Candidate may bow out of District 55 House race

State House candidate Steven Lapinski, a newcomer in the race to replace Rep. Frank Peterman, might be out before the campaign even begins.

Lapinski, a University of South Florida student, said he is not sure he would be able to meet today’s deadline to get on the March 25 ballot. He needs to submit 735 signatures or pay $1,915.92.

Lapinski said he thought he had more than enough signatures, but some were disqualified.

Three other Democrats are running: educator Charles McKenzie, St. Petersburg City Council Member Earnest Williams and lawyer Darryl Rouson. A Republican has not entered the race.

The special election comes on the heels of Peterman's appointment as secretary of the state Department of Juvenile Justice.

- Cristina Silva, Times staff writer

Comments

[Get Smart]

The Republicans are running. They are running as Democrats in this district.

Hmmm. Let me see. What are my choices here?
1. Darryl Rouson was a Democrat, then a Republican and now has switched parties again to become a Democrat so he can run in the Special Election in House District 55. How many times can one flipflop on basic core values? Sorry Darryl.

2. Earnest Williams made a career with State Farm Insurance. Who knew State Farm would essentially say "screw you" to the homeowner's of Florida. Now Earnest wants to go to Tallahassee and "reform" insurance?
Earnest where were you when I needed you? Sorry Earnest. No deal.

3. Charles McKenzie, an "activist" and educator currently with the Rainbow/Push Coalition. Admiral enough Charles but what have you done lately?
Sorry Charles not my choice.

4. Anyone, anyone out there who is a fresh new face and not a political insider? C'mon anyone?

5. You have until March 4 to enter the race. No more petitions. You have to cough up $$ now.

6. If no one does I will. I was chosen as a Democrat pledged to support Barack Obama from US House District 11 yesterday. How much work have the three gentlemen above done to elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States. Let me hear from you.