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Politics

Mary Mulhern gets help from Michigan governor

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 30, 2007

Tampa City Council hopeful Mary Mulhern will be getting some high-powered campaign help next month in the form of Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a rising star in the Democratic Party.

Granholm is slated to come to Tampa on Feb. 17 to stump for Mulhern, a candidate in District 2, according to her campaign manager Mitch Kates. Why is Granholm campaigning for a municipal office in a state 1,000 miles away? Well, it's all in the family: Granholm is married to Mulhern's brother, Dan.

Meanwhile, Mulhern already has had one out-of-the-ordinary campaign event. Held Sunday evening in a model town home in South Tampa, the event was titled "The Art of Politics." More than 40 artists, including David Audet, Theo Wujcik and Mort Richter, husband of Tampa Museum of Art board member Sara Richter, displayed works at the fundraiser. A portion of sale proceeds went to Mulhern.

Final results are still being tabulated, but according to Kates, the event raised more than $5,500. Among those on hand: Art Keeble, executive director of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County; Chuck Levin, co-founder of the Tampa Gallery of Photographic Arts; and Inkwood Books store owner Carla Jimenez.

Mulhern faces Shawn Harrison, who represents North Tampa on the City Council, in city elections March 6.

Restaurateurs throw fundraiser for Brown

McDonald's franchise owner Blake Casper hosted a recent fundraiser for District 4 City Council candidate Julie Brown. There were no Big Macs on the menu. Instead, event co-host Frank Chivas, co-owner of Salt Rock Grill in Indian Rocks Beach, catered the party. Among those enjoying the waterfront view from Casper's Davis Islands home: County Commissioner Rose Ferlita, City Council candidate Charlie Miranda, developer John Lum and real estate broker Toni Everett.

Saul-Sena: I'm fine, go help Dingfelder

City Council member Linda Saul-Sena has thrown her support behind Brown's opponent, incumbent John Dingfelder. Saul-Sena recently inspired walkers setting out to canvass South Tampa neighborhoods for Dingfelder, suggesting that anyone considering writing checks to her campaign write them to Dingfelder instead. Saul-Sena is unopposed in the race for her citywide seat. Three retired firefighters were also there to support Dingfelder, saying he is the only elected official in city government who backed them in their fight with Mayor Pam Iorio over pensions.

[Last modified January 30, 2007, 06:11:13]