Jax Council VP race sees two endorsers cross party lines

Hazouri is hospitalized.

The story in the Jax City Council VP race on Tuesday afternoon: Aaron Bowman and John Crescimbeni each got backing from the other party in dueling 3:00 p.m. meetings.

Bowman met with Tommy Hazouri, and the co-sponsors of the HRO expansion bill had what amounted to a mutual admiration society.

Bowman told Hazouri that he was the first Democrat that Bowman ever voted for, citing how hard Hazouri worked for the Navy and how hard he worked in general, telling the former mayor: “You are the real deal.”

Bowman, whose approach to Council in many ways is mayoral, noted his belief in job creation, downtown development, and “raising up all of Jacksonville to make it a class city.”

Bowman, new to Council last year, notes that the class of 2015 “should be stepping into leadership positions” so that its “ready to mentor the class coming in.”

Hazouri, a downtown native, appreciated Bowman’s downtown comments, as well as his approach to the role.

“Whether Republican or Democrat,” Hazouri said, “I look at you as [moving Jacksonville forward].”

Hazouri, the ultimate veteran of Jacksonville politics, noted a stasis in leadership, saying that “the same people are [recycled] on the same boards and commissions over and over again.”

Certain critics extend that codicil to Council leadership, and Bowman’s run clearly is a challenge to the hierarchy.

Hazouri paused before signing, then saying “you know what?,” signed the letter of support.

Bowman met with Anna Brosche after the meeting, yet Brosche demurred from signing on at the moment.

Brosche told FloridaPolitics.com that she wanted to meet with all candidates before committing.

Meanwhile, Jim Love signed on to support John Crescimbeni on Tuesday, which puts Crescimbeni one vote closer to 10.

Love told FloridaPolitics.com that Crescimbeni was a “good friend” and an “experienced… fiscal conservative” with “common sense.”

Crescimbeni’s supporters now: Council President Greg Anderson; Finance Chair Bill Gulliford; Jim Love and himself; and, very likely, current VP Lori Boyer, whom Crescimbeni backed for the top spot.

Worth watching: whether or when a bandwagon effect starts in Crescimbeni’s favor as the margin spreads.