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Ex-GOP Committeewoman Ends Bid To Regain The Seat

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By WILLIAM MARCH

wmarch@tampatrib.com

Published: March 14, 2009

Updated: 03/14/2009 12:26 am

TAMPA - Carol Carter, who resigned from her post as state committeewoman for the Hillsborough County Republican Party