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Obama Endorses Kriseman

Barack Obama | Politics | President

The former president says Mayor Rick Kriseman is the “the only choice for continued progress for St. Petersburg.”

ST. PETERSBURG –  Former President Barack Obama has endorsed St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman for re-election.

“As mayor of St. Petersburg, Rick Kriseman has taken on big challenges to move St. Pete forward” said former President Obama. “From raising the minimum wage and fighting for equality, to bold leadership on climate change, Rick was a great ally on the priorities of my administration. I strongly endorse Rick Kriseman as the only choice for continued progress for St. Petersburg.”

Kriseman said, “I am incredibly honored to have the support of President Barack Obama as we continue our work of moving St. Pete forward. President Obama’s leadership had a positive impact on our city. His historic election inspired us. His governance helped us to rebound from a great recession, made healthcare more available and affordable, and expanded opportunity and equality for countless Americans. From ending veteran homelessness to combating climate change, it has been my privilege to champion his priorities and apply them at the local level.”

As a state representative, Kriseman was one of the first elected officials in Florida to endorse then-Sen. Obama for president in 2007. As mayor, Kriseman took on the White House’s challenge to end veteran homelessness, increased the minimum wage and paid parental leave for city workers, and has pledged to uphold the standards of the Paris climate agreement. Kriseman also worked with the Obama administration to launch the My Brother’s Keeper initiative in St. Pete, and supported Obamacare enrollment efforts, helping thousands of people in St. Pete gain access to healthcare.

Kriseman is facing challenges from former Mayor Rick Baker, Jesse Nevel, Paul Congemi, Anthony Cates, and Theresa Lassiter.

The primary is Tuesday (Aug. 29). If no candidate gets at least 50 percent plus one vote, the two top votegetters will move on to the general election on Nov. 7. The St. Petersburg mayor serves four years and earns $180,895 a year.

For information about Kriseman, go to krisemanformayor.com.

Rick Kriseman | Obama | Politics | Elections | Endorsements | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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