In first video ad, Jennifer Webb slams special interests

Jennifer Webb vows in her first video ad of the campaign season to fight the special interests she says are dominating Tallahassee.

“For too long, big special interests have gotten their way in Tallahassee and we’re paying the price,” Webb says in the 30-second spot.

Examples flash on the screen: “Duke Energy customers will pay $108 million a year for canceled nuclear plants” and “Teco, Duke Energy get electrical rate increases.”

Also flashing on the screen are Webb’s campaign promises: To take on special interests, protect drinking water, oppose fracking and stop Duke’s utility tax.

“Let’s put the people of Pinellas first,” Webb concludes.

Webb, a Democrat, is making her first run for public office against HD 69 incumbent Kathleen Peters.

Thus far, Peters is outdistancing Webb in fundraising. In the period from Sept. 3—16, Peters brought in $26,418.25. Of that, $10,118.25 came from the Republican Party of Florida. Peters has an overall total of $256,543.66.

Peters has another fundraiser scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. hosted by fellow Republican Sen. Jack Latvala and Frank Chivas. The event is at Marina Cantina, 25 Causeway Road.

During that same period, Webb received $18,775 in donations for a grand total of $107,755.46.

Webb and Peters are facing off in two debates this week.

The first is at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at a Tiger Bay luncheon. They’ll be featured with other candidates for the state House — Republican incumbents Chris Latvala (HD 67) and Larry Ahern. Democrat Lorena Grizzle, who is opposing Ahern for the HD 66 seat, will also be speaking. Latvala’s opponent David Vogel has said he will not be there.

The second faceoff between Webb and Peters is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Operation PAR, 13800 66th St. N on the 3rd floor. Topics include policies and funding for mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness.