Pam Iorio won't run statewide

From Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio:

Over the past several months, I have given much thought to this and have concluded that 2010 is not the right time to pursue a statewide or national office.  My four-year term as mayor does not end until March 2011 and I believe that running both the city of Tampa and a statewide campaign at the same time over the next eighteen months would shortchange the citizens of Tampa. Properly balancing the city’s budget in these difficult economic times deserves my full attention, as does the completion of the major capital improvement projects I began with the new Cultural Arts District along our downtown waterfront. Of particular importance to me, and to the entire region, is the major initiative of light rail, which needs time and strong support to become a reality.

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Comments

[True Blue]

A real class act. Running Tampa and a statewide campaign would short change the citizens of Tampa. Pam, when you're ready for another office I'l be there to support you.

[Robert]

That is of true great character. She knows her time will come to run for something higher.

[Rod?]

So does this assure that Rod Smith will run? His disdain for Alex has never been a very well kept secret. Having a clean shot at her is probably what he needs.

[zealous4him]

I LOVE her! She truly cares about Tampa Bay citizens. She has my full support when she runs for a higher office.

[Tampa Voter]

Pam is a nice person, for sure. But taxes and spending have gone out of control in Tampa and the mismanagement of water is apparent. She makes a wise decision to pass on 2010.

[Billy Jo Jim Bob]

She was probably worried the rednecks in Lakeland wouldn't be able to pronounce her last name.

Smart Move.

[Kris]

Luvs me some Pam!

[Buzzard.]

So what's the deal with The Times' vendetta against Buddy? He's been out of office quite a while now and they're still running front page stories about him.

[Robbie]

I am disappointed. I really wanted her to run!

[Robbie]

I am disappointed. I really wanted her to run!

[.]

Pam’s not jumping because she knows Chuck is. Besides, her hubby has a sweet deal over in Pinellas government. These freaks are like... quadsectipleroo dipping...

These deals are done behind the scenes and have nothing whatsoever to do with Party. Like I’ve always told you; there isn’t a dime’s worth of difference between a D and an R in office. They only seek to serve themselves and each other.

The D versus R thing is for the uneducated and malleable voter. To politicians, it’s not about Red or Blue… it’s about Green (taxes) and Greed.

The biggest problem with our local, State, and National elected offices is neither D’s not R’s. It’s I’s, as in incumbents.

[Pau H]

why can't more politicians be honest like this, instead of always positioning for the next office? I've frequently wondered why we even continue to pay elected officials who opt to dedicate their attention to their next election.

[Honest... please!]

Paul drinks too much.

[Mr.Fabulous]

Translation: I can't win, so I'll stay with what I have (which may not be a bad choice, Ms.Iorio isn't the most effective mayor I've ever seen, I can't imagine she'd have a chance at winning a State office with such an inconsequential track record).

[Mikey]

Pamela is a lovely lady who doesn't get anything done and saw the writing on the wall: She will lose to Crist in a statewide race for US Senate. End of story.

[Coach Bill]

Some of you are incredibly naive. She knows she can't win ANY statewide race including the job Sink will vacate. She is a self-serving pragmatist.

[John]

South Florida & North Florida voters have no idea who Pam Iorio is. She had no chance in a state-wide run.

Good smart choice in staying put.

[t]

Good, because she can't win.