Democrats line up behind candidate in one of Florida’s most vulnerable GOP-held state House seats

Looks like Tampa Bay Democratic leaders are eager to avoid an expensive primary in the race to replace outgoing state House Rep. Kathleen Peters, R-South Pasadena, which they see as a prime pickup opportunity. House District 69 candidate Jennifer Webb today announced a slew of endorsements from prominent Democrats.

Republicans running for the south Pinellas County district include Jeremy David Baillie and Raymond Blacklidge.

District 69, previously represented by Democrats Rick Kriseman and Charlie Justice, has voted reliably Democratic in combative races except when the popular Peters was running. Barack Obama beat Mitt Romney by nearly 4 percentage points, Charlie Crist beat Rick Scott by 11 points in that district

Endorsements, per Webb's press release:

Redington Beach
Fred Steierman, Town Commission: When we asked for help on the beach, Jennifer Webb showed up and fought for us when no one else would listen. I trust her to continue to fight for our local cities and to champion returning control to our residents and their local governments.

St. Pete Beach
Terri Finnerty, Commissioner. Endorsed

Largo
Michael Smith, Vice Mayor: "I admire Jennifer's determination and commitment to our community. As Largo's Vice Mayor, I know the importance of having steadfast partners in the state legislature and that is why I fully endorse her for Florida House, District 69."

Gulfport
Sam Henderson, Mayor: "As Mayor, I know I can count on Jennifer Webb to listen to Gulfport's residents and advocate for local priorities in the legislature. I've known Jennifer since my first term on City Council and she has always been helpful and supportive to the people of our city. Gulfport needs a community-focused champion like Jennifer Webb to work hard for us in the Florida House of Representatives."

Yolanda Roman, Council: "I am very pleased that Jennifer Webb is running for the Florida House of Representatives, District 69.  In Tallahassee, Jennifer Webb is ready to effectively represent us on important issues, including support of local governments, protecting our
environment, better education for children, championing improved healthcare for Floridians, supporting a minimum wage increase, readying Florida for the impact of climate change, and making sure that equality for all is both realized and protected.  Jennifer possesses the skills to
serve us in the Florida State Capitol.  She is determined to challenge the status quo, while committing to effectively partnering with legislators regardless of party affiliation.  It is critical at this time for House District 69 to have Jennifer Webb's voice in Tallahassee, a voice that will make a real difference not only today, but for years to come."

Michael Fridovich, Council: "I am supporting Jennifer Webb for the Florida legislature for one simple reason, she is the most qualified. She is passionate and resolute. She will get things done for us in Tallahassee."
Paul Ray, Council -elect. "I am very excited about Jennifer Webb's candidacy for District 69 State Representative. Jennifer shows the qualities we need to represent our communities, attentive to our needs and our voices, the tenacity and commitment needed to get the job done,
informed and responsive to the issues. I proudly endorse Jennifer and encourage others to do so as well. Jennifer will be a great resource for Gulfport as well as the rest of District 69 and I look forward to working with her as our next State Representative."

St. Petersburg City Council
Lisa Wheeler-Bowman: "I proudly endorse Jennifer Webb for State House, District 69. I am impressed with Jennifer's perseverance and passion for her community. I have seen her work ethic in action and know that she will put in the hard work and long hours needed to represent our families and communities in Tallahassee. She is the future of our party and our future looks bright."

Steve Kornell: Endorsed

Karl Nurse: Endorsed

Darden Rice: "As the former Chair of the St Pete City Council I have witnessed first-hand Jennifer Webb to be a fierce friend and advocate for protecting our waterways and our drinking water, the environment, and investing in our infrastructure. Jennifer will fight in Tallahassee to
get things done for all the citizens of District 69. I fully endorse Jennifer Webb to be our next State Representative."
Amy Foster: "I am impressed with Jennifer Webb's tenacity and intelligence. Given her record of moving the needle on seemingly intractable issues, I'm confident she will serve our community well. I believe she will get to Tallahassee, and get to work on behalf of our families
and businesses."

School Board Endorsements
Rene Flowers, Pinellas County School Board Member, District 7
"When serving a community with a tremendous amount of needs, several qualities are inherently important. A careful and attentive eye for climatic changes and the effects on our beaches and sea level rise are all too important when representing a district dependent upon tourism and is
surrounded by water. Jennifer Webb has a desire to work with communities- pairing them with corporations who are not just interested in providing a job, but are also interested in providing lasting career
opportunities for the residents as well as serving as good neighbors is paramount."

Linda Lerner – Endorsed

Pinellas County Commission
Ken Welch:  "It is time for a change in Tallahassee. Pinellas must have a representative who reflects our values and will deliver results for our community. Jennifer works hard everyday for progress, and she gets things done for our community. I am confident that District 69 will be well represented by Jennifer Webb in the Florida House."

Charlie Justice: Jennifer Webb understands how special it is to represent our community.  She will work hard to bring our voice, our values to Tallahassee.  We don't need another member of the old boys' club. We need a strong leader on the important issues – that's Jennifer."

Legislative Delegation
Representative Ben Diamond: "Jennifer Webb's candidacy for the Florida House is great news for Pinellas County.  Jennifer has the experience, integrity, and temperament to be a very effective member of the Florida House on day one.  I am impressed with her thoughtfulness, her
passion for public service, and her commitment to our community.  I am proud to endorse my friend Jennifer Webb for House District 69."

Senator Darryl Rouson: "Florida is facing its worst public health crisis ever with over 14 Floridians dying every day from drug overdoses.  I need a partner in the Florida House to be our voice for addiction and mental health issues Jennifer Webb is that voice, she has shown a passion and determination to get the job done and be the voice for the voiceless. I need Jennifer Webb in the Florida House to help get things done.

Leader Janet Cruz: "As House Democratic Leader, I've had the privilege to lead a caucus tirelessly dedicated to fighting to protect our environmental resources, improve our public schools, and expand access to affordable healthcare to all Floridians. Our state desperately needs more of these types of fighters in the Legislature. "That's why I'm proud to endorse Jennifer Webb for House District 69. Throughout the timeI've known Jennifer, her passion for improving the lives of the people of Pinellas County has
been undeniable and I've seen firsthand that she will always put their best interests first in the Florida House."

Alex Sink, former CFO: "As a former CFO, I appreciate leaders who understand the importance of good financial stewardship. Jennifer Webb understands how important it is that we safeguard the financial interests of Florida's working families."

Betty Castor Former Commissioner of Education: endorsed.

Sam Bell former State Representative: endorsed.
"I'm humbled and energized by the groundswell of support I've received from our supporters in the first two months of our campaign," said Webb. "I think the level of enthusiasm I've seen from voters across
the districts speaks to our strong and coordinated campaign, as well as a hunger from the people of District 69 for much needed change in Tallahassee."