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2nd Republican enters House race

At 23, Thomas Piccolo of St. Petersburg is the youngest candidate to represent the heavily Democratic House District 53.

By SHADI RAHIMI
Published June 8, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG - A second Republican has entered the campaign to succeed outgoing Rep. Charlie Justice in the state House.

At 23, Thomas Piccolo of St. Petersburg is the youngest candidate to represent the heavily Democratic House District 53.

"I think being young is really an asset here," he said. "I'm not too far removed from the education system."

Piccolo graduated the University of South Florida St. Petersburg just last month.

He left an internship at the White House Office of Presidential Personnel in May to prepare for his run.

Piccolo's only competitor in the party primary is Christopher K. Ah Leong, 36, of St. Petersburg, who has been quiet, raising only $950 and spending $92 since filing to run in October.

Piccolo said this week that he has raised $3,300 since beginning fundraising last week.

His top priorities are improving Florida's schools, providing affordable housing and reforming property tax and insurance.

Also running are Democrats Rick Kriseman, a St. Petersburg City Council member; Charlie Gerdes, a commercial litigator; and Michael Derry, a first-time candidate whose father ran for Congress last year.

House District 53 is widely viewed as a safe seat for Democrats.

It covers parts of western St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Lealman, Kenneth City and Gulfport.

Justice is backing Kriseman, who has so far raised the most of any other candidate, a total of $55,736 reported.

[Last modified June 8, 2006, 05:18:30]