Stonewall Democrats endorse Wagman
The Pinellas Stonewall Democrats endorsed Scott Wagman for mayor at their meeting Thursday night.
From a release:
Members of the Stonewall Democrats voted to endorse or recommend several candidates running in the St. Petersburg municipal elections: Scott Wagman for mayor, Steve Kornell for city council in District 5, and Karl Nurse for city council in District 6. Members also voted to recommend Dr. Pamela Settlegoode for city council in District 4.
These endorsements follow an extensive candidate screening process. Our political committee reviewed information provided by candidates and met with each of the individuals to assess their commitment to equality for all Floridians and their viability in the upcoming election.
This election historically has low voter turnout, so our endorsement was highly sought-after. Over the coming weeks leading up to the September 1 primary and the November 3 general election, the chapter will be encouraging its members and supporters to help the endorsed candidates.
Rick Boylan, President of the Stonewall Democrats, told chapter members, "This is a critical election for the future of St. Petersburg. We must focus our energies to make sure these candidates are successful." Boylan said "The Stonewall Democrats can make the difference in this election."
This election historically has low voter turnout, so our endorsement was highly sought-after. Over the coming weeks leading up to the September 1 primary and the November 3 general election, the chapter will be encouraging its members and supporters to help the endorsed candidates.
Rick Boylan, President of the Stonewall Democrats, told chapter members, "This is a critical election for the future of St. Petersburg. We must focus our energies to make sure these candidates are successful." Boylan said "The Stonewall Democrats can make the difference in this election."
Aaron Sharockman, Times Staff Writer
From the writers of the St. Petersburg Times, Bay Buzz offers the latest news on Tampa Bay politics. This is a public forum sponsored and maintained by the St. Petersburg Times. When you post comments here, what you say becomes public and could appear in the newspaper. You are not engaging in private communication with candidates or Times staffers.
People of St.Pete please don't vote for these candidates.The last thing this city needs is more rights for gays. I hate the fact that our city is gay freindly.And that we honor them with gay pride week. If the world was there way we would all be gay and the world would stop growing.I hate that I have to tell my son why two men kissing and graping each other when we are at kentwood park.It's just wrong people.you should have rights as a person not because your gay.There should not be rights for gays ever.And by voteing for these candidates you will give them more rights. And our city will be wrost for it.Man and women is what GOD wants it to be.Stop giving in to there way of think.
Posted by: working class dog in this city | July 17, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Shocking. Just shocking. Another endorsement for a guy has done nothing for anyone.
Posted by: shock | July 17, 2009 at 11:45 AM
If the Stonewalls can dump people who have actually worked for gay issues (Bennett and Ford) in favor of people like Wagman, it's impossible to see why any elected official would ever do anything more.
Why help when you'll get dumped for the next smooth talker in the door?
What a shame.
Posted by: joey | July 17, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Yeah! Like he said...don't give in to "there way of think!" Moron. Perhaps you should spend a little less time hate-mongering and a little more time mastering your command of the English language.
Posted by: yeah, working class dog | July 17, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Working class Dog is right! I have seen the light.
But he didn't go far enough. As he said "Man and women is what GOD wants it to be" So WOMEN where are your Burka's.
I hate having to tell my son why women are going around in public with their faces uncovered. It's just wrong people!
Posted by: Zen Master | July 17, 2009 at 12:04 PM
I always thought $cott Wagman sucked. Now we know for sure!
Posted by: jbs | July 17, 2009 at 12:27 PM
The Stonewalls have absolutely no credibility whatsoever, and the Times does a disservice to integrity every time they give them inches. The Stonewalls showed their true colors during this cycle. They cry for equality, while limiting the equality of others. They charge the world with discrimination, while discriminating against others. The PCSEC (Pinellas County Stonewall Executive Committee) high jacked the local Dem Party and slipped Boylan in to pimp the gay mafia agenda at the state level. I wonder if Thurman has figured out their plan to replace her with Boylan yet. I doubt it though; she digs the chardonnay too much to pay attention to anything but her Republican consultant fee.
Posted by: Boy Master | July 17, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Ed Helms talked Dr. Pamela Settlegoode to run for city council. There must be someone besides Settlegoode and Curan to put in office?
Posted by: Liz McCallum | July 17, 2009 at 12:57 PM
“These endorsements follow an extensive candidate screening process (on gay issues they have no control over). Our political committee reviewed information provided by candidates (on gay issues they have no control over) and met with each of the individuals to assess their commitment to (gay issues they have no control over) equality (as if) for all Floridians (code for local gay people) and their viability in the upcoming election (new code words for bogus organizations trying to cover for the biased/directed recommendations).”
… and now YOU Knooooow… the rrrrrrest of the story.
Posted by: ... I'm Harv Pauly.... Good Day! | July 17, 2009 at 01:05 PM
The difference is Bennet and Ford have no chance. Bennet was burned by the ex-felon Peter "St Petersblog" Schorsch's poorly executed "tickets for votes" scandal, and Ford . . . well, aside from knowing she got beat last time she ran, nobody in my neighborhood knows anything about her.
It'll be Wagman, Gibbons or Foster - my bet's on Wagman. He hasn't done anything really stupid yet, and he's getting a lot of free publicity.
Posted by: Some Guy | July 17, 2009 at 01:09 PM
Wagman, the very fact that the gays are endorsing you tells me your the wrong candidate for mayor. I am not a gay hater. I simply don't like gays pushing a politician so the rest of us will have to watch gays kiss and fondle each other in public. I have kids and this is not right. Wagman and Gibbons simply have no knowledge of what this city is about. It is not about being a gay city. Foster, you may not be the business savy guy or kiss politicians butts nationwide, but at least your a decent human being. You know have my vote.
