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Gardner Defied The Odds

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By TODD LESKANIC

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 28, 2008

Many in the know didn't give Susan Gardner much of a chance in the race for a Pasco-Pinellas Circuit Court judgeship.

After all, she was up against respected civil attorney Robert Angus Williams and smooth-talking criminal defense lawyer Ken Foote. Both raised substantially more money than Gardner, and Williams hired two well-known consultants to help with his campaign.

But by the end of Tuesday, Gardner had walked away with 42 percent of the vote to Williams' 33 percent and Foote's 24 percent.

So, how did she do it?

"I just went door to door. I went out and met people," Gardner said Wednesday. "I did stuff that didn't cost money. Plus, I've lived in the circuit my whole life and worked in the circuit my whole career, and it helps knowing people."

Neil Brickfield, one of Williams' consultants, had another explanation for Gardner's success.

"Standing at the polls yesterday, you couldn't help but notice the number of women who showed up to vote," Brickfield said. "You know, it wasn't three-to-two. It was more like two-to-one - at least it seemed that way. And women always do well running in countywide and judicial elections."

The race isn't over. Because she didn't receive 50 percent of the vote, Gardner faces a runoff against Williams in the Nov. 4 general election. Wednesday, Williams said he and his consultants were studying Tuesday's results in hopes of finding votes they may have missed in the primary.

"We've learned a lot having gone through this cycle so far," he said. "It's too early to tell what we're going to do differently, but we will continue to put out a good, positive message and work hard to contact the voters."

The winner of the runoff will replace Circuit Judge Wayne Cobb, who is retiring after more than 30 years on the bench.

Williams, 38, of Palm Harbor, has worked with Fowler White Boggs Banker since 1999 and earned a reputation for his work in land-use law. During the campaign, Williams touted endorsements from State Attorney Bernie McCabe and three local lodges of the Fraternal Order of Police.

He also earned the endorsement of The Tampa Tribune and the St. Petersburg Times.

Gardner, 46, a lawyer with the Public Defender's Office in New Port Richey, had little money and no organization until shortly before the primary. She didn't send out mailers and continued working throughout the campaign.

But Gardner said she has had fliers printed for the general election and hopes to take time off to campaign this time around.

"I am not going to let my guard down in the slightest," she said. "I feel better that the majority of votes were on my end this time, and I think I can do it again. I have a lot more going for me now as far as organization and knowledge of how things go."

Reporter Todd Leskanic can be reached at (727) 815-1084 and tleskanic@tampatrib.com.

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