Max Linn in race after all, announcement was an "error"

TREASURE ISLAND -- Max Linn said today that he’s in the race for Congressional District 10 after all.

Linn’s campaign sent a press release to media outlets on Friday with the headline “Max Linn Announces Suspension of Campaign.” He did not respond to several requests for comment. In an interview Saturday, he said the release was an "error," a "mistake" and it was “misinterpreted by some people.” He said he never intended to drop out. He would not explain why he sent out the release, which you can read here.

“No one has ever heard the words ‘quit’ or ‘stop’ out of my mouth,” said Linn, who ran as the Reform Party candidate for governor in 2006.

He said he discussed suspending the campaign for personal reasons on Friday but it "in no way shape or form meant dropping out or quitting."

To the contrary, he said next week the campaign will launch an innovative national fundraising Web site, and that former Democratic National Committee finance chairman Bob Farmer will head up the operation.

Also vying for the seat are Democrats Samm Simpson, a freelance broadcaster and former marketing executive who won 34 percent of the vote against Young in 2006, and Bob Hackworth, the mayor of Dunedin.

--Stephanie Garry, Times Staff Writer

Comments

[Sensei]

Since when is suspending not quitting? A rose by any other name. Max needs to get out of the race for obvious reasons but also for the greater good of this country. If we know anything about Max its that he believes in furthering himself over anything or anybody else. We need a person who is wants to do better for the community at large, not just to feather their nest. Sorry Max

[Bryan, Safety Harbor, FL]

Sounds like another publicity stunt to me.

[Sensei]

I think Max has taken leave of his senses. One day he's out the next he's in. Do we really need a crazy person in office? Go land your plane somewhere else Maxie. Sell crazy somewhere else, we're all full here.

“Bill Young’s days in office are numbered and I hope we have a strong nominee here in the 10th District, whether it’s Samm Simpson or Mayor Hackworth."

What does he mean, it was a mistake? He made the statement for Gods sake. this man needs help.

[tampabaydemocracy]

Agreed that FL-10 is no longer a cakewalk for Mr. Young. Especially when he continually votes to limit our privacy rights/civil rights like the most recent FISA vote.

Samm's been right on that issue for years, along with predicting the quagmire in Iraq, the collapse of our economy for the average American, and no serious alternative energy policy.

Samm was right in 06, and she's right on the issues now. (Just ask Linn and Hackworth who are trying to wrap themselves in her platform and sell themselves to voters as Democrats.)

With the grassroots calling for serious change, the dominance of female voters in the district, Max being -- well -- Max, and Hackworth not preparing for long enough to have well-developed answers to the important questions voters have of their potential congressperson in these challenging times -- outside of shorthand versions of what Samm's been saying for years -- it's going to be interesting to see how the voters respond.

[Looking for a Winner!]

It's all very reminiscent of Ross Perot in 1992.

As I recall, he finished 3rd in a three-person race. Guess Max sees the same fate in store for him on August 26.

and you do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around...that's what it's all about!

I've watched a lot of campaigns in my life and I suspect many readers on this blog are no different. I can't recall a campaign where a new campaign manager is just hired and then the campaign just accidentally issues a news release indicating the candidate is suspending his campaign. This is nothing short of Max Linn suspending his sanity, landing his plane on the highway again and committing political suicide. It is guaranteed that this question will come up again and again throughout the campaign: Max, are you in or out today? It is especially sad that a notable Democratic fundraiser like Bob Farmer was dragged into this mess. He is not one to stick around only to be embarrassed (as he now should be feeling). So Max, before your campaign totally self-destructs, why don't you come out and tell us the truth about your suspension. Otherwise, I feel confident the rest of us will speculate wildly, and with some pleasure, on your behalf.

even Jesus hates max linn

[Confused????]

Samm predicting? Is she Nostrademus now? Bob Hackworth wrapping himself in her message? Will wonders never case. Mayor Hackworth has been committed to what he's saying his em=ntire career. He is clearly the best choice in this race. No offense to Samm but she needs to bake cookies for her grandkids and let the experienced leaders do what they do best, govern. Bob has experience and the ideas to make a change for the best in this district and the United States for that matter. As democrats we need to get behind him so we can defeat Bill Young, not put up a Samm for the slaughter again.

hackworth wasn't a dirty dem until a month ago. i'd really put my trust in a flip flopper like that, then again that is what democrats love to do, circa john kerry

Confused????

... you certainly are!

[Confused????]

Really? enlighten me then

Samm can't bake cookies for her grandkid. She gave him up for adoption.

[Patriot]

This question doesn't just go away because you refuse to answer it, Max Linn. You're people aren't stupid. No way I believe they just mistakenly announced that you were out of the race. They were probably following your orders. So what compels a candidate to give that kind of order? Did you get one of those plain, unmarked envelopes in the mail or something? Must be pretty bad. I sure hope The Times has someone on this trail. Should make a great story. Maybe pictures, too!

Who is Max Linn again. Is he the future father of Liz McCallums baby?

Max suspended his own campaign to reinstate it. He is a one man campaign.

Where is the plane going to land this time?

[Chris Brudy]

Dear Confused, I remember Samm Simpson, within a week of Bush's declaration of victory, saying Iraq would be another Vietnam and we would be bogged down for years and years. Maybe not Nostradamus, but certainly prescient.
If anyone is confused, it's Max. He must think any publicity is good publicity. It may be true in the entertainment world, but not in politics.
Bob Hackworth: Democrat for a Day? What is it with these Republicans changing parties so they can run as Democrats? Why doesn't Bob stick to his lifelong principals and run as a loyal Republican in the Republican primary? Because he knows he will smacked down by the Republican machine and then swamped by Young. He thinks Samm is easy, perhaps because she is so openly honest.
Samm came up from the grassroots with the help of a tremendously loyal core group of supporters who have gathered enough voter signatures to get her on the ballot twice.
Anyone who meets her knows she is as honest as the day is long and won't compromise her principals for any reason what-so-ever.

Chris:
don't let Max Linn bother you. He is a work of art, or piece of crap, one in the same.He plays these little games in his own little mind. No one cares. Hackworth showed his supporters and non supporters that he can flip in a heartbeat if it services him. Samm and Bill Young are good friends and good people. Good luck to both of them, they just have differences of opinions but meet regularly on issues. That's what this is all about- the people. Not the games people play, Max.

Max Linns announcement wasn't an error --- MAX LINN IS AN ERROR.

Mr. Linn: I am going to quit coming to your parties. I don't like the way you do things. IF anyone is wondering the parties I am referring to, well, every year Max has a party for all of us widows to thank us for our business. yeah, business. Rip off the elderly widows Max and then have a dress up party to make them think you care. You are not a very nice man, and we are all watching your childish and embarrassing behaviour. You lose my account as of today.