Forget Rick Baker for governor

Just as I was finishing up a column on prominent Republicans eager to see Republican Mayor Rick Baker of St. Petersburg jump into the governor's race, Baker calls to say that over the weekend he and his family decided against a statewide campaign.

 "I only have a few years left with my kids at home, and I just want to be with them,'' Baker said. "It's really not a question of whether I think I could win, it's really personal reasons. You start thinking about an 18-month campaign."

He's untested on a big stage, but a fresh-faced consistent conservative -- socially and fiscally -- who won more than 90 percent of the African-American vote in his community could have been a real force.

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Comments

[Paul]

Good.

We have had enough of the Republican
friends of big business.

[Why the Times is dying...]

“He's untested on a big stage, but a fresh-faced consistent conservative -- socially and fiscally -- who won more than 90 percent of the African-American vote in his community could have been a real force.”

Good Lord, Adam… I knew you were in the bag for this hack, but for God’s sake, have you no integrity at all?

Dude’s a corporatist homophobe, and 90% of the registered St. Pete AA community didn’t even vote on the Election Days associated with his races! He won his last election by gaining 70+% of a 17% turn out.

[Oh, no! Dad is home.]

I am sure his kids are overjoyed. Dad will be home to micromanage the household. Maybe he will set up a new traffic flow so the kids can no longer cut through the living room on the way to their bedroom because dad is watching TV. The kids will have to go out the front door and in the back door so they do not disturb dad.

A lot like the traffic heading east on 9th Ave. when hitting 4th St.

Good luck kids! Better you than the rest of us!

[Carl]

RICK BAKER FOR BILL YOUNG'S SEATS WHEN HE RETIRES?

[.]

He is one of the most high-maintenance politicians there is, he would not have lasted 2 months.

[get-smart]

Rrrrrrinnnggg ~~~~~ "Mayor B speaking!"

SS - "Hey Rick it's me Stu .."

RB - "Stu how are you? ...are you here in Florida?"

SS - "No I'm here in New York and even up here I hear some silly talk that you are running for President or something?"

RB - "President!?? No not President .. hahaha .. I am looking into a run for Governor."

SS - "Oh Governor! I see .. what about the stadium? I thought you were going to help me and the boys get the new stadium. You know Rick, I got a lot invested in you and that crummy town. I need you around to help get the new stadium .. Capiche!"

RB - "Well yeah .. but ...you will be dealing with a new mayor next year and ....."

SS - Forgetaboutit! I need you around here and I'll let you know when you can go! ~~ Click !~~~

Cheers -

[Just say no to the party of NO!]

"consistent conservative"

= corporate sellout.
= in the pocket of developers.
= caused the recession.
= does not support the President.
= part of the Bush team.

Do you call that a recommendation?

[Conservative]

Florida's Loss, We could have used some leadership and ethical values in Tallahassee.