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Not all campaign reports were available on the Pinellas SOE site for the period from Oct. 11 to Oct. 30 this evening, meaning several candidates decided to discreetly mail them in rather than hand deliver.
From what's available, though, it's evident whose been burning through war chests as Election Day nears.
Continue reading "Some hefty last minute spending in Pinellas" »
TAMPA -- State Rep. Michael Scionti, D-Tampa, is sponsoring a free fish fry and spaghetti blowout Saturday as part of an "old-fashioned political rally." But he's getting some last-minute competition.
The Scionti event, which is being called "Democrats United for Change," is taking place from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Tampa Letter Carriers Hall, 3003 W. Cypress St. in Tampa.
The start time is right around the same time that comedian Chris Rock is planning to parachute in for a brief free concert and get-out-the-vote rally in Tampa. But the concert is only slated to last about 40 minutes, so you could do both if you're really looking to get your political fix.
-- Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer
In a mailer to voters, Democrat Ginny Miller ripped Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano for supporting the $7.9-million tennis stadium planned in Wesley Chapel. It would be run by officials from Saddlebrook Resort.
But Miller, a former New Port Richey city council member, actually voted for the stadium when it was initially proposed in 2002. She was a member of the Tourist Development Council when the project was budgeted for $5.7-million and planned in a different spot (but run by Saddlebrook, too).
At that November 2002 meeting, Miller said Saddlebrook's track record provided proof the project would be in good financial hands.
-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani will stump for John McCain at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at Square One Burgers, 3701 Henderson Blvd. No tickets are necessry, but for more information call (813) 254-0810.
So, it's not just Democrat George Gonzalez with the mailers in House District 54. Incumbent Republican Jim Frishe sent along the following: Download frishejobsfinal.pdf , Download 1831GonzalezPromises1.pdf
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
An advertising circular appearing in 70,000 Hernando County mailboxes features a controversial advertisement simulating a conversation between Osama Bin Laden and three apparent terrorists saying to wait for Obama to take office before attacking next. A McCain-Palin logo appears underneath.
The half-page ad, which appeared in Spring Hill-based the Scene Magazine, is paid for by Concerned Citizens for America. The group does not appear to be registered as a Florida political committee.
A number of Hernando residents are peeved. "I'm from New York and I'm really offended," said Dawn LaDuca, an Obama supporter. "My nephew ran out of those towers. It really pisses me off."
Read more here.Comedian Chris Rock will host a free concert and get out the vote rally Saturday in Tampa at the Belmont Heights Little League Park on E. Martin Luther King Jr., Boulevard at N 22nd Street. Gates will open at 11:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. Parking will be available at Young Middle Magnet School, 1801 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. The event takes places just two blocks from the College Hill Library, where voters can cast their ballots.
Though event organizers have a permit for 900 attendees, Tampa Police have set up a plan that will help control crowds of up to 9,000 people, said Laura McElroy, a spokeswoman for the department.
"Because of who it is we're expecting a large crowd," McElroy said. Police plan to start the morning prepared for a smaller rally, but are staffed to expand very quickly if needed.
The goofy mailers continue in the House District 54 race. This time Democrat George Gonzalez has Republican incumbent Jim Frishe mocked up as the Big Boy Restaurant icon. The mailer is here: Download frishes20big20boys20final.pdf
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
Neil Brickfield has some huge advantages in his Pinellas County Commission District 1 race against Democrat Paul Matton. But is he too partisan for the clubby commission? Read today's story here.
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
ST. PETERSBURG-- Casting a ballot is costing some voters $25.
That's how much the city of St. Petersburg charges motorists for overtime parking fees.
Joe Kubicki, the city's transportation and parking director, said long lines outside the downtown St. Petersburg County building this week meant some voters came away with parking tickets. There are only three early voting locations in Pinellas County.
"It's unfortunate," he said. "I think the real issue is how can it take more than two hours to stand in line and vote?"
Kubicki encouraged voters to bypass street parking for the city's metered parking garage across the street from City Hall.
He expects less parking problems on Election Day, when more voting locations will be open.
-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer
Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Deb Clark has issued a press release that gives an overview of the impressive voter participation numbers so far in advance of Nov. 4. She also touts mail ballots, which she has championed while keeping early voting locations to a minimum. Read the release here: Download mail_ballot_requests_break_200000.doc
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
Bob Hackworth, the mayor of Dunedin who is challenging 38-year incumbent U.S. Rep. Bill Young, has pledged to serve no more than four terms in Congress if elected.
Hackworth's statement is a continuation of the theme of his campaign, which argues that change requires a citizen-legislator rather than a longtime incumbent.
"I do not believe that our community or nation benefits from politicians treating elected office as a lifetime appointment," Hackworth said in statement.
--Stephanie Garry, Times Staff Writer
An e-mail sent by Hillsborough County Republican Party chairman David Storck has critics within the party charging racism. At least one member of the local party has called for Storck's resignation. The e-mail, written by volunteer Ron Whitley and forwarded by Storck to about 400 party members, says that "I see carloads of black Obama supporters coming from the inner city to cast their votes for Obama. This is their chance to get a black president and they seem to care little that he is at minimum, socialist, and probably Marxist in his core believes. After all, he is black - no experience or accomplishments - but he is black." Near the end of the e-mail, Whitley writes: "There is only one way to stop Obama: Vote!!!"
Read more here.
Well, this came as a surprise when it arrived in the Bay Buzz's e-mail this morning. The editorial board at Lakeland Ledger endorsed Democrat John Russell for Congress instead of incumbent Republican Ginny Brown-Waite.
In the Democratic primary earlier this year, some newspaper editorial boards refused to endorse any candidate. The Orlando Sentinel editorial board put it this way: "We Think: The Democrats deserve better candidates." So this is quite a turnaround. And possibly the first time Russell received an editorial board endorsement in the general election.
John Frank, Times staff writer
A week from Election Day, the District 3 race between Diane Rowden and John Druzbick has turned nasty, forcing both Hernando County Commission candidates to defend their previous tenures on the School Board.
The most negative attacks — possibly unprecedented in nature — are aimed at Rowden, the two-term Democratic incumbent. A nebulous political group called the Committee to Protect Florida mailed fliers to Hernando County voters and created a Web site called DianeRowdenRealityCheck.com. The group is led by GOP super-operative Roger "Rocky" Pennington and possibly funded by Thomas Barnette, a former lobbyist and Rowden supporter. Read more here.
Gates will open at 6 a.m. Saturday at Sims Park in New Port Richey, and John McCain's running mate Sarah Palin will speak by 9 a.m., said Bill Bunting, Pasco County GOP chairman.
At least two GOP offices will have tickets by Friday: Hudson and New Port Richey (details after the jump).
Palin is also scheduled to be in Virginia and North Carolina later on Saturday to finish the "Road to Victory" tour.
-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer
Continue reading "Tickets available by Friday for Sarah Palin" »
So your neighbor has voted. Have you?
Fact is, one in five people in Tampa Bay has already cast a ballot for Tuesday's general election. Read more about that here.
Here's a question if you registered to vote since Sept. 8: Are you really registered? Check the "No Match, No Vote" list here and see if you're among the 12,000 people who may have to use a provisional ballot if you show up at the polls. And read here to see why voting with a provisional ballot isn't necessarily a good thing.
Finally: What happens when you are named Brendan and your twin brother is named Brennan and you try to register to vote? Read here about the odyssey of a pair of Hillsborough first-time voters.
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Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni this week spoke publicly about his recent lymphoma diagnosis. He's undergoing chemo and intends to keep working. Read today's story here.
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
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The Pinellas County Commission District 5 race pits Democrat Norm Roche against GOP incumbent Karen Seel. Roche is making his third consecutive run for a commission seat. You can read the story here.
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
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Republican incumbent Jim Coats and Democratic challenger Randall Jones have very different ideas about what it takes to be sheriff of Pinellas County. Read about their race here.
TAMPA -- Democratic Hillsborough County Commission hopeful Kevin Beckner employs a Halloween theme in his latest attack mailer against Republican incumbent Brian Blair.
"The Brian Blair Project," it reads. "The Only Thing Scarier This Halloween Than Ghosts And Goblins Is Re-Electing Brian Blair."
The cover has bats and a haunted house, along with Blair's face on a full moon.
The mailer continues themes Beckner has been hammering throughout his campaign, at least two of which need asterisks. The first says Blair voted to spend $1-million to clean up a lake behind his house. The amount ended up being much lower than that and went toward cleaning up a chain of lakes, including the one behind Blair's house.
The flier also says Blair gave himself a pay raise. The claim is predicated on Blair's opposition to lowering the car allowance of county commissioners. Commissioner salaries are set by statute and the board has no control over it.
Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer
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Careful observers of Pinellas politics have pointed out to our newspaper's education blog, the Gradebook, that the Pinellas County Democratic Party has chosen to endorse candidates in two of three nonpartisan School Board races, in addition to the usual partisan contests. Read about it here.
