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Mom's Ad Nets 70 Contenders

Tribune photo by JAY CONNER

"I figured it was worth a shot," Jason says of his mother's public plea for a daughter-in-law. He has been seeking Mrs. Right since his divorce in 2003.

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By SHERRI ACKERMAN

sackerman@tampatrib.com

Published: December 23, 2008

TAMPA - First came the ad for a wife. Then a newspaper story and, finally, a television appearance.

It has been a whirlwind few weeks for the 37-year-old mild-mannered bachelor named Jason, whose mother ran an ad in The Tampa Tribune last month that said: "ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS ... a WIFE for my SON."

Jason, who doesn't want to divulge his last name to protect what little privacy he has left, appeared Monday on the locally produced, nationally syndicated talk show, "Daytime." Looking relaxed, he discussed the experience that has brought him a bit of fame - including calls from media across the country - and a lot of good-natured ribbing.

What did he say to his mom when she asked him if she could place the ad?

"Go for it, mom."

Seems it has not been for naught. Claudia, his mother, e-mailed the Tribune Monday morning with good news:

"We've had about 50 responses, but I picked up a bunch more today, probably about 20 or so," she wrote.

The Blacksburg, Va., matriarch plans to send thank-you notes to every person who replies via snail mail and e-mail, then ship the letters to Jason in Tampa.

Respondents who only supplied her with a phone number will have to wait for Jason to call.

"It's so emotional reading these letters," Claudia wrote. "I feel a connection with every single person who has written."

Although the experience has been heartwarming for her, she frets a little about her son and the coming year.

"I know Jason had said he would meet each one, but I don't think he realized how popular he would be," Claudia wrote. "What if he hits 300+ - he would have to meet a girl every single day for a year!!!

"And that puts the marriage idea WAY behind!!"

Reporter Sherri Ackerman can be reached at (813) 259-7144.

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