State Rep. Janet Long endorses Scott Wagman for St. Petersburg mayor

Scott Wagman continues to lock up endorsements from elected Democrats. On Thursday he added state Rep. Janet Long to state Rep. Bill Heller, state Sen. Charlie Justice and Pinellas School Board member Linda Lerner.

Paging Ken Welch? Paging Ken Welch?

From a release:

“After taking the time to get to know Scott, I believe that he has the unique skills to lead this city through a difficult budget crisis and the drive to make our streets safer, our jobs more secure, and St. Petersburg a desirable place for any young family to raise their children,” Long said. “I believe the voters of St. Petersburg are hungry for new leadership and not politics as usual and I agree with them. I think it is time for some out-of-the-box thinking and a new type of executive experience to lead St. Petersburg into the future. I believe Scott Wagman possesses those qualities and will bring a fresh new approach to running our city."

The other leading Dems running for mayor are Jamie Bennett and Kathleen Ford (Of course, it should be noted that the mayor's race is nonpartisan).

Aaron Sharockman, Times staff writer

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Comments

[sheesh]

What is with the Ken Welch Obsession? The reporters covering this race can't seem to stop talking about Ken Welch. For those of us watching this race, its been way over the top.

You might want to at least faine that you don't adore the guy.

[sssssup!]

Welch will endorse whomever and whenever he's directed to. Besides, how much can an endorsement from someone who didin't have the stones to run himself, really be worth.

Hacks backing hacks... Dino's backing Dino's... what's the point...

[sssssup! misuses apostrophes]

see below.

Further, if not Welch, in your view, who is the best Democratic officeholder in the county?

Also, who would direct Welch whom and when to endorse?

[wow]

It took jealous Internet nerds on the payroll of other campaigns less then ten minutes to start the jealousy tour.

[saintpetersblog]

No, it says something that Scott has been able to persuade the Democratic office holders. You gotta give him credit. Of course, there really isn't any other choice...

[J.I.N. on tour]

Jealous Internet Nerds- sounds like the name of a band. Cool!

[Jealous Internet Nerds]

We do a one hour set consisting of a long, boring drum solo. We expect to be the next notch down for popular music, even duller than hip hop, and as repetitious as techno. Adlib lyrics consist solely of drooling.

[shuturyap]

I am not sure I can endorse a non-political candidate that gets so much support from politicians.

[..]

this is just the Dems trying to find a leader in this election. The big $ in the end will come through. Wagman and Gibbons in the end...then???

[...]

Foster & Ford...then?

[Zen Master]

Congemi & Eldridge.. then? The End.

[...]

Whoever pays to transport them from the oak tree to the polls & whoever pays $1 less than they did...then?

[Demwit]

Isn't Long a State Rep from Seminole? Why should people from St. Pete care? Or is this just another "lets elect an alleged Democrat" stunt?

[Who cares]

I really don't care who Long or Welch endorse. If anything it makes me less likely to vote for their endorsee.

Agree with the above though. Can we get over the Welch Worship?

[Zen Gets it!]

ZM. Looks like you finally made some sense in your 8:50 post. Stick with it brother!

[Not impressed]

Another disappointment from the legislature-Justice and Heller really were able to persuade folks that Wagman the union buster was the best choice. NOT!

[Wagman Not a Union Buster]

Not Impressed,

Your choice of Anonym gives you away. Scott Wagman is gaining momentum, and you are not only impressed, but afraid your candidate is going to have to park it.

[Dan]

He better be a ghost buster, 'cause they're a'comin out soon!

[Chris Brudy]

The Teamsters Union called Scott Wagman and apologized for their over-zealous organizer, explaining that Scott Paint should not been targeted for a unionization drive. The drive was hatched by a disgruntled employee, trying to retaliate for being justly disciplined.

Look at the three main benefits Scott provided for his employees, none of which are required by state law: Medical Insurance. 401k retirement plans, instituted during a recession when Scott was paying himself one dollar a year. And, finally, tuition reimbursement for any college level coursework.

Earlier on, there was a bungled flex time experiment, which resulted in Scott having to pay back wages for lunchtime minutes. Does any other employer in Florida pay their workers during lunch? Nope.

There is a small group of people, purporting to be “true Democrats", who are making a habit of lying about Scott's background. They can't seem to get their minds around the idea that a tremendously successful small business man, an admired philanthropist and great supporter of the arts, can also be progressive.

There will hopefully come a day when members of the Democratic Party will cease the use of a tactic so shamelessly honed and universally applied by the Republican Party these last forty-five years: The Big Lie. Not just the big lie, but also the baseless, false mythology that drives the right wing fear mongering of today.

Face it, Scott Wagman is a Progressive Democrat with proven management experience. That he has no ties to a city government reeking of cronyism, and we should all be relieved he is running.

[boingngngngn!]

"Face it, Scott Wagman is a Progressive Democrat"

So's Ed Helm...opppps, broke a string there sport.

[New Dem on the blog...]

Chris -- you got it right...

[True Blue]

Chris, take your meds. Then go pick up your paycheck from Toni. You're a tool.