UPDATE: There's a new location for the forum. It will be held at the USF-St. Petersburg's Campus Activities Center, which is on the corner of 2nd Street South and Sixth Avenue South. Also, the forum will get underway at 2 p.m. rather than 2:15 p.m. and will run until 4 p.m. School Board candidate Janet Clark has also confirmed.
Students at USF-St. Petersburg have scheduled a forum for Pinellas candidates at 2:15 p.m. Thursday in room 104 of Davis Hall. The university is located at 140 Seventh Ave. S. Those who have committed to attend include Sheriff's Office candidate Randall Jones, District 1 County Commission contender Paul Matton, District 3 contender Rene Flowers, District 5 candidates Norm Roche and Karen Seel, Property Appraiser candidate Ben Friedlander, Supervisor of Elections candidate Jack Killingsworth as well as School Board candidates Nina Hayden, Sean O'Flannery and Robin Wikle.
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
Democrat Fred Taylor's calling card against state Sen. Mike Fasano has been Taylor's three Purple Heart medals after being wounded in Vietnam.
So when a recent Fasano flier hit, he says he was disappointed. Fasano sent voters a brochure heralding his accomplishments for veterans -- with a big Purple Heart in the middle.
"You have to understand, I have certain kind of emotions about it. ... I'm legitimate, I'm not a stolen valor type of guy," Taylor said today.
"To me, I think it's misleading and here's why. He's never served. He never received a Purple Heart. Why not put a Silver Star? It's something deeply personal to me."
Fasano said it's not an attempt to hit Taylor personally. He used a Purple Heart because he authored a bill in 2006 provide a tuition waiver for Purple Heart recipients.
-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer
ST. PETERSBURG -- Nationally criticized for the decision to raze an illegal homeless camp nearly two years ago, the area is now tops when it comes to efforts to ease the plight of the homeless, the nation's top homeless official said today.
"This city has gone from the back of the pack," said Phillip Mangano, executive director for the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. "They are now in the front of the pack, getting things done."
Mangano highlighted Pinellas Hope, an outdoor camp-like shelter quickly put together by city, county and private groups after the tent city scandal, as a national model of success.
"Other cities might have transitional housing, they might be working toward permanent housing," he said. "But no city is doing it faster than St. Petersburg."
Mangano, who toured Pinellas Hope today for the third time since it opened in December 2007, said the shelter was moving in the right direction. Catholic Charities, which operates the facility, recently received $4-million in local and state funding to construct 50 efficiency apartments adjacent to the tent city.
Cristina Silva, Times staff writer
Using a Ripley's Believe it or Not/Amazing Stories look, a flier going out in Florida House District 54 labels incumbent Jim Frishe that ostensibly oddest of creatures, a Republican who likes tax hikes. His opponent, Democrat George Gonzalez, is behind the mailer, which you can see here: Download gonzo_believe_it_or_not_final.pdf
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
Democratic candidate for Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Jack Killingsworth has announced plans to unveil giant early voting 'wait clocks' at county elections offices today. Killingsworth's opponent, Republican Supervisor of Elections Deb Clark, has taken heat for opening just three early voting sites in the county.
According to the release, some voters in Pinellas have had to wait more than an hour to cast a ballot and Killingsworth doesn't buy Clark's argument that early voting is too costly given the returns.
"It's not a question of funding," Killingsworth said in a statement, "it's about competent administration and a question of commitment to voter convenience."
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
In case you missed the story on Gus Bilirakis' first term in Congress, read here.
Largo's City Commission race for Seat 1 pits a local business leader against a seasoned city leader — each with different approaches to dealing with tough economic times. Read more here.
A 20-year-old allegation against Brian Blair is coming back to haunt him in his re-election campaign for Hillsborough County Commission. A shadowy group with a Tallahassee address called Liberty and Justice for All has paid for mailers. Read more here.
Clearwater uber attorney Ed Armstrong says he was just doing as told, but his presence in a private conference room during a recent Pinellas County Commission meeting irked some commissioners. Read today's story here.
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
TAMPA -- In a chilly room atop Ybor city’s Cuban Club Tuesday night, Ralph Nader, the Ecology Party's nominee for President of the United States, schooled his supporters on how to “make people angry enough to vote Nader/Gonzalez in 2008.”
The more than 150 faithful listened intently with theirs sweaters and coats still buttoned up as Nader talked about how both of the major party candidates, Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain were slaves to corporations that have usurped power from the people.
He charged Obama with raising the most money from corporate America of any candidate in history, and said that if he is elected it will be more of the same corporate politics because “most Washington politicians are cowards.”
