member Jamie Bennett, who didn't attend. State Sen. Charlie Justice, D-St. Petersburg, and St. Petersburg City Council member Karl Nurse were also there.

"We have a chance this fall to put forth a really credible candidate," Hackworth told a crowd of a couple dozen people at Rahdert's downtown St. Petersburg office. "The people of District 10 at least deserve the dialogue of a campaign. They haven't had that."

Hackworth said Young hasn't been held accountable because he's rarely faced a serious challenge. Hackworth said he would address the issues that the Republicans have bungled, including the war in Iraq, the economy, the national debt, and earmarks of federal money.

Justice said he would support any of the three Democrats should they win the Aug. 29 primary. The other candidates are Max Linn, pictured center, who ran with the Reform Party for governor in 2006, and Samm Simpson, pictured right, who won 34 percent of the vote against Young in 2006. Justice said Linn has the money to get his message out, Simpson has built a loyal network of supporters and Hackworth has a history in the northern part of the district.

Linn will be speaking on Wednesday next week at the St. Petersburg Democratic Club at the Piccadilly Cafeteria at 1900 34th St. N in St. Petersburg at 7 p.m. Catch up with Simpson at one of her weekly bowling outings. The next one is on Monday at Seminole Lanes at 8668 Park Blvd at 7 p.m.

--Stephanie Garry, Times Staff Writer

Comments

yawn zzzzzzz

meanwhile, Samm held a prayer circle and Max circled his plane looking for a highway on which to land.

[DavidFL10]

It was nice meeting you tonight, Stephanie. Good coverage.

[drman321]

don't really care that much as long as its not Simpson, shes always struck me as kind of a nut.

[ronnie r]

Three losers who if they ran as one would still lose to Rep. Young. Another Times yawn piece hoping to get another liberal democrat elected.

[Patriot]

Looking forward to seeing Max Linn explain what it was that made him tell his staff to issue a release announcing he was out of the race. A mistake? Hardly. But forget that. The reason he even considered quitting is what is important, and it sure wasn't so that he could go work for Obama. No one is falling for that, Max. Except, maybe, The Times. I know you don't owe me an answer, Stephanie (and you should probably never respond to a blog entry), but are you on this assignment?

Bill Young is god awfull

I think Samm deserves a great deal of credit for making it possible for Hackworth to enter the race - with credibility - to challenge the behemoth Young. She has worked the ground for a long time and started the cracks in the armor. She sounds nutty less and less, and was able to help Hackworth come in to the race with a new variation on a theme she pounded. I don't think Hackworth supporters should diss her.

[Campaign Manager]

This is a good sign for Mayor Hackworth's campaign. It will take a lot of money to defeat Young and Simpson has not shown that she has the chops to raise the $1 million that is likely necessary.

One fundraiser does not a campaign make, but this might attract the attention of Chris Van Hollen and put the 10th on the radar.

[TD]

The republicans saw the writing on the wall, with three of the last three R Congressional seats going to Dems in recent elections. The thought (some say reality) of this trend continuing, even impacting “The Great and Powerful Wizard of Pork”, scares the hell out of them.

Samm may be off base on her approach at times, but she’s an honorable and courageous lady who’s built some name recognition and garnered 34% as a virtual nobody against CW “Pork” Young.

Linn is a narcissistic eccentric with money, who can cause trouble with enough money to out CW’s contributor payback motives, and punch some holes in that “perceived” teflon façade of his.

So, the R’s convinced the Hack to jump “in name only”... and try to disrupt the wave. If they are successful, and CW wins another term… he will retire mid-term, causing a Special Election, which traditionally favors the R’s. And there are several systemically trained R puppets waiting in the wings and vying for the R Party nod.

Read it, write it down, learn it, and know it to be true.

TD you are such a moron, everyone hates you.

[tampabaydemocracy]

TD, I don't hate you. And I think comments like that one from anonymous have no business being here.

While I bet I vehemently disagree with the positions of many of the folks who show up on Buzz blogs, I ask that we keep the dialogue civil and on the topics raised by the articles, not on personal attacks.

It's great to see lively dialogue about a district that has had cobwebs growing on it for so many of the last 38 years.

And thanks, Stephanie, for covering the race!

"cobwebs growing on it!"

now that is funny and made my day

[TD]

You can call me a moron 24/7/365… but if it happens just like we planned it… you WILL be calling me.

Read it, write it down, learn it, and know it to be true.

Bob's on the move, Samm produces a snooze, and Maxi needs a taxi to get out of town.

Excellent job, 1:21! You may now proceed to the 3rd grade next year! In third grade they do Blonde jokes, oooo goody!

… simp

[not anonymous]

i hate TD.

[Gene Smith]

TD

"causing a Special Election, which traditionally favors the R’s."

Which tradition are you referring to? Could it be the tradition of the last 3 Special Congressional elections in long held R districts that have ALL been won by Dems? Is that the tradition you are talking about?

You better get a new slogan, cause this..."Read it, write it down, learn it, and know it to be true"... ain't working so well for you right now.

[TD]

Gene, nothing beyond L Word reruns works for you.

If CW wins, that would show he still carries, regardless of the D effort. Which means when he retires mid-term, his endorsement carries. Prior to recent events, Special Election favor R’s… you following me… ok… now add the monies that would “quickly” be dumped into his lackey replacement’s campaign to his endorsement, and, the fact that the D’s can’t raise a question, let alone money…

… I’ll stop there before you get a brain freeze, I know how soft it is.

Like I said: You can call me a moron 24/7/365… but if it happens just like we planned it… you WILL be calling me.

Read it, write it down, learn it, and know it to be true.

[Gene Smith]

"Prior to recent events"

Gee, what do you suppose drives elections anyhow?

Regardless of how things turn out, don't hold your breath waiting for that call.

[TD]

Ahh yes, the call of the delusional democrat; nananabooboo!

No breath hold here, junior!

Read it, write it down, learn it, and know it to be true.

[boom]

TD, Young winning has nothing to do with his party, sure getting the GOP vote helps but he has won and built his 48 year career in public service to Pinellas County over drawing voters from all parties. thats like saying he is in a tough fight because president bush barely won the 10th district. with someone like young, National trends have nothing to do with the support they have at home.

Young winning has everthing to do with our Party.

Gene is a retard

[Sensei]

TD. Does that stand for Too Dumb? You obviously don't have a clue about politics or elections. Current trends and movements drive elections along with the fact that you people (republicans)are on the run do to the fact that under the current president this country is way off base with record high gas prices, record unemployment, and a recession to boot. What are you planning? A retirement party for Young? Would enjoy being there.