Things are heating up in Pinellas County as Republicans and Democrats get ready for the special election for the vacant congressional seat left open by the death of U.S. Rep. Bill Young, R-Fla.
Despite living outside the district as the campaign began, former state CFO Alex Sink is the front-runner for the Democratic nomination. Sinks team came out swinging at Republicans on Thursday.
The Washington establishment isn't going to sit this one out -- they are going to come after Alex with all they have just to keep the status quo, the Sink campaign emailed supporters on Thursday. Alex is fighting for something different: to change how we do business in Congress and get results for the families of Pinellas County.
The Sink campaign ripped into the Republican establishment dedicated to maintaining the dysfunction in Congress and tried to rally Democrats behind their candidate.
But the Republicans fired back on Thursday at Sink. With a host of national polls showing Americans are losing faith in President Barack Obama and his signature health-care law, Republicans are looking to tie the unpopular law around Sinks neck.
Alex Sink has made it crystal clear that she will support the presidents health-care law regardless if Florida families lose their health care coverage and are forced to pay more, said Katie Prill, a spokeswoman for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) on Thursday morning. As CFO of Florida, Sink proved she doesnt have a problem hurting Floridians, but sending Sink to Congress is a risk we just cant afford.
In the meantime, both Sink and David Jolly, the front-runner for the Republican nomination, continue to reel in endorsements from local politicians.
There was speculation that Florida Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, would run for the congressional seat but he quickly shot down such speculation early on. On Wednesday, Brandes threw his support behind Jolly, noting the Republican candidate worked closely with Young. Jolly was Youngs general counsel and has the support of his widow.
We need a principled leader like David Jolly representing our community in Congress, said Brandes. David knows the ins and outs of Pinellas County and has the best interest of our area in mind. I am confident that he will build upon the great successes of Congressman Bill Young. David Jolly is our hometown guy and is uniquely qualified to represent us. I am proud to stand with David.
I am honored to receive the support of Senator Brandes for my campaign for Florida Congressional District 13, said Jolly. A native of St. Petersburg, Senator Brandes has worked diligently to improve our local communities and our great state of Florida in Tallahassee with a main focus on transportation issues, among others. Pinellas County is home to both Senator Brandes and I, and I thank him for his support of my candidacy.
Sink reeled in an endorsement of her own from Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice who was also considered a possible candidate in the race. Justice ran against Young in 2010 but was decisively beaten by the Republican.
Alex brings an unparalleled resume to take on the challenges facing our community and our country, Justice insisted on Tuesday. Her commitment to the families of Pinellas is unquestionable.
The deadline to enter the race is Nov. 19. The primaries will be held on Jan. 14 and the special election will take place on March 14.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com.