In his third run for the White House, Nader cautioned his followers against voting for the least worst candidate joking “hope and change and change and hope. Have got you hypnotized yet?”
Nader said instead of voting for Obama people who want real change should cast a ballot for him because it will give the Ecology party’s agenda leverage.
“The more millions of vote we have, the bigger our base, the more power we have to change the corrupt corporate government,” he said.
--Robbyn Mitchell, Times staff writer
TAMPA -- The first day of early voting this week marked the highest single day turnout since Florida started letting people submit early ballots in 2004.
In all, 10,884 people cast ballots at Hillsborough County's 13 early voting sites Monday. That surpasses the prior high of 10,415, cast on the final day of early voting during the 2004 general election.
The new record should be smashed repeatedly in the coming days. Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday ordered expanded hours for early voting sites throughout the state. Even before that, the number of people casting early ballots had jumped every day compared to the day prior, with the exception of Saturday.
And just as a reminder, Wednesday (Oct. 29), is the last day to request an absentee ballot.
-- Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer
Because of long lines at many early voting sites, Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday issued an executive order extending voting hours for the rest of the week. In Hernando County, elections offices will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today through Saturday in Room 165 at the Hernando County Government Center, 20 N Main St., Brooksville, and at the Westside Government Center, 7443 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. For information, call the elections office at (352) 754-4125.
--Times staff writer
Pasco County voters have blasted past the early voting turnout from 2004. By noon today, 34,584 people had voted early with four days left. In the presidential race four years ago, 29,584 people voted early.
The Supervisor of Elections Office noted the turnout this year equates to a voter going through one of Pasco's seven early voting sites every six seconds.
Meanwhile, there are 28,265 absentee ballots in. Overall, Republicans have a 1,345-ballot advantage despite turning in almost 5,800 more absentee ballots. That's what the Democratic Party's early voting push is accomplishing.
-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer
The nation's homeless czar on Wednesday will visit Pinellas Hope, the outdoor experimental shelter that has quickly become a national social service model, his second time in eight months.
Phillip Mangano, executive director for the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, is scheduled to discuss the addition of permanent residential units at Pinellas Hope and recognize officials from the county, city and Catholic Charities, which operates the tent city.
Pinellas Hope will mark its first anniversary Dec. 1. The shelter has received state funding to construct permanent residential units.
Mangano will also discuss the U.S. Housing and Urban Development's foreclosure assistance program. About $9.4-million has been earmarked for St. Petersburg and $8-million for Pinellas County under the program.
Cristina Silva, Times staff writer
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Two hours before Joe Biden is supposed to speak at Sims Park, three New Port Richey residents did a little yoga outside the park.
Unlike hundreds standing in line, they said they always do yoga on Mondays. But the door to the normal location, Peace Hall, was locked. So they went outside.
But they make up a crucial demographic: undecided voters.
"We're independents," said Don Blake, 55. "We're still watching it."
"We're waiting for the mud to stop being slung," said his wife, Linda, 50.
-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer
Democratic Pinellas Property Appraiser candidate Ben Friedlander has another radio spot out. Like his previous one, it takes to task his Republican opponent, Pam Dubov, for allegedly failing in her duty to the public during the Jim Smith land deal last year. At the time, Dubov was Smith's chief deputy.
Dubov warned Smith not to go through with the deal, but the spot argues she should have done more.
The ad is based on the conceit that Dubov is interviewing for a job. Here's an excerpt: "So, do you choose your boss, or hundreds of thousands of taxpayers who are counting on you to do the right thing? Do you have the judgment we need? I'm sorry Ms. Dubov, that was the wrong answer."
You can listen here: Download the_interview_60.mp3
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
Florida Democratic Party chairwoman Karen Thurman will be the guest of honor at a fundraiser for Bill Mitchell, candidate for U.S. House District 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30.
The event will be thrown by Hillsborough Democratic Party chairman Michael Steinberg and a host committee that includes Pasco County Democratic chairwoman Alison Morano, Pinellas County Democratic chairwoman Toni Molinaro, state Rep. Michael Scionti (D-Tampa), Hillsborough Public Defender Julianne Holt, Hillsborough County Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered and Allied Democratic Caucus president Sally Phillips and former District 9 candidate Anita de Palma.
For more information, directions or to RSVP, call the campaign office at (813) 841-4000 or e-mail to billmitchellforcongress@gmail.com.
- Rita Farlow, Times staff writer
TAMPA -- The growth management advocacy group U-CAN, or United Citizens' Action Network, is coming out with report cards on each Hillsborough County commissioner.
