Mayoral favorites

By JANET ZINK, Times Staff Writer
Published January 23, 2008

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Florida's mayors are facing lower property tax revenues even as their cities struggle with the same problems as their residents: rising insurance and gas costs, a housing slump and a credit crunch. With Tuesday's Florida primary approaching, many mayors have lined up behind a presidential candidate they think can best address those issues. Here's where they stand.

ST. PETERSBURG

Rick Baker

Who he's supporting: Mitt Romney. "I want somebody I believe understands the market."

HIALEAH 

Julio Robaina

Who he's supporting: Rudy Giuliani

PEMBROKE PINES

Frank Ortis

Who he's supporting: Hillary Clinton

JACKSONVILLE

John Peyton

Who he's supporting: Mitt Romney

TAMPA

Pam Iorio

Who she's supporting: "As of now, I am not endorsing anyone."

PLANT CITY

Rick Lott

Who he's supporting: John McCain

CLEARWATER

Frank Hibbard

Who he's supporting: Mitt Romney. "He understands the economic issues, and our economy is the No. 1 concern of all the citizens I talk to."

MIAMI/DADE

Carlos Alvarez

Who he's supporting: John McCain

WEST PALM BEACH

Lois Frankel

Who she's supporting: Hillary Clinton