Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio has said she would not endorse in the Tampa mayor 's race this year. But though it might have been obvious when her mother was heard to be endorsing Bob Buckhorn that the daughter would follow suit, this became official a few minutes ago, in an e-mail sent to members of the media:
Dear members of the media,
I am announcing my endorsement of Bob Buckhorn in the mayor’s race.
Staying neutral is no longer an option for me. The negative turn of the campaign by Bob’s opponent causes me great concern. I have always deplored negative campaigning and believe that it reflects on how one would govern. I know that it takes positive and steady leadership every single day to properly lead this city. Bob has demonstrated those attributes and will calmly and thoughtfully lead this city forward.
Pam Iorio
March 11, 2011
Rose Ferlita has been on a series of attacks all week against Bob Buckhorn, though in fairness a new 527 mailer issued in the last 24 hours is now attacking Ferlita as well.
The e-mail came from Iorio's personal e-mail address, which made us question if it was in fact, from her. But the mayor's spokesperson confirmed this morning that she requested the e-mail addresses of members of the media, so we think it's legit.
This article appears in Mar 10-16, 2011.