Surprise, Surprise: The group decided to do Republican Brian Blair's first, just in time for next week's election. And it gives him an 'F' in almost every category, as well as an overall 'F'.
Blair, who was chairman of the county's Environmental Protection Commission when it initially voted to eliminate wetlands protections, has been a frequent target of criticism from U-CAN members. He's also in a hard-fought reelection campaign against financial planner and Democrat Kevin Beckner.
Among other things, the report card takes Blair to task for his heavy support from building interests, advocacy for developers and his support of appointments with development ties to various boards. It also accuses him of being unwilling to meet with average citizens, meaning at least in part members of U-CAN.
Blair has described U-CAN as an extremist group in the past.
-- Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer
Bay Buzz hears that Spring Hill resident Brian Moore, the Socialist Party USA candidate for president, will appear on Stephen Colbert's show Tuesday. Colbert's Web site doesn't list him as a guest, but a political news Web site mentioned it this weekend. Moore is capitalizing on the GOP labeling Obama as "socialist."
John Frank, Times staff writer
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Congresswoman Kathy Castor and state Rep. Betty Reed hosted a Get Out the Vote rally and fish fry Saturday in a park in East Tampa, the city's largely black neighborhood. Bruce Miles, a member of the Democratic Black Caucus, introduced a parade of office-holders and candidates, talking up the historic significance of Barack Obama's candidacy. "Black folks, African-Americans, Negroes, whatever you want to be called," he said. "We're going to put Barack Obama in the White House." He urged the smallish crowd to surprise Republicans by topping the 14 percent black voter turnout of 2004. His remarks generated polite applause. "I'm trying to get you fired up!" he shouted. "John McCain's great-great-grandfather was a slave owner! Get mad about that, black people, and let's kick these suckers out of office!"
Two blocks away, the line of early voters stretched around the College Hill library. In the first six days of early voting, 4,199 people have cast ballots there. That's nearly three times the turnout during the same period in 2004.
Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White, who stopped by the College Hill library several times last week, said it's not surprising the location has been busy. "It's a historic election for the African-Amercian community," he said. "We have a vibrant African-American candidate the community can be proud to rally behind."
Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer
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SPRING HILL -- America stands at a political crossroads as the Nov. 4 election looms. In Hernando County, the political crossroads, literally, are at the busy intersection of Cortez and Mariner boulevards. Democrats and Republicans have competing tents mere feet from each other. The Times' Barbara Behrendt takes a glimpse inside this campaign for honking horns here.
John Frank, Times staff writer
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The names on the ballot and the rhetoric surrounding the 5th Congressional District contest between Republican Ginny Brown-Waite and Democrat John Russell sound familiar. The race, in essence, is a matter of stylistic differences — outside the obvious dog versus cat political divides.
The campaign represents a study in contrasting and evolving public images: Brown-Waite trying to cement her claim as a moderate and Russell’s attempt to shed his more extreme image. Effectiveness is debatable. Read more here.
John Frank, Times staff writer
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Are St. Petersburg Democrats getting ahead of themselves?
The St. Petersburg Democratic Club is hosting a celebration in anticipation of a Democratic victory at their next meeting Nov. 5 at the Piccadilly Cafeteria on 34th Street N at 6:30 p.m.
The club announced the meeting in an e-mail sent out last week. The subject line read, "ST. PETERSBURG DEMOCRATS ANTICIPATE VICTORY!!!"
Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer
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NEW PORT RICHEY — Democratic campaign officials confirmed Friday that vice presidential nominee Joe Biden will hold a rally Monday in Sims Park as part of an “Early Vote for Change” bus tour through Central and South Florida.
The campaign also released a few rules for people planning to attend the rally, slated to begin at 7:30 p.m., at the riverside park anchoring the city’s downtown: You don’t need tickets, but the campaign is encouraging people to RSVP on its Web site.
Read more information on the logistics by clicking below.
Jodie Tillman, Times Staff Writer
Political season always generates tales of stolen or illegal campaign signs. But here's an interesting twist: Seems a Brian Blair supporter simply covered up a Kevin Beckner sign on Hillsborough Avenue with one promoting Blair. Beckner, a Democrat who is challenging the Republican incumbent's County Commission seat, filed an incident report with Tampa police. Beckner's consultant Mitch Kates dubbed the move a "sign of desperation."
Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer
TAMPA -- The Tiger Bay Club of Tampa and League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County are teaming up for one last forum this political season.
On the menu are candidates for state and federal legislative posts.
