Peter Schorsch
The drumbeat of Democratic endorsements for Ben Diamond‘s state House campaign continued Saturday with St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman announcing his support of the first-time candidate.
“Ben Diamond’s candidacy for the Florida House is great news for St. Petersburg, District 68, and all of Florida,” Kriseman said. “His love of people and knowledge of the policymaking process will make him a popular and effective legislator on day one. I am proud to endorse my friend Ben Diamond.”
Kriseman has seen first-hand Diamond at work. The St. Petersburg attorney and former general counsel to CFO Alex Sink served on Kriseman’s transition team and serves on the board of PSTA.
Diamond declared his candidacy for the District 68 seat Monday after Dwight Dudley announced he was not seeking re-election.
Concurrent with announcing his campaign, Diamond released a long list of Democratic endorsers, including Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant, House Democratic Leader-Designate Janet Cruz, former Governor Charlie Crist, Sink, as well as St Petersburg Councilmembers Jim Kennedy, Karl Nurse, and Darden Rice.
Pinellas County Commissioners Charlie Justice, Janet Long, and Ken Welch, and Pinellas County Democratic Chair Susan McGrath have also endorsed Diamond.
With Kriseman’s endorsement, Diamond has wrapped up the support of almost every major Democratic elected official in South Pinellas.
“Mayor Kriseman has done great things for the City of St Petersburg,” said Diamond. “I’m honored to have his support, and I’m excited to continue our work to make St. Petersburg and Pinellas County a great place to raise a family.”
