DiMatteo backs Beyrouti to head Pinellas REC

DECEMBER 01, 2008

After two terms as Pinellas Republican Executive Committee chief, Tony DiMatteo officially assumed his new job as state committeeman today, a post he ran unopposed for last summer.

Next Monday, the REC will chose a new leader, and DiMatteo has thrown his support behind former Redington Shores mayor J.J. Beyrouti. DiMatteo said Beyrouti's opponent is Dan Tucker, who ran the Ron Paul meet-up group in St. Petersburg in the last election cycle.

"He's a nice enough guy, don't misunderstand me," DiMatteo said of Tucker, "but he doesn't have the experience and knowledge that J.J. has when it comes to Republican Party affairs."

DiMatteo said he intends to send a letter to party members in coming days endorsing Beyrouti.

Will Van Sant, Times Staff Writer

Posted by Times Editor at 5:05:42 pm on December 01, 2008 in

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