Rick Baker won't run for Young's seat, but David Jolly will
ST. PETERSBURG — Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, by most accounts the strongest Republican contender to succeed the late U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young, told the Tampa Bay Times on Saturday that he won't run.
Baker had been receiving considerable pressure and encouragement to run in the special election to fill the seat. With Baker out, it will likely be harder for GOP leaders to clear the field and avoid a primary.
"I am thankful for the many friends who have encouraged me to run for Congress. The honor is greater because of the respect I have for Congressman Bill Young and his long and accomplished record of public service," Baker told the Times. "I treasure my time as mayor and may likely consider a return to public service at some point — but not now. After much prayerful thought I have decided that I will not run for Congress at this time. I intend to focus my near term efforts on my family and my work with Bill Edwards to make our great city and state even greater. I look forward to enthusiastically supporting the Republican nominee for this congressional seat."
Shortly after Baker's statement, Republican lobbyist David Jolly announced he is entering the race.
Jolly is Young's former general counsel and is close with the Young family.
"It's something that I think I'm uniquely qualified for and I say that very humbly," Jolly, 40, told the Times.
Beverly Young, the widow of Rep. Young, told the Times she supports Jolly "200 percent because it's important to us that we try not to skip a beat in Pinellas County."
Mrs. Young also made it clear she will not be entering the race because Jolly is running.
On Friday, Bill Young II announced he won't be running.
A special primary election has been set for Jan. 14 and a special general election will be March 11.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/local/rick-baker-wont-run-for-youngs-seat-but-david-jolly-will/2150510
This is the only Republican that had a chance of winning this seat. Now the Democrats only need 16 seats to take back the House of Representatives.
= new reply since forum marked as read
