The former vice president joins former President Barack Obama in endorsing Rick Kriseman for reelection as St. Petersburg’s mayor.

ST. PETERSBURG – Former Vice President Joe Biden has announced that he has endorsed St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman for re-election.

Biden is making an appeal to St. Petersburg voters who supported him and President Barack Obama in previous elections, urging them to cast their ballots for Kriseman.

The former vice president cited Kriseman’s strong record of accomplishments–lowering crime and poverty, preparing for climate change, and working to grow the middle class.

“I have a straight forward message to the St. Pete voters. If you voted for Barack and me when we were on the ballot, then we need you to get out there and vote for Rick Kriseman. Rick has a great track record on important issues to St. Petersburg: like reducing poverty, reducing crime, preparing for climate change, and creating jobs where you can support a middle class family. So please, get out there and re-elect Rick Kriseman,.” Biden said.

Kriseman said, “No one has fought harder for working class families than Vice President Joe Biden and I’m honored to have his endorsement. St. Petersburg has come so far these past four years, and I’m committed to continuing that progress. Every day until the polls close, we’re going to talk to voters about what’s at stake in this election. Crime and poverty are on the decline, job growth is on the rise, and our city is finally preparing for a changing climate. We can’t afford to go backward.”

In addition to his endorsement, Biden recorded a robocall supporting Kriseman. The robocall will begin this afternoon (Oct. 26).

FULL TRANSCRIPT OF ROBOCALL:

“This is Vice President Joe Biden. I have a straightforward message to the St. Pete voters.

“If you voted for Barack and me when we were on the ballot, then we need you to get out there and vote for Rick Kriseman.

“We need you to return your absentee ballot or vote on election day November the 7th.

“Rick has a great track record on important issues to St. Petersburg: like reducing poverty, reducing crime, preparing for climate change, and creating jobs where you can support a middle class family.

“So please, get out there and re-elect Rick Kriseman. Thank you and don’t forget—Election Day is on November the 7th.”

Kriseman is seeking a second term as St. Petersburg’s mayor. He is running against former Mayor Rick Baker.

Mail ballots are being voted now. Early voting begins Saturday (Oct. 28). The election is Nov. 7.

For information about Kriseman, go to krisemanformayor.com.

Rick Kriseman | St. Petersburg Election | Election | Joe Biden | Barack Obama | Rick Baker | St Pete News

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