Beckner nabs another endorsement

The local chapter of the Sierra Club has endorsed Democrat Kevin Beckner in his run for the Hillsborough County Commission. "Kevin understands the need for meaningful, long-range planning that respects and preserves our environment while focusing on building sustainable, livable communities that have accessible, affordable public transportation," said chapter chair Beverly Griffiths in a press release.

Beckner, a financial planner, has also been endorsed by the local AFL-CIO and Hillsborough School Employees Federation. He'll face Republican incumbent Brian Blair, a former professional wrestler and fitness club owner, in the Nov. 4 election.

Janet Zink, Times staff writer

Anti-Heller push poll surfaces in District 52

Republicans are apparently targeting state Rep. Bill Heller, D-St. Petersburg. A push poll is making the rounds in District 52 linking Heller's vote against the state budget this year to apparent disapproval for lots of well-intentioned programs included in the spending package.

Heller said he voted against the budget because it shifted $300-million from education to prison spending.

But now someone is using that vote to say he's anti-veteran among other things, Heller said this morning.

"I'm not against the veterans. I am a veteran," said Heller, who volunteered during the Korean War and served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne.

Heller's opponent, retired Realtor Ross Johnson, said he has nothing to do with the poll. Johnson said Heller called him to express his frustration.

"I have nothing to do with it, and I would not condone it," Johnson told Bay Buzz this morning.

Aaron Sharockman, Times staff writer

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Candidate forums in New Port Richey, Oct. 7 & 9

The Governmental Affairs Committee of the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce has scheduled two political forums at the West Campus of Pasco-Hernando Community College, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

Scheduled debates for Oct. 7 include:

• 5 p.m. Superintendent of schools.

• 6 p.m. Florida House of Representatives District 46.

• 7 p.m. Florida Senate District 11.

• 8 p.m. U.S. Congressional Districts 5 and 9.

Scheduled debates for Oct. 9 include:

• 5 p.m. Clerk of the Circuit Court.

• 6 p.m. Supervisor of Elections.

• 7 p.m. County Commission Districts 3 and 5.

• 8 p.m. Sheriff.

Moderators will be Bill Stevens, editor of the North Suncoast editions of the St. Petersburg Times; and Tom Jackson, columnist for the Tampa Tribune.

The forums are free and open to the public.

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Old Tampa name, Sheldon, is new DCF chief

Gov. Charlie Crist has named former Democratic state House Rep. George Sheldon the new secretary of the Department of Children and Families, our sister blog The Buzz reports. He replaces Bob Butterworth, the former Democratic attorney general.

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This is a first: Brown-Waite, Democratic rival agree

Here's an apocalyptic sign: Republican Ginny Brown-Waite and Democratic challenger John Russell actually agree on something: opposition to the failed bailout plan. (Read about it here.) These two spar like few political rivals; it often gets heated, personal and downright vitriolic. This election is a rematch after Brown-Waite beat Russell by 20 points in the 2006 contest.

John Frank, Times staff writer

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Buddy Johnson's voter ed under fire

Every election season the issue comes up: Elected officials using the resources of their office to style prominent "voter education" pieces that feature them at work ... right at election time.

The latest example: Hillsborough Elections Supervisor Buddy Johnson, whose voter education pieces on optical scan equipment feature him prominently, particularly compared to other Tampa Bay area supervisors.

Read full story here.

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It's official: St. Pete council member gets blue RayHawk

ST. PETERSBURG-- Mayor Rick Baker pledged the City Council would shave their heads into Mohawks if the Tampa Bay Rays made it to the World Series last week. He was kidding.

But that didn't stop council member Jeff Danner.

About a dozen city hall employees and reporters gathered on the steps of City Hall to watch Danner get a RayHawk Monday. The crowd cheered as blond tufts of hair fell to the ground.

"Go Rays," he yelled.

His wife, Robyn Guy-Danner, a former hairstylist, did the honors. "It's hair," she said. "It grows back."

Plenty of local politicos have said they will get a RayHawk if the Rays go to the playoffs, but so far, Danner seems to be the only one to have gone through with it.

Danner learned of Baker's Mohawk promise while reading the newspaper Friday morning, and thought, 'let's do it now,' he said.

It was a first for both of the Danners: his first Mohawk, her first time creating one. The couple seemed happy with the result.

After the shave, Danner peered at his reflection in the glass windows of City Hall. His wife sprayed temporary blue dye along the crest of the Mohawk.

"It's the new look," Danner said approvingly. "I might just keep it."

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Brown-Waite: No on bailout

Brooksville Republican Ginny Brown-Waite took the U.S. House floor moments ago to blast the financial rescue plan. A spokesman confirmed she will vote against the so-called $700-billion bailout despite intense arm-twisting among Republican party leaders, including the Bush administration.

"This isn't legislation, this is extortion," Brown-Waite said.

Among her reasons: the expansion of the national debt ceiling to $11.3-trillion from $10-trillion; uncertainty on how any potential "profits" would be spent; and the treasury secretary's ability to buy bad assets from foreign banks.

A formal vote should take place soon.

--John Frank, Times staff writer

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Watch VP/Prez debates at Beach Theatre

Bay Buzz got word today that the Beach Theatre will show the remaining vice presidential and presidential debates for free. From the theater's note:

All debates begin at 9 p.m.:
Vice president, Thursday -- Sarah Palin (R) vs. Joe Biden (D)
President, Oct. 7 -- Barack Obama (D) vs. John McCain (R)
President, Oct. 15 -- McCain (R) vs. Obama (D)

The Beach Theatre is at 315 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. Call (727) 360-6697 or visit www.beach-theatre.com.

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Danner to get RayHawk at St. Petersburg City Hall today

ST. PETERSBURG-- City Council Member Jeff Danner might be the first local politico to come through on a promise to get a RayHawk.

Danner, who sports a short, blond style, said he is getting a Mohawk at 3 p.m. on the steps of City Hall today. His wife, a hairstylist, will do the honors.

Last week, Mayor Rick Baker jokingly promised all council members would get Mohawks if the Tampa Bay Rays made it to the World Series. Danner said he has challenged the council to get haircuts today, but he doesn't know whether anyone is going to take him up on the offer.

View more RayHawk photos, share yours

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

[Photo: courtesy of City of St. Petersburg]

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Pinellas voting officials dismiss rumor

There's a rumor afloat in Pinellas County that absentee ballots won't be counted in November unless the races are close. SOE Deb Clark's office has fielded a few calls from concerned voters. Office spokesperson Nancy Whitlock said she doesn't know how the rumor began, but it's completely untrue. State law requires the counting of all absentees, she said.

"We absolutely have to," she said. "They are considered a regular ballot."

Will Van Sant, Times staff writer

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Baker gets help from friends

BayBuzz hears that St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker grabbed his guitar and a made a guest appearance Sunday at the folk festival in downtown St. Petersburg. Baker jammed with a Beatles tribute band, making the most of the refrain, "I get by with a little help from my friends."

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Antigay vote inspired candidate

An antigay vote by the Hillsborough County Commission contributed to financial planner Kevin Beckner's decision to run for a County Commission seat. Beckner says he also wants the opportunity to advocate for mass transit, responsible growth and affordable living. He'll face Republican Commissioner Brian Blair in the November election. Beckner's candidacy has the support of the Victory Fund, a national political action committee whose goal is to get openly gay candidates elected to office. Read more about Beckner here.

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St. Pete's high-carb political hot spot

It's been said that St. Petersburg power brokers tend to flock to the Atlanta Bread Company in downtown like teenagers to a McDonald's parking lot.

For the incredulous, consider this: Among the influential gathered at Atlanta Bread Company Friday morning at different tables were St. Petersburg Council Chairman Jamie Bennett and council member Leslie Curran, former mayor David Fischer, Sembler Company President Craig Sher, attorney Charles Harris and Nancy Loehr, Progress Energy's community relations manager.

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Voting in Tampa Bay? By Mail?

Here's one more sign that resentment over the snubbing of Florida voters in the presidential primary has dissipated.

Requests for absentee ballots are soaring in Tampa Bay area counties, a bellwether region in this hard-fought swing state. Read more here.

GOP picks unknown to fill District 51 ballot vacancy

SEMINOLE - Local Republican officials today chose Christopher Peters to replace Terry Sanchez on the ballot for state House District 51.

Sanchez withdrew from the race against incumbent Democrat Janet Long earlier this week, saying she had not expected campaigning to be so time consuming.

Republicans first asked Leslie Waters, who held the District 51 seat until she termed out in 2006, if she would run in Sanchez's place. Waters seemed to be a logical choice because of her experience and name recognition. Whoever runs will have to do so under Sanchez's name because the ballot cannot be changed. But Waters declined, saying she wanted to concentrate on her consulting business and prepare for a future run for the state Senate.

Republican officials met today and chose Peters, 24, another unknown. Party chairman Tony Dimatteo said it will give Peters a chance to get experience on the campaign trail. Still, Dimatteo said, the GOP does not expect Peters to win, given the short time before the election and the fact that his name will not appear on the ballot.

"There isn't any real expectation of ... winning," he said. "It's just basically to fill the ballot up."

"This was an excellent opportunity for me," Peters said. Peters said he has always been interested in politics and is a dynamic person who likes a challenge.

Peters has lived in south Pasadena for 23 years. He has a business management degree from Florida State University and works at Fort De Soto as a lifeguard.

District 51 winds down the western side of Pinellas County, covering Seminole, parts of Pinellas Park, Largo and south Pasadena. It also takes in a sliver of the unincorporated Lealman area.

Anne Lindberg, Times Staff Writer

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Clearwater mayor may end up with Mohawk

CLEARWATER - Mayor Frank Hibbard has vowed to shave his head in a Mohawk hairstyle if the Tampa Bay Rays make the World Series.

How did this happen, you ask? Blame it on Jack Harris and the St. Petersburg Times.

Thursday morning, radio host Harris was doing his morning broadcast on WFLA-AM 970, talking about a Times story that described how Tampa and St. Petersburg are taking all kinds of measures to honor the Rays' first playoff appearance. Why isn't Clearwater doing anything? Harris teased.

Hibbard, a big Rays fan, called the show to defend his city's honor, saying it's planning a proclamation and a banner. They put Hibbard on the air. One thing led to another, thus the Mohawk pledge.

"I told Jack I'd do it if he would," Hibbard said. "Unfortunately, he said yes, he would do it."

Mike Brassfield, Times Staff Writer

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Obama camp unhappy with Clark over early voting

The local Obama campaign is hearing from voters and elected Rs and Ds who are upset with Pinellas Supervisor of Elections Deb Clark's limiting of early voting locations to the minimum number required by law.

Adrianne Marsh, Florida campaign spokesperson for the Obama campaign, said there were nine early voting sites in Pinellas during the 2004 presidential elections and that comparable counties in the state will average eight locations this time around.

On Oct. 20, the Republican Clark will begin early voting at just three locations.

"It's a major problem as far as we're concerned," Marsh said. "Democracies should encourage voting, not hinder it."

Baker chosen as mayor of the year by national magazine

Governing magazine has chosen St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker as its mayor of the year, an honor previously accorded to mayors from much larger cities, like Houston.

The magazine, which is owned by the same company that publishes the St. Petersburg Times, focuses on state and local government. It's not scheduled to announce Baker's selection until next week.

But former Pinellas County Commissioner Steve Seibert let the cat out of the bag while introducing Baker on Thursday at the opening of the Florida Water Congress in Orlando.

Baker, who also leads the Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida, credited his predecessors in office -- particularly Robert Ulrich and David Fischer -- for setting the stage for his success.

"The city's doing great," he said. "When the city does great, the mayor gets the credit for it."

Craig Pittman, Times staff writer

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Brown-Waite takes safe ground in bailout

U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite asked Congress on Wednesday to put the brakes on a proposed $700-billion bailout for the nation's crippled financial system.

The Brooksville Republican held a front-row seat for the debate on Capitol Hill about the economic crisis as one of 70 members on the House Financial Services Committee. Read full story here.

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Democratic challenger surfaces to challenge Schenck

SPRING HILL -- A prominent Spring Hill attorney announced his candidacy for the Legislature this morning, offering to replace a Democratic challenger who withdrew last week for family reasons.

Jason Melton, president of the Hernando County Bar Association, will compete against Republican incumbent Robert Schenck, who won his seat by 1,000 votes in 2006. Melton said he is picking up the mantle of Joseph Puglia, who dropped out of the race when his wife became seriously ill.

"I believed in Joe Puglia's platform, just as I believe the incumbent, Rob Schenck, has failed to serve the people of House District 44 effectively," Melton said in a statement. "When I heard that Joe Puglia had to pull out of the race, I knew someone needed to step up quickly and continue this campaign to elect a more capable and responsive legislator."

For more, check tomorrow's Hernando Times. To read his full announcement, click below.

John Frank, Times staff writer

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Mayor Baker invites you to a Rays party

ST. PETERSBURG -- Mayor Rick Baker and City Council Chairman James Bennett are inviting all baseball fans to a celebration when -- they did not say if -- the Tampa Bay Rays clinch the American League East Division title.

That could happen as early as this afternoon, if the Rays beat the Detroit Tigers.The Rays also play the Tigers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

When it happens -- not if, remember -- a street party will be held next to the popular sports bar Ferg's, which is at 1320 Central Ave., across from Tropicana Field.

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Mitchell challenges Bilirakis over federal bailout plan

Tampa lawyer and Democratic congressional candidate Bill Mitchell said Wednesday he wants to see Wall Street held accountable for the $700-billion bailout proposed by the Bush administration last week.

He also wants to see relief for homeowners facing foreclosure and reforms to the bond-rating system for mortgage-backed securities.

In a statement sent to Bay Buzz that also highlighted Mitchell's master's degree in economics (University of California, Berkeley), the Democratic challenger said his Republican opponent in the race for U.S. House District 9, Gus Bilirakis, “can’t be trusted to get our economy back on track.”

Mitchell, 61, questioned Bilirakis’ votes against the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, which includes provisions for foreclosure assistance, and H.R. 3915, designed to curtail predatory lending practices.

“My opponent votes the wrong way when it comes to fixing our economy and keeping Florida families in their homes. My opponent said no to aiding homeowners and the state of Florida, and he said no to cracking down on unethical mortgage brokers. With that record, we can’t trust him to vote the right way and turn our economy around,” Mitchell said in the statement.

Rita Farlow, Times staff writer

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Waters won't run for District 51 seat

SEMINOLE - Leslie Waters has decided to forego a chance to reclaim her state House seat but says she will eventually run for state Senate.

Waters' decision has left local Republicans in a quandary. Pinellas Republican party chairman Tony Dimatteo said party officials are looking for a suitable candidate. They have until the close of business Monday, he said, to find someone.

"Until then, it's up in the air," Dimatteo said.

The hard part, he said, is the timing. The ballots cannot be changed and any candidate would have to run under Sanchez's name.

Republicans asked Waters last weekend if she would replace Terry Sanchez in the race for House District 51. Sanchez on Monday officially pulled out of the race against Democrat incumbent Janet Long. Sanchez. who was making her first run for public office, said she did not realize that a political campaign would be all consuming and take so much time from her family and business.

Waters, who termed out of the House District 51 seat in 2006, is well known and appeared to be a logical choice to replace Sanchez. But Waters declined Wednesday.

"Although I appreciate the overwhelming outpour of encouragement from the community to run for H-51, I will, however, not be running for the Florida House seat left open by the withdrawal of Terry Sanchez. To put together a 41-day campaign without my name even being on the ballot would be ridiculous!" Waters said in a written statement.

"I intend to continue to concentrate on building my government relations firm, accepting democracy training assignments to SE Asia, and working for a future run for the State Senate," Waters added.

District 51 winds through Pinellas including Seminole, parts of Pinellas Park, Largo, South Pasadena and a sliver of the unincorporated west Lealman area.

Anne Lindberg, Times Staff Writer

Baker, council consider getting Rays' mohawk

ST. PETERSBURG-- The City Council will shave their heads in a Mohawk if the Tampa Bay Rays make the World Series, Mayor Rick Baker jokingly promised Wednesday.

But Baker, who sports a short salt-and-pepper haircut, said he won't commit to his own haircut without permission from his wife.

"I'm in discussions with my wife on the issue," Baker said, who later added, "I might not have enough hair for one."

Council Chairman Jamie Bennett said his wife told him he has to get a Mohawk if the Rays win the World Series.

The Mohawk pledge came up during a press conference Wednesday as Baker and Bennett revealed the city's baseball celebration plans.

"For our city, for our region, for our state, it's a dream come true," said Baker of the team getting into the playoffs. "I've watched Field of Dreams a hundred times... I believe in happy endings."

The highlights:

• The city will proclaim 2008 the "Year of the Rays" at a future city council meeting. Beginning next week, the council will begin every meeting by singing "Take me Out to the Ballgame" until baseball season ends.
• The Pier will sport the Rays' colors until the post-season is over.
• The city will provide banners and posters that read "St. Pete Loves the Rays" to fans.
• The city is sponsoring a ticket contest. Submit a 100-word statement on why the Rays are your favorite team at stpete.org/stpetelovestherays. The winner gets two playoff tickets and a $100 gift certificate to the Rays' gift shop.
• The city will host a welcoming ceremony for the team when they return home Sunday at 8 p.m. at St. Petersburg/ Clearwater International Airport.

Meanwhile, Tampa is getting in on the action with their own celebration Friday, dubbed "Tampa Bay Rays Day." The city will host a free viewing party of Friday's Rays against the Detroit Tigers game at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park. Team mascot Raymond will be there at 6:30 p.m. with a game start of 7:05 p.m.   

And the Rays are holding their own party Monday at 5 p.m. at Straub Park. It will feature live music and appearances from the players, said spokesman Rick Vaughn.

So is Mayor Pam Iorio also jumping on the RayHawk bandwagon?

"I’m sure not," she said, laughing. "I have enough trouble with my hair without turning it into a Mohawk."

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Obama's Dunedin stop

Click here to see a story in this morning's paper about the city's preparations. And here to see the story about Obama's arrival yesterday. Read continuing updates on Obama's rally at Knology Park here on our sister blog, The Buzz.

Teachers union yanks endorsement

Pinellas School Board member Janet Clark, left, has lost the endorsement of the Pinellas teachers union over the selection of a new superintendent. Initially, Clark voted against hiring Julie Janssen, the union's favored candidate for superintendent. But even after Clark, a former teacher, later became the deciding vote in favor of Janssen, the union was still miffed. The reason: Clark's comments to the St. Petersburg Times, saying the union could keep its endorsement.

The board officially hired Janssen today, approving a three-year contract at a base salary of $200,000. Clark, elected in 2004, faces challenger Jennifer Crockett in the Nov. 4 election.  Read more at our sister blog, The Gradebook.

St. Pete council lobbies against off-shore drilling

The City Council voted to take a stand against off-shore drilling last week. Read the letter the city sent to local legislators here.

Council member Bill Dudley cast the lone vote against sending the letter, citing concern about the rising cost of fuel.

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Requests for absentee ballots up in Pinellas

Pinellas County SOE Deb Clark's aversion to early voting is well known. She likes the absentee approach, which has earned her criticism from some quarters, including the Times editorial board. Today, Clark announced that she's mailing 102,000 ballots to voters who've requested them in advance of the Nov. 4 election. That's more than 16 percent of registered voters and breaks the 2004 general election record of 100,103 ballots mailed, according to Clark's office.

Will Van Sant, Times staff writer

On soliciting ban, Newton brothers think alike

St. Petersburg City Council member Wengay Newton says he is concerned about a new proposal to ban people from stopping on medians unless they are crossing the street.

"I see a problem with us using safety as a reason for doing this when firefighters are our public safety and they are collecting money for charities," said Newton.

That puts Newton on the same side as his brother, Winthrop Newton, president of the St. Petersburg Association of Firefighters, who plans to fight the ordinance. Winthrop Newton said firefighters should be allowed to continue their annual "Fill the Boot" campaigns for the Muscular Dystrophy Association along street medians.

City Attorney John Wolfe said it isn't a conflict of interest for Newton to vote against the measure, even if his brother publicly opposes it.

"There is no personal gain," Wolfe said.

-- Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Sanchez withdraws from state House District 51 race

Republican Terry Sanchez has withdrawn from the race for state House District 51 against incumbent Democrat Janet Long.

The Republican Party of Florida informed state elections officials of Sanchez's decision Monday in a short letter that was copied to Pinellas Elections Commissioner Deborah Clark. The letter offered no explanation for Sanchez's decision. The Republican Party has the right under state elections laws to choose a replacement, but it is unclear whether the party will choose to do so.

In case you missed it: Rouson profile

ST. PETERSBURG — It's halftime at a St. Petersburg Catholic High School football game, and state Rep. Darryl Rouson's campaign treasurer is offering advice on an anniversary present for his wife.

"You mean more than this?" Rouson, 53, asks mischievously, gyrating his hips back and forth in a sexual motion as a reporter watches.

It is classic Rouson: outrageous, unpredictable, completely arresting.

Rouson, who is seeking re-election to state House District 55, is the rare politician who has turned an unattractive personal history — drug addiction, bankruptcy, divorce, homelessness, civil disobedience, professional misconduct — into a triumphant tale of redemption.

Full story is here.

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Schenck's campaign short on local cash

BROOKSVILLE -- State Rep. Robert Schenck's campaign war chest is teeming with cash, but very little is coming from his home district in Hernando County.

Matton short on specifics

Paul Matton, the Democrat facing Neil Brickfield in the District 1 Pinellas County Commission race, appeared before the Times editorial board this morning. He displayed a genuine passion for improving county government, but he was light on specifics.

For instance, he asserted that the county was rife with waste and pork barrel projects. Maybe so, but when asked to identify a single pork project, Matton was at a loss.

He stressed the need to get real about building affordable housing, but had to confess that he was not familiar enough with an upcoming proposal to create an "inclusionary housing" ordinance to know how he would vote.

And he identified his opponent, Brickfield, as being a former Oldsmar council member. Not so. Brickfield was a commission member in Safety Harbor.

-- Will Van Sant, Times staff writer

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Crist to raise cash for Fasano

Gov. Charlie Crist will be the host of a fundraiser for state Sen. Mike Fasano's re-election bid on Oct. 13 at a New Port Richey event. While Crist and Fasano picked opposite sides on some Pasco Republican Party tussles in August -- with Fasano's side losing -- it seems Crist still remembers Fasano for helping back Amendment 1's passage in January.

"The money issue is not as important as the grass roots support," said Fasano of Crist's showing. Fasano downplayed the effect of campaigning for the amendment. "I think he would be coming regardless. He has been a dear friend of mine for years," Fasano said.

The Crist event, which will be at Spartan Manor banquet hall, should help Fasano, R-New Port Richey, increase his fundraising advantage over Democrat Fred Taylor. New reports show Fasano increased his donation total by $48,000 to $538,000, including in-kind donations, through Sept. 12. Taylor still lags at $70,500, raising only $3,000 additional in the same time -- most of it in-kind from the Florida Democratic Party. Taylor has relied on in-kind donations from the party to pay for much of his campaign.

-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer

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Hernando builders, others endorse

The Hernando Builders Association endorsed a straight Republican ticket for the upcoming elections in a recent press release.

For Hernando County Commission, they like Jeff Stabins in District 1, John Druzbick in District 3 and James Adkins in District 5. In the lone (supposedly nonpartisan) School Board race they picked Gene Magrini, and for the state Legislature they endorsed Robert Schenck.

In other endorsement news, Magrini won the seal of approval from the Hernando County Association of Realtors and the Hernando Classroom Teachers' Association. His opponent, James Yant, was recently endorsed by former candidate Robert Neuhausen, who polled third in the primary. Yant finished first in the primary with Magrini second.

--John Frank and Tom Marshall, Times staff writers

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Candidate croons on election-styled song

Bill Clinton played his sax. Mike Huckabee his guitar. And now congressional challenger John Russell is showing off his guitar and singer/songwriting "skills."

His campaign's latest e-mail alleging unconfirmed election shenanigans includes a link to a YouTube video where Russell sings a version of Marshall Tucker Band's Can't You See. Except he changed the words to "Can't You See (What that incumbent been doing to me)" and appears sitting in front of two campaign signs. He changes up the lyrics in a few other places, but it's unclear what he's actually singing.

Russell faces three-term Republican incumbent Ginny Brown-Waite in November.

--John Frank, Times staff writer

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Times poll: the Tampa Bay results

So how will Tampa Bay’s votes stack up? According to a subset of the 800-person St. Petersburg Times/Bay News 9 poll published in Saturday and Sunday's St. Petersburg Times, your neighbors are generally more pro-Obama; like Gov. Charlie Crist more; like off-shore oil drilling less; and aren’t quite as supportive of Amendment 2.

But a word of caution, the margin of error also jumps to 7.7 percent when considering just the Tampa Bay respondents to the poll. The margin of error for the statewide results, which the Miami Herald also helped underwrite, is 3.5 percent.

66% of Tampa Bay voters think the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction (62% statewide).
51% of Tampa Bay voters think Florida is headed in the wrong direction (61% statewide).

32% of Tampa Bay voters think President Bush is doing an excellent or good job (29% statewide).
54% of Tampa Bay voters think Gov. Charlie Crist is doing an excellent or good job (51% statewide).

44% of Tampa Bay voters who think they will vote for John McCain and Sarah Palin (47% statewide).
48% of Tampa Bay voters who think they will vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden (45% statewide).

36% of Tampa Bay voters who say having Sarah Palin on the ticket makes them more likely to vote for John McCain, while 38% say it makes them less likely and 23% said it has no effect. (Statewide: 40% more likely, 35% less likely, 23% no effect.)

40% of Tampa Bay voters who say having Joe Biden on the ticket makes them more likely to vote for Barack Obama, while 33% say it makes them less likely and 26% said it had no effect. (Statewide: 36% more likely; 28% less likely; 32% no effect.)

40% of Tampa Bay voters are opposed to oil drilling within 125 miles off the Florida coast (33% statewide); 56% support oil drilling within 125 miles (59% statewide).

54% support Amendment 2, which is defining marriage in the Florida Constitution as between one man and one woman; 39% don’t support it. (Statewide: 58% support; 37% oppose.)

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Hillsborough Dems raise cash at dinner

More than 250 supporters turned out for the Hillsborough County Democrats' Jefferson-Jackson Dinner on Saturday. (Hillsborough Republicans drew more than 500 to their Lincoln Day dinner in July.) Party chairman Michael Steinberg said he expected the event to net about $25,000, which will be used for a mailer supporting all the county's Democratic candidates. Opening speaker  Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio started her speech with important news. "The Rays are in the play-offs," she said. "That means Obama can win. Yes we can!." 

Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer

Some Pinellas campaign report numbers

Candidates filed campaign reports today for the fundraising period that ran from Aug. 22 to Sept. 12. We've got a run down of the money game in some Pinellas races below.

Hackworth says poll shows promise in congressional race

Congressional candidate Bob Hackworth polled District 10 last week and says the results are promising for his campaign. But he needs to raise some cash.

A poll by the Democratic firm Anzalone Liszt Research of 517 likely voters showed that 8 percent more prefer a Democrat for Congress than a Republican, according to the Hackworth campaign. It also found that the voters lean toward Sen. Barack Obama over Sen. John McCain by 6 points, said Hackworth, the mayor of Dunedin.

But it also suggested Hackworth has a lot of work to do to surpass the name recognition and positive image of incumbent U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young.

Young had name recognition among about 74 percent of those polled compared to Hackworth's 26 percent. Young was viewed very favorably by about 25 percent.

When people were asked who they would support, Young was the winner. But after hearing a short campaign message from both sides, more people supporter Hackworth, the mayor said.

He said he thinks the poll shows that the race could be competitive if he can raise the money to reach voters.

 "I do have a story to tell and there is pathway to victory," Hackworth said. "It’s just a matter of getting the word to the voters."

--Stephanie Garry, Times Staff Writer

Write-in candidate bails out of Pasco race

John M. Taylor, a write-in candidate for Pasco County Commission whose residency and motives were questioned in June, left the race Friday. A letter (Download.pdf ) via FedEx service arrived Friday that announced his withdrawal in two sentences to the county elections office.

His departure removes any virtually doubt that Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader, a Republican, will be re-elected.

"That is awesome news," Schrader said this afternoon.

Taylor, a supporter of John Nicolette, who lost to Schrader in the primary, never mounted any public campaign. He had signed a petition to get Nicolette on the ballot after buying land from him in Darby years earlier. He also had a homestead property outside the commission district, though he said he was living in a mobile home inside the east Pasco district to qualify to run.

By running, Taylor stopped 170,000 non-Republicans from voting. Nicolette's campaign strategy amounted to wooing conservative Republicans, though he still lost big.

David DeCamp, Times Staff Writer

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Palin v. Obama in Tampa Bay area

ST. PETERSBURG — Five weeks ago, the St. Petersburg Times convened a group of Tampa Bay voters who were undecided about the presidential election. Their strong distrust of Barack Obama suggested it was a group ripe for John McCain to win over.

Not anymore. The group has swung dramatically, if unenthusiastically, toward Democrat Obama. Most of them this week cited the same reason: Sarah Palin. Read the full story here.

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If you like Seminole Hard Rock's casino...

...or even if you don't, check out the posting on our sister blog The Buzz about how state Attorney General Bill McCollum is trying to get the feds to strip the Seminoles' casinos of Vegas-style slots and their Hollywood casino of slots and certain card game.

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Jabil deal re-examined

ST. PETERSBURG - Nearly four months after the City Council quietly approved a $12.7-million incentives package for Jabil Circuit with no knowledge of who the money would go toward or any public discussion, city officials gathered Tuesday to discuss its economic development process.

"Why couldn't we be told?" council member Wengay Newton asked city staffers. "It seems like a lot of people knew, so it wasn't that confidential."

The council approved the deal in June even though city staffers told council members they could not know certain details of the incentives package, including the name of the beneficiary, because of a state law requiring city economic development staffs to shield business deals. Instead, the company was known as "Project Extreme."

The state law didn't stop the county staff from telling Pinellas County commissioners, which approved a similar package, the details the council didn't know. And council Chairman Jamie Bennett said he knew because Mayor Rick Baker told him before the vote.

"We give you in your council materials ... everything we can," said Dave Goodwin, the city's economic development director.

"We are not doing this just to be secret," said Mike Meidel, director of the county's economic development program. "We are doing this to make deals happen and they would not happen if they were done out in the public marketplace."

St. Petersburg's recycling compromise

ST. PETERSBURG - Residents should decide whether they want the county's sanitation surplus fund to go toward curbside recycling or be divided among residents in the form of a refund, said council member Wengay Newton Thursday.

Newton, who supports the countywide curbside recycling program, said he would prefer a referendum over a watered-down compromise.

"The constituents spoke loud and clear. They really want curbside recycling," he said. "We should stop talking about it and do it."

The council opted instead to hold a workshop Oct. 2 on the issue.

Meanwhile, the buzz at City Hall Thursday was Mayor Rick Baker's editorial on recycling. He wrote he could accept council member Karl Nurse's compromise.

"What I like about Karl's proposal is that it would reduce the greenhouse gas impact, include an increase of yard waste recycling (a major contributor to the landfill), and provide some rate relief to St. Petersburg taxpayers," he wrote, highlighting the parts of the compromise that his administration has long supported.

When you replace .org with .com in Pasco

The Web site pascogop.org has long been the place for Pasco County Republicans to get the official line from leadership.

But this month, confusing it with pascogop.com created more than an error message. A New Port Richey Democrat, Mike Freedman, bought the name and launched his version of the party line, billed as, "Information, news and videos for Pasco County Republicans from Pasco GOP."

His site, though, has videos and reports nudging Republicans to support Barack Obama. He said he was "feeling patriotic" when he registered the name on July 4.

But that's not how Pasco GOP Chairman Bill Bunting's taking it. He said the state party has been asked to review the mock site.

"If they’re into the dirty tricks, hopefully it’ll backfire," Bunting said.

-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer

After Iorio, who's next?

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio will finish her second term in office in 2011. Who's best-suited to assume the mantle when she moves on? That's the question posed in a new robo-call. The potential candidates listed in the survey: Hillsborough County Tax Collector Doug Belden, Hillsborough County Commissioner Rose Ferlita, former Tampa City Council member and one-time mayoral candidate Bob Buckhorn, City Council members Tom Scott, Linda Saul-Sena and John Dingfelder; and developer Ed Turanchik. Let the speculation begin...

Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer

Two voters forums on tap in Pinellas tonight

Pinellas voters have a choice tonight, there's the Cove Cay candidate forum in Clearwater that starts at 6:30 p.m., plus a forum being sponsored by the Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce that starts at 7 p.m. The Palm Harbor forum is taking place at the Community Activity Center, 1500 16th St., Palm Harbor.

Will Van Sant, Times staff writer

Pinellas schools' Brown's mixed allegiances

Pinellas School Board member Mary Brown is wading into the District 3 County Commission race that includes her board colleague Nancy Bostock, the Republican nominee.

But forget board relations: Brown is backing Democratic candidate Rene Flowers, a former member of the St. Petersburg City Council.

"I believe that Rene has demonstrated time and again that she truly cares about her community and about this country," Brown said in a statement released by the Flowers campaign.

Will Van Sant, Times staff writer

Uhurus to rally at city council

ST. PETERSBURG-- The International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement will rally at City Hall today to demand reparations for four black families with relatives that were killed by law enforcement officials.

They are seeking justice for Javon Dawson, Jarrell Walker, Marquell McCullough and TyRon Lewis.

We'd be surprised if the council even acknowledged the protestors. Last time the Uhurus showed up at a council meeting, they didn't get much love.

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer 

Gelber keynote speaker for Dems event

Florida's Democratic House Leader Dan Gelber will be the keynote speaker for the Hillsborough DEC's annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner set for Saturday at 6 p.m. at the InterContinental Hotel. The theme of the evening is "It's Our America." For ticket information, contact JJ Dinner chair Betty Sarlin at (813) 642-8986 or go to www.hcdec.org.

Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer

Harry Sargeant in Tampa news

The last time Harry Sargeant of Delray Beach was in the news, it was of national interest: His work bundling campaign dollars for John McCain and Charlie Crist from working-class Californians. Now his news has more local interest: His company just won a no-bid contract with the Port of Tampa to build an oil terminal.

The port's board is appointed by the governor. But Crist's folks said his office has had no role in the deal. Read full story here.

Rays mania could threaten downtown, leaders worry

No, city leaders can't predict the future. And you have to worry they may be jinxing the home team.

But the St. Petersburg City Council didn't debate Tuesday whether the Tampa Bay Rays will make the playoffs...they went straight to tackling the most pressing issue of all: Parking.

Unlike other sold-out games, officials are worried many fans who can't get tickets will overwhelm downtown if the team gets into the playoffs. "We just want to be prepared," said Joe Kubicki, the city's transportation director.

The solution ain't too sexy: If the Rays keep winning, the city will encourage more people to park downtown and take shuttle buses to Tropicana Field.

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Creative Loafing names political winners and losers

The results of the alternative weekly Creative Loafing's Best of the Bay 2008 awards are in. Among the highlights: the paper's staff named state Sen. Charlie Justice, D-St. Petersburg, the best local politician and Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Buddy Johnson,a Republican, the worst.

Readers gave the best honor to Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, a Democrat, and named state Sen. Ronda Storms,R-Tampa, the worst.

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Clark defends position on early voting

Pinellas SOE Deb Clark is not a big fan of early voting and has limited the practice while pushing for greater use of mail-in ballots. Her position does not sit well with U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. Read today's story here.

Will Van Sant, Times staff writer

Democrat pulls out of race against Schenck

Joseph Puglia, the highly-touted Democrat in the state House District 44 race against Republican incumbent Robert Schenck, withdrew from the campaign in a statement issued moments ago. In it he referenced a Times story from earlier this month that noted his inactivity on the campaign trail. Read the jump for the full text.

Dubious McCain mailer lands in Hernando, Hillsborough

TALLAHASSEE — A new pitch for John McCain's presidential campaign aimed at older Democratic voters is causing complaints by Democrats and concern by elections officials.

The piece, paid for by the Republican National Committee and authorized by McCain, tells voters it is seeking to double-check their "unconfirmed" party affiliations while asking for money. A letter signed by McCain tells the Democrats: "We have you registered as a Republican."

"I was a little bit shocked and a little bit surprised," said recipient Bill Smith, 81, of Tampa, who calls himself a lifelong Democrat and has been registered at his current address since 2000. The retired plant engineer is one of about a dozen senior citizens that Democratic Party leaders identified as recipients, all of them longtime Democrats.

Read the full story here. (Since this story was published, we've also heard from a Hernando Democrat who got the mailer.)

Palin not headed to Florida after all...

That's the latest word from our sister blog, The Buzz, about Palin's plan to come to The Villages this weekend. Read more here.

Iorio's zoo politics: Day 2

TAMPA — Mayor Pam Iorio's emissaries met Tuesday with Lowry Park Zoo president Lex Salisbury, but they could not resolve differences over the mayor's demands for tightening city oversight at the facility.

Iorio wants the zoo to recognize that the animals, like the zoo's land, belong to the city, according to a 1988 lease that granted the zoo its property for $100 a year. Salisbury and the zoo attorney don't agree. Read story here.

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No Browning, but Pasco fundraiser still a go

Secretary of State Kurt Browning will not be able to attend a fundraiser Sept. 29 for Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley. Browning, aiding his successor running local elections, can no longer make it to Property Appraiser Mike Wells' home to help his fellow Republican raise coin. The fundraiser will still happen.

"It's not a case of him canceling for any reason other than a scheduling conflict," said Corley. He also downplayed any issues involving Florida's top election official taking sides in a race, noting Browning's title wasn't used in invitations for the event in Dade City.

David DeCamp, Times staff writer

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Ex-major will coordinate Busansky campaign

Phyllis Busansky announced today that former Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Maj. Craig Latimer will coordinate her campaign to become Hillsborough  Supervisor of Elections. Latimer, who recently retired from the Sheriff's Office after 35 years, worked with Busansky when she was a county commissioner on changes to the juvenile justice system, according to a press release.

Meanwhile, a "Folkies for Phyllis Fundraiser" has been scheduled for Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. at Skipper's Smokehouse in North Tampa. The press release for the event says "folk musicians enjoy supporting political causes," but everyone is invited to come out for the afternoon of music.

Busansky, a Democrat, will face Republican incumbent SOE Buddy Johnson in the general election on Nov. 4.

-- Janet Zink, Times staff writer

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Pinellas commissioners have hope for Rays

No, this post is not about a new ballpark. Rather, it appears that last night's 13-5 drubbing by the Red Sox stung some Pinellas County Commissioners. At this afternoon's meeting, Commissioner Ken Welch asked Chairman Bob Stewart to join him in sending "a healing vibe" to the Rays and wished them luck in tonight's game.

Commissioner Calvin Harris joined in with words of comfort. "There's no reason to panic," Harris said. "It's a marathon. They (the Rays) are going to win the American League East."

Commissioners also used their comment time to send wishes of healing to victims of Hurricane Ike and to urge the public to heed evacuation orders when they are announced.

-- Will Van Sant, Times staff writer

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