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Politics

Long credits voter disgust for win over Reeder

The Democrat pushed her experience in state government posts as making her the choice.

By ANNE LINDBERG
Published November 8, 2006

SEMINOLE - The race for state House District 51 went down to the wire with Democrat Janet Long eking out a victory late Tuesday.

"I'm so excited," Long said. "I'm very, very grateful for the win and I'm very aware of the serious issues that need to be addressed."

Long attributed her victory over Republican Dottie Reeder to voter disgust with Tallahassee business as usual.

"People were just sick and tired of the negativity," Long said. "They're ready for a change."

Reeder, who resigned as Seminole's mayor to make the state house bid, agreed that voter anger took its toll on candidates who were perceived to be part of the establishment.

"It's very clear that voters are angry. They're upset over what's going on," Reeder said.

Long led early in the evening, but quickly lost that advantage.

Reeder said she called Long and conceded before all absentee ballots were counted because she felt the 500 plus vote gap could not be overcome.

At 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, Long was leading Reeder by 550 votes out of the 43,310 counted.

Reeder focused her campaign on her lengthy service in city government.

Long pushed her experience in state government as a former legislative aide and deputy for the department of insurance. That experience, Long said, gave her a broader view than Reeder's municipal experience.

Long, 61, was born in West Stewartstown, N.H. She is director of advancement and communication at Clearwater Central Catholic High School. She also is a Seminole City Council member. She is married and has three children and two grandchildren.

[Last modified November 8, 2006, 01:24:43]