The club and league have invited are District 12 Rep. Adam Putnam, Republican, and his Democratic challenger, Doug Tudor; State House District 56 Republican hopeful Rachel Burgin and Democrat Lewis Laricchia; State House District 57 incumbent and Republican Faye Culp and her Democratic opponent Yolie Capin; and State House District 60 Rep. Ed Homan, the Republican incumbent, and Democrat E.J. Ford.
Putnam and Laricchia have not confirmed. The luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 31 at Maestro's, the restaurant at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. If you're not a member, you'll need to get one to get you in.
Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer
TAMPA -- Hillsborough County's 13 early voting sites are growing more popular by the day.
Early voting totals have climbed in each of the first three days of early voting. With the 9,024 who voted Wednesday, the total who have cast early ballots, not including absentee ballots, stands at 25,976.
To see daily updates, go to the Supervisor of Elections website, www.votehillsborough.org.
-- Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer
TAMPA -- Okay, so this may be like when the celebrity jock pays a visit to the local sports talk show and agrees to tape a promo for the radio station. But Democratic Hillsborough County Commission hopeful Kevin Beckner will take it.
New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, recently from the presidential stump, was in West Tampa Wednesday to promote the Barack Obama campaign and urge people to support Democrats locally as well.
He singled out Beckner.
"I want all Latinos, and I want everybody, to vote for Kevin Beckner. He's the future," said Richardson in moment caught on tape and posted on the Beckner's website, kevinbeckner.com. "He's a good, good candidate. He's got integrity and I want him to win."
Blair is challenging incumbent Republican Brian Blair for the at-large District 6 race.
-- Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer
Bay Buzz hears Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is expected to speak at a Monday evening rally in New Port Richey at Sims Park. Pasco County Republican leaders already are planning their own "greeting party."
"There's a strong possibility he's going to be there," said New Port Richey Police Chief Martin Rickus.
Councilman Rob Marlowe, who has a computer business near Sims Park, said he had seen a number of city department heads and other "well dressed" people scoping out Sims Park Thursday morning. He said City Manager Tom O'Neill told him they were at the park to prepare for the Biden visit.
Pasco Democratic Party chairwoman Alison Morano played coy: "You heard about that, huh?" she said, before referring questions to Barack Obama's campaign. We're waiting for a response from a campaign spokeswoman. (Update: the campaign can neither confirm or deny the event is being planned.)
-- David DeCamp and Jodie Tillman, Times staff writers
The West Central Florida Federation of Labor has endorsed Rene Flowers and Norm Roche in the Pinellas County Commission races. In Hillsborough, Kevin Beckner gets the nod. The full list is here: Download general20election2020palm20card20101520final20early20vote.pdf
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
The African-American Voter Research & Education Committee endorsed the following Pinellas County candidates this week:
-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer
The state Commission on Ethics absolved Pinellas Property Appraiser Jim Smith of wrongdoing yesterday. They also cleared former County Attorney Susan Churuti and County Commissioner Ronnie Duncan in the deal where the county paid Smith $225,000 for a piece of vacant land.
You can read today's story here.
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
Bill Mitchell’s camp has released a statement blasting Republican incumbent Gus Bilirakis for “shameful, deceptive lies” in a recent campaign mailing to voters in the 9th Congressional District.
In it, Bilirakis says Mitchell’s tax policy will “give Florida families sticker shock” and accuses Mitchell of opposing sales tax exemptions on items like food, medicine and school supplies.
The accusations are based on a six-year-old St. Petersburg Times endorsement of Mitchell that mentions his support to end “irrational” sales tax exemptions, which referred to things like high-priced sky box tickets for events, according to Mitchell.
Mitchell campaign manager Kathryn Seck said Bilirakis’ tax policy is what’s truly shocking, referencing his co-sponsorship of HR 25, which would repeal the income tax and replace it with a 23 percent sales tax.
“It’s obvious from this mailer that the only person who thinks it’s rational to tax food and medicine is Gus Bilirakis. Otherwise, why is he sponsoring a bill to impose a 23 percent sales tax on gas and food and even doctor’s bills? It’s Bilirakis’ tax policy that’s too costly for Florida ’s working families and seniors,” said Seck, in the statement.
Mitchell, a Democrat, will face Bilirakis, former police officer John "Johnny K" Kalimnios and businessman Richard O. Emmons on Nov. 4.
- Rita Farlow, Times staff writer
SPRING HILL — Brian Moore said Barack Obama is not a socialist. And Moore should know. He's the Socialist Party USA candidate for president.
"It's misleading for Republicans to say that," the local peace activist and perennial candidate said Wednesday from his Spring Hill home. "They know (Obama's) not a socialist."