Posted by: Dude | July 17, 2009 at 01:17 PM
working class dog, You may have a point about people making out in public, it might freak the children out. However, you can not deny civil rights to other people because you disapprove of their lifestyle.
You can legally deny people their rights if they have assaulted or battered you, or if they have damaged or stolen your property. Otherwise, work to get a local ordinance banning public displays of affection.
Meanwhile, shield your child's eyes, just like you would change a TV channel.
Shock, Scott Wagman has done plenty for people. How about the employee he sent to the Mayo Clinics in both Jacksonville and Minnesota? While continuing to pay the man's salary?
Scott treated his employees better than you have been treated by any employer you ever had, I'll bet. Why don't you go help throw people out of Graham-Rogall?
Joey, the Stonewalls want to back a social progressive who has a chance of beating the Republican in the general election. Scott has the crossover support from the NPAs and Independents, and should be the candidate representing the compassionate side of local politics.
Boy Master: my, my, my, you are a sour case. Boylan was elected because not only did he have experience on the state level, but also because he is well liked by virtually all members of the DEC. He is a good guy with a wry sense of humor. He has no enemies, and that is what we wanted, a unified front in Tallahassee.
Anyway, I think all you jerks are really stpetersblog in disguise. What a sad soul.
Posted by: Chris Brudy | July 17, 2009 at 01:28 PM
How is Foster decent?
He is a religious fanatic who doesn't want our children to get a real education. Just his brainwashing in dogma. How is his forcing his beliefs on us any different from how the Taliban force their dogma on the people under their thumb?
Posted by: Zen Master | July 17, 2009 at 01:29 PM
The sky is not falling. The Stonewalls are just one of many local groups that are making endorsements. But they just happen to get out and canvass and work for their choices. What do you do? We have great candidates for Mayor and for City Council seats. Do some background work on the persons that deserve your vote.
Surely there has been a candidate forum near you or will be soon.
To you homophobes on here discrimination against any group is discrimination against all groups. Gays and lesbians are not asking for any special rights just the rights we all enjoy. Lighten up.
Posted by: Jim Jackson | July 17, 2009 at 01:36 PM
Chris, none of the posts above were from me. I knew and understand why Stonewall D' endorsed Wagman. It's a smart move for them and him.
Do I think the SDs can make a difference in the mayoral election? Maybe, but was there any doubt they were going to vote for him anyway? Scott is still polling in fourth or fifth place.
Posted by: saintpetersblog | July 17, 2009 at 01:36 PM
You know Zen… sometimes the level of your ignorance even amazes me. Apparently Zen wants our children to be taught all the wonders of the gay lifestyle choice… you know, like the glory of HIV.
If any group couldn’t be compared to the Taliban, it’s the Stonewalls and their threats, extort, and attack mantra.
And not only no, Chris.. but HELL NO to shielding my children’s eyes. Tell the freaks to keep it in their own homes and out of the sight of decent human beings who get the whole circle of life concept, you simp.
Posted by: Chris Master | July 17, 2009 at 01:39 PM
Gotta love the hate.
Thank GOD we live in a country where we have the right to love who we are attracted to, rather than who the state tells us we are permitted to.
Good for you, Stonewalls.
Posted by: New Dem on the blog... | July 17, 2009 at 02:12 PM
"Gotta love the hate.”
(‘hate’… the new code word used against those who have differing opinions)
“Thank GOD we live in a country where we have the right to love who we are attracted to…”
(I’m guessing in your world, that would include… those “attracted” to young children and animals)
“…, rather than who the state tells us we are permitted to.”
(divert attention from the 78% of Americans who do not support the gay agenda by redirecting the blame at the “state”)
“Good for you, Stonewalls.”
(Code for ‘I too chose to live an un-natural and un-healthy lifestyle’ and want to force everyone to accept it)
Posted by: Intelligent Dem on the blog... | July 17, 2009 at 02:32 PM
oh dear...he gained a few votes and lost a LOT. Bad move
Posted by: NG | July 17, 2009 at 02:34 PM
I'm kind of disappointed that the SDs went with Wagman, given the better record on equality that Bennett and Ford had to offer, but given how the Democratic establishment has gotten behind him (Wagman, hired their consultants and former local chair, for instance, maybe a good investment after all), I guess I'm not surprised. I wasn't there to hear what the SDs heard, so I am in no position to judge, but it sure sounds like they chose promise over performance. I guess there's something to be said for hope, but I'm hoping for something better.
Posted by: Beach Bum | July 17, 2009 at 02:39 PM
Hey Stonewalls! Did your “issue based” questionnaire ask the candidates how they intend to address real issues like this…?
“Florida unemployment rate hit 10.6% in June”
“The latest bay area figures, for May, are revised upward to 11.1 percent. One expert says it's the size of the jump that's surprising.”
… didn’t think so… but hey, just as long as gay people can marry…
Posted by: People who live in the real world | July 17, 2009 at 02:58 PM
Umm I work for Deveron and this is not shocking but it does sort of scare me that the establishment is lining up behind Wagman. He is the only one with the money to compete in the long run.
Posted by: wow | July 17, 2009 at 03:37 PM
Umm I work for Deveron and this is not shocking but it does sort of scare me that the establishment is lining up behind Wagman. He is the only one with the money to compete in the long run.
... can I get my $5 now Mr. Wagman?
Posted by: simp | July 17, 2009 at 04:02 PM
nough said
Posted by: chimp | July 17, 2009 at 04:07 PM
hahaha
Posted by: gimp | July 17, 2009 at 04:08 PM