David Jolly to run for D13 Seat

David Jolly, lobbyist and former top staffer to the late U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young, announced Saturday he'll be running for the District 13 House seat in Pinellas County.

Jolly, a Republican, said in an interview Saturday he decided to run after former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker said he wouldn't be running for the seat.

Ive worked on behalf of the people of Pinellas County for the last 20 years, Jolly said. I believe Im uniquely qualified to step in on day one and do the job.

Jolly has close ties with Young and the Young family -- he served as council for Young and later as a lawyer for Young's family. He received support from Bill Young's widow, Bev Young, immediately after announcing his candidacy. Bev Young had previously said she intended to run for her late husband's seat, but said she did not intend to do so.

Jolly is currently president of the Washington, D.C., lobbying firm Three Bridges Advisors. He isexpected to make a formal announcement of his candidacy Tuesday or Wednesday.