Now, more than ever, Moore and his party are getting attention thanks to the $700-billion financial bailout and the rhetoric from the Republican presidential ticket. John McCain and Sarah Palin have repeatedly labeled Obama as a socialist in recent days. All this socialist talk gives candidacy some legitimacy. Moore said, "Everyone I run into now says, "Hey, you’re not so crazy.'" Read more here.
--John Frank, Times staff writer
Outgunned 13-to-1 in fund-raising, Democratic challenger Terri Conroy is distributing fliers ripping Republican County Commissioner Ann Hildebrand for "triple dipping."
The Times revealed this that Hildebrand was among thousands of "double dippers" who took a so-called retirement option, but still stayed on the employment rolls. That gave her an $80,000 salary and $33,000 in pension payments for 2007.
But Conroy's flier upped the ante by adding a third issue: the 70-year-old Hildebrand received $20,000 in Social Security checks in 2007, too.
"It's not that it's fair -- it's true," Conroy said, calling Hildebrand out of touch.
Hildebrand, a commissioner since 1984, came to Pasco in 1971 as a social worker. Previously, she expressed regret over the double-dipping move. But she resisted firing back at Conroy (who was a delinquent taxpayer this year ) after a forum Tuesday night. "I don't get into that," Hildebrand said, adding she would stay "positive."
-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer
In today's paper, Politifact rules on a claim Ben Friedlander makes in his radio spot. The Democratic candidate for property appraiser in Pinellas asserts that the Jim Smith land deal cost taxpayers over $1-million. He's right. Read the story here.
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
Usually, Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard and Pinellas County Commissioner Ronnie Duncan meet to soberly discuss the finer points of regional transportation issues.
This afternoon, however, one of them is getting a mohawk haircut.
Hibbard and Duncan are competing in what they're calling "the Official RayHawk Challenge" to show support for the Rays while raising some money for a local charity.
Each of them is collecting donations for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County through the organization's web site, www.bbbspc.org. To vote in honor of Hibbard, people can click on a button that says "I want to see Commissioner Duncan get a Rayshawk." To vote in honor of Duncan, they click on a button that says "I want to see Mayor Hibbard get a Rayshawk."
Have your credit cards ready. An opportunity like this doesn't come up every day.
The official with the most donations wins -- and is spared the clippers. The loser gets a real live mohawk at 3:30 p.m. from cosmetology students at the Pinellas Technical Education Center.
Shortly before noon, the tally was $1,150 worth of donations in honor of Hibbard and $815 for Duncan. Donations are accepted until the last minute.
-- Mike Brassfield, Times Staff Writer
Republican Bill Young is running his 20th campaign for Congress out of an old Hollywood Video store without a single paid staffer.
Democrat Bob Hackworth is challenging him by riding his bike through precincts and knocking on doors.
Welcome to one of the quietest congressional races in the Tampa Bay area. Read story here.
TAMPA -- Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White says he's heard several reports of people passing out in line from the heat while waiting in line at early voting sites to cast ballots.
White, who is serving on the county's canvassing board, put out a news release Tuesday calling on county Supervisor of Elections Buddy Johnson to do something about it. He offers two specific suggestions.
First, he said, Johnson needs to implement a number-taking system that would allow seniors and the disabled to wait inside the county's 13-early voting sites until it's their turn to vote. He also suggests that Johnson's staff distribute water to those waiting in the heat.
Johnson said the problem is particularly acute at tiny College Hill Library, a popular early voting site in central Tampa among African American voters. He said his staff erected a 10-foot by 10-foot tent there Tuesday because there's little waiting area inside the library. He said he was aware of only one person passing out, someone a few days away from undergoing surgery.
He said that the challenge is that early voting sites can only be held at City Hall buildings, elections offices and libraries and there are few other places that fit the bill in central Tampa. Nevertheless, he said he welcomed White's suggestions.
"We'll be implementing those forthwith," Johnson said. "I applaud his visiting early voting sites. He's going to make a great member of the canvassing board."
-- Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer
Not to be outdone, Republican Property Appraiser candidate Pam Dubov has her own radio ad out that responds to a spot her opponent, Democrat Ben Friedlander, began airing Oct. 14. It's a scorcher and it's running on the same station, WDUV 105.5, as her opponent's.
It begins, "Failing and desperate, politician Ben Friedlander has resorted to vicious and unfair attacks on his opponent Pam Dubov." The spot goes on to mention some nice things that the Times editorial board has said about Dubov and lists some credentials.
Then, "Makes you wonder: If Ben Friedlander would assault a woman's character to get himself elected, what would he do if he ever gains real power? Can we really afford a bully like Mr. Friedlander as Property Appraiser setting the values of our property?"
