Democrat McElyea Seeks Hosts

Republican District 13 congressional candidate Katherine Harris may have started a trend with her announcement last week that she was seeking volunteers to host small gatherings.

Harris’ “Coffee with Katherine” events are designed to help build support for her campaign.

This week, Democratic contender Candice Brown McElyea announced that she is asking for volunteers to host “Conversations with Candice.”

Volunteers are asked to call 927-2331 or e-mail candice@candiceforcongress.com.

McElyea also announced that she has picked up endorsements from two teachers: Deb Bryan, Sarasota County’s Teacher of the Year for 2000 from Booker High School; and Terri Minter, a Sarasota County Technical Institute teacher and Sarasota County Teacher’s Association union representative.

Another District 13 candidate, Democrat Jan Schneider, sent a letter this week to Harris suggesting that she and Harris hold a series of debates.

Schneider has set up a Web site at www.schneider-for-congress.com.

John Hill, a Republican vying for the District 13 seat, announced that he had returned a $1,000 contribution check from Gaming Enterprises Inc. because he doesn’t support slot machines, roulette or “other gambling services.”

He also said he wouldn’t accept contributions from the oil or banking industry.

Harris announced she has been endorsed by the Gulf Coast 10-13 Club in Charlotte County. The club, based in Port Charlotte, has about 100 active and retired police officers.

District 13 includes all or portions of Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, Sarasota and Hardee counties.

Republican Club hosts speaker

Eric Gustafson, vice president of the Washington, D.C.-based organization Citizens for a Sound Economy, is the scheduled speaker Monday at the Sarasota Republican Club meeting at the Forest Lakes Country Club, 2401 Beneva Road, Sarasota, beginning at 6 p.m. Dinner is $20 for members and $22 for guests. The public is welcome. For reservations, call 371-1191.

Gustafson, originally from Bradenton, is a New College graduate and former aide to U.S. Rep. Dan Miller, R-Bradenton.

Daryl Jones to speak at reception

State senator and Democratic candidate for governor Daryl Jones will be in Bradenton today for a reception and fund-raiser at the Leach Building, 320 Old Main St., from 2 to 4 p.m. The public is invited and refreshments will be served.

Jones had visited Bradenton in February to speak at the 2002 Black History Month Recognition service at the Ward Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church.

For more information, call 746-6485 or 383-9433.

Dems elect new officers

The Manatee County Democratic Party Executive Committee recently elected new officers.

Chuck Cooper was named chairman, Vicki Waters is vice chairwoman and Carol Pelletier is secretary.

The previous chairman, Jim Lacher, and vice chairwoman Kathleen Lawver, resigned for business reasons, but will remain on the Executive Committee.

— Victor Hull