"Jason the Terrible" whipped Charlie Justice into shape. Now, the campaign manager whose non-wrestling name is Mitch Kates is ready to pump up Mary Mulhern's campaign for Tampa City Council.
Kates is a talented guy who has both run for office and run campaigns, mostly in the Northeast and Pittsburgh. He's been a pro wrestler, as well. His victory in getting Justice into the Florida Senate despite being outspent more than three-to-one by the Republican nominee, Kim Berfield, vaulted him to the top of the local Democratic consultant ranks.
Mulhern wants to signal that she is serious in this bid. “Anyone curious about how serious my intent is should be aware that I am ‘all in’ and in this race to win," Mulhern said in a news release today. "Having Mitch on my team brings disciplined campaign experience that will help ensure we do everything necessary to run an effective and successful campaign."
Mulhern is running against Tampa City Councilman Shawn Harrison, who has represented a New Tampa district for two terms. The citywide District 2 contest could also include West Tampa activist Jason Busto, who is leaning heavily toward running.
FRIDAY UPDATE: Mulhern said Busto has decided not to run and is, instead, supporting her, having written a $500 check to her campaign.
This article appears in Dec 13-19, 2006.