To a lot of observers, the endorsement of Barack Obama by Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio was a surprise. She rarely does such things.
“I have been watching the campaign closely and continue to be impressed with Obama,” explained Iorio. “His intellect, his outstanding ability to communicate, his grasp of the issues facing this country and his superior campaign skills, which he will need come November, all convinced me that I should get involved in this election and endorse.”
The immediate impetus was provided by Rep. Kathy Castor who actually invited Iorio to the rally and suggested the time was right to meet Obama. The Tampa venue and the timing so near the end of the primary season were major factors.
“In the few minutes I had backstage with him, he asked what issues concerned me, and, of course, I mentioned mass transit and the need for federal help on infrastructure and housing,” added Iorio.
And will we see Iorio on the Obama hustings?
“I will help Obama from here to the general whenever he comes to Tampa or the Bay Area,” she said. “Introduce him or help with logistics or whatever helps.”