Jamie Bennett: Upon further reflection, I’m still not quitting the St. Petersburg mayor’s race
May 18, 2009 at 1:05 pm by Wayne GarciaSt. Petersburg mayoral candidate Jamie Bennett — his campaign wounded by two weeks of revelations and accusations about dirty tricks, not to mention the firing of his campaign manager Peter Schorsch — has issued a statement today saying he is NOT going to quit the race and has hired a new campaign manager.
“In the days since I learned of Peter’s outrageous conduct, I have reflected and consulted with family, friends and political supporters about what I should do,” Bennett said in a statement he e-mailed to the press. “I care about our community far too much to be disheartened or discouraged by this personal and political setback. I simply will not allow the irresponsible actions of one individual to deny our community the vision and leadership we all deserve in our next Mayor.”
And he named Derek Newton his new campaign manager. a Miami-based Democratic consultant and blogger.
The full text of the letter after the jump:
Statement by Jamie Bennett
May 18, 2009“Peter Schorsch, my former campaign manager, has admitted violating professional, ethical and perhaps even legal standards of conduct – acts that lead to his immediate dismissal from my campaign. Since his dismissal, Peter has undertaken a planned effort to discredit me by attempting to associate me with his improper actions.
“His allegations are completely false. To those who know me and have worked with me throughout my service to the city since the early 1980s, these assertions are neither credible nor believable. The record is clear. When I learned of Peter’s unsanctioned conduct, I dismissed him immediately – as I would anyone who abused a public trust in this way.
“As has been reported, Peter has a lengthy history of illegal and inappropriate political conduct. His fabrications are proof that he remains a deeply troubled young man.
“Many people cautioned me against associating with Peter but, as a father, I looked for the best in him, wanted him to have a second chance and hired him with my heart. That was my mistake. As the candidate, I am responsible for my campaign and by believing in Peter, my reputation has become his most recent victim.
“Even more than the damage he has done to my campaign, I deeply regret the appearance of impropriety Peter created. He undermined the best nature of community service and I have contacted the candidates he targeted to offer my sincere apologies.
“In the days since I learned of Peter’s outrageous conduct, I have reflected and consulted with family, friends and political supporters about what I should do. I care about our community far too much to be disheartened or discouraged by this personal and political setback. I simply will not allow the irresponsible actions of one individual to deny our community the vision and leadership we all deserve in our next Mayor.
“Today, I am continuing my campaign for Mayor with a renewed dedication to St. Petersburg’s bright future. As the most experienced Mayoral candidate and the only candidate who is currently responsible for leading this great city, it would be irresponsible to concede our future to untested or less informed aspirants.”
