Politics

Justice explores run for House

The St. Petersburg Democrat looks at Rep. Young's post.

By ADAM C. SMITH, Times Political Editor
Published August 8, 2007

Who was that fellow in Washington last week talking with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee about running against U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young? None other than state Sen. Charlie Justice.

"A lot of people have been asking me to at least think about it, consider it," said the St. Petersburg Democrat, who is doing just that and said his running would not necessarily depend on Young, R-Indian Shores, retiring.

Young, 76, is serving his 18th term in the district covering much of Pinellas County and has not decided whether to run again in 2008. His district, a top Democratic target, on paper is among the most competitive in Florida, and he has raised more than $200,000 this year in case he faces a tough challenger.

"We all know he does his share of bringing home money for Florida and for the district, but there's concern that on the big issues there are parts where he's out of touch," Justice said of Young, citing Iraq and the No Child Left Behind education law.

Justice, 39, whose name is also in the mix of potential 2009 St. Petersburg mayoral candidates, would not have to resign his Senate seat to run for Congress, so taking on Young might boost his name recognition if Young waits awhile to retire.

"I don't get into campaigns to raise my name ID for future races or to set myself up for a mayoral race," said Justice, who would face a likely primary challenge from fellow Democrat Samm Simpson. "If I did it, I would run to win."

Adam C. Smith can be reached at 727893-8241 or asmith@sptimes.com.

[Last modified August 7, 2007, 23:25:28]