Florida Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson endorsed Rick Kriseman in next Tuesday's primary election in St. Petersburg, and the Kriseman camp is touting the public announcement as a significant development. "Rick Kriseman is a strong leader who will bring people together to find solutions for the challenges facing St. Petersburg," said Nelson in a press release issued by Kriseman.
At times during this campaign, Mayor Bill Foster has chastised Kriseman for bringing partisanship into the non-partisan race. Earlier this month, at the Bay News 9/Tampa Bay Times, Foster asked Kriseman if he would bring such partisanship to city hall.
But Team Kriseman rebutted Foster's charge by saying that their man is the only candidate who has received endorsements from elected officials on both sides of the aisle.
[jump]Their most recent example is Leslie Curran, who endorsed Kriseman prior to last night's debate. The city councilwoman blasted Mayor Foster's lack of leadership as a key factor in her decision.
Other Republican politicos who have endorsed Kriseman include former Polk County-based state Senator Paula Dockery and Pinellas County Commissioner Susan Latvala.
But back to Senator Nelson's endorsement. Kriseman said in a statement, "I am honored to have Senator Nelson's confidence and endorsement in this race. Senator Nelson knows first hand the need for pragmatic leadership and bipartisan consensus building. As mayor of St. Petersburg I will bring the people of this great city together to create jobs, improve our schools, and strengthen our neighborhoods."