Kathy Castor Endorses Charlie Crist for Congress

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., announced her support for former Gov. Charlie Crist to replace U.S. Rep. David Jolly, R-Fla., in Congress. Jolly is running for the Senate in 2016. 

Castor endorsed Crist in the following announcement: 

For many years I have had the privilege of working for the people of south St. Petersburg.  I am devoted to them and want the best for their future. While I will continue to stand up for my neighbors in south St. Pete, it appears that the St. Petersburg part of congressional district 14 may be shifted to a different district. It is critical that the next representative be dedicated to fighting for jobs, higher wages, affordable health care, good schools and more for south St. Petersburg.

Since Charlie Crist announced his plans to run for Congressional District 13, I have reflected upon the excellent working relationship that he and I had during his time as governor.  Our record of partnership on critical issues for the Tampa Bay area includes the BP oil disaster, excellent teachers and schools, implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, expanding early voting hours, supporting clean energy initiatives, improving Florida Kid Care, bringing needed federal Medicaid dollars to those most in need, and working together to bring needed infrastructure investments to the Tampa Bay area which resulted in the I-4 Selmon expressway and rail/transit initiatives.  

I am concerned that this important area in Pinellas continues to get the attention that it so greatly deserves - an advocate and fighter for the citizens and for critical investments in the area that will lift people up. I believe that Charlie’s vast experience and our ability to work together makes him the best person to continue the work I have done for my friends and neighbors in south St. Petersburg.  

I know first hand how Tampa Bay benefits when its congressional representatives work together on behalf of our entire community and I have seen the results throughout my time in Congress.  Our extensive history of cooperation to benefit the Tampa Bay area and state of Florida convinces me that Charlie will be a good partner in looking out for the best interests of our Tampa Bay community. 

Charlie knows the community, its people, its pastors, and its leaders and would hit the ground running.  He will represent the district well and fight for the neighbors that I have come to love in south St. Petersburg. For these reasons, I endorse Charlie Crist for Congressional District 13.