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Politics

Reeder says hard work did it for her

By ANNE LINDBERG
Published September 6, 2006

Seminole Mayor Dottie Reeder romped to a victory Tuesday in the Republican primary for State House District 51.

Reeder took a substantial lead over Bruce Cotton early in the evening with about 65 percent of the vote and never looked back. Cotton is the former legislative aide to incumbent Leslie Waters, who had to give up the seat because of term limits.

"I'm just real excited," said Reeder, 57. "I think what put me over the top is (that) we worked very hard."

Before the race, some had doubted that Reeder was well known outside the Seminole city limits. In addition to Seminole, District 51 includes portions of Pinellas Park, Largo, St. Petersburg, South Pasadena and the west Lealman area.

Reeder pointed out Tuesday that the estimated 70,000 people in the unincorporated Seminole area often called on her to act as a kind of "mayor" at ribbon cuttings and similar functions. Reeder felt it gave her name recognition and made voters in that area feel a part of the community.

Reeder faces Democrat Janet Long in the Nov. 7 general election. Long served on the Seminole City Council while Reeder was mayor. In order to run for higher office, Reeder had to resign her mayor's seat. Her last day as Seminole mayor will be Nov. 7.

Reeder and Cotton, 43, had both touted their experience in government with voters, but it was very different. Reeder has 17 years' of service in municipal office, the last 11 as Seminole's mayor. Cotton served as a legislative staffer for former Democratic House member Margot Fischer and Republican House member Evelyn Lynn, of Ormond Beach, who is now a state senator.

[Last modified September 6, 2006, 01:31:41]