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Developer Hosting Blair Heavyweight Fundraiser

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By MIKE SALINERO msalinero@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 11, 2008

TAMPA - Trailing his opponent in the latest campaign-contribution reports, Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair is looking to local developer heavyweights to pump up his re-election coffers at an Oct. 23 fundraiser.

Developer Bing Kearney is hosting the event with other leading members of the building and real-estate industry, including Ed Giunta, Lance Ponton and Don Phillips.

Other headliners at the event include liquor distributor Gregg Lipp, Brandon lawyer Clif Curry and former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco.

Blair is being challenged for his District 6 seat by Kevin Beckner, a financial planner. The position is decided in a countywide vote, and Beckner has run an aggressive campaign and raised $32,050 during the two latest reporting periods, compared with Blair's $13,210.

Blair leads the overall money race with $192,637 raised since July 2007, compared with $143,345 for Beckner. Blair has spent only $82,604 compared with $113,590 by Beckner in the latest reports to the county Supervisor of Elections Office.

Blair was out of town and could not be reached for comment.
Beckner said the fundraiser was evidence Blair is in the pocket of special-interest groups. "They're very concerned about losing their power and influence in county government should Brian lose the election," he said.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303.

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