You can hear the whole thing here: Download dubov_radio.mp3
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
ST. PETERSBURG-- Mayor Rick Baker and the City Council planned three brainstorming sessions for the public to discuss the future of the historic Pier.
Then they skipped out on the discussion to attend celebrations for the Tampa Bay Rays instead.
Only Council members Leslie Curran and Karl Nurse bothered to attend the city's two visioning sessions in recent weeks.
Curran attended a session on Sept. 29, the same day the Rays hosted a party to celebrate making it to the playoffs at Straub Park. Baker and other council members attended the party.
On Monday, Nurse was the only elected official to join 30 other residents for a visioning session at the Coliseum. Baker and other council members chose to celebrate baseball with a city-sponsored party at the Pier of all places.
A third visioning session is scheduled tonight for 6 at the Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N. Again it seems city leaders will have to choose between policy and baseball.
Commissioner of Baseball Bud Selig will host an exclusive party at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort tonight in honor of the World Series. Baker and the council are invited.
The visioning sessions allow residents a chance to discuss how to spend $50-million earmarked for renovations beginning in 2012. Both the Pier and the main building are up for a redesign. City staffers will eventually provide a report of what happened during the sessions to city leaders.
Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer
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Looks like a busy early voting day in Pinellas. Supervisor of Elections spokesperson Nancy Whitlock said that as of about 1 p.m., 1,775 ballots had been cast. About the same time yesterday, she said, the figure was 1,433.
The total turnout yesterday was just shy of 2,500. That's roughly one-third of 1 percent of Pinellas County's 644,226 voters.
Whitlock said that unlike yesterday, the first day of early voting, there have not been any ballot printer glitches. Lines remained long at lunch, but have been moving steadily most of the day, she said.
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
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Candidate for the 9th Congressional District John “Johnny K” Kalimnios says he has come up with some answers for reducing American dependence on foreign oil.
The 42-year-old father of two issued a recent press release that outlines his ideas, including hydrogren from water, methanol from human refuse materials and He3+Deuterium Fusion. (Don't know what that is? Kalimnios says to check out his Web site at www.johnnyk4congress.com.)
In the release, Kalimnios also criticizes his opponents, Republican incumbent Gus Bilirakis (for his position on offshore drilling) and Democrat Bill Mitchell (because of his past experience as an attorney who litigated against oil companies). The title of his press release? "Drill, Baby, Drill, or Sue, Baby, Sue?"
Kalimnios, a retired police officer and business owner, said he has put a year of research into the plan.
Rita Farlow, Times staff writer
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Turned off by dirty politics and candidates who seem allergic to the truth, Albert Dulles refused to vote for 33 years.
This week, he rejoined the voting masses, casting a ballot for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama because, Dulles, 51, said, "I wanted to send a message out that we need a change, that this country has been going in the wrong direction for years."
Across Tampa Bay, voters turned out in droves Monday to cast a ballot on the first day of early voting and weigh in on the heated presidential race.
In St. Petersburg, voters said they were motivated to vote early by the sinking economy, the heated presidential race and concerns about the nation's changing global role.
"I just wanted to be one of the first people to vote for Barack Obama," said Wanda Barnes, 47, of St. Petersburg, who voted early for the first time Monday.
McCain supporters' concerns were no less enthusiastic.
Kirby Debue, 40, of St. Petersburg brought his three children with him to vote Monday "to help counter the ACORN votes," he said, referring to alleged voter fraud by the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now.
"We have to counter the votes that Obama shouldn’t have got," he said.
Lines continued Tuesday, where 30 people waited on the sidewalk to vote at about 2:30 p.m.
"I don't mind," said Sheila Howard, 19, who was voting in her first presidential election. "Imagine what the line will be like on Election Day."
Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer
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Congressional candidate John Russell must feel like he's campaigning against a ghost.
The Dade City Democrat's opponent, U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, is refusing to appear at any political forum where Russell is scheduled to speak.
Russell said she is avoiding public accountability at a time when voters have many questions about her record. "The public is who she is running away from," he said. "It is a big deal this time because people are in pain from top to bottom, and she has some explaining to do." Read full story here.
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Republican Rep. Peter Nehr, facing a tough re-election campaign in his North Pinellas/Pasco district, is using the oldest play in the book to try to defeat his Democratic challenger, Carl Zimmerman.
Nehr, on a two-sided mailer, claims Zimmerman supports “higher taxes including a new state income tax.”
Zimmerman issued a press release crying foul, saying "like everything he does," Nehr has taken the quote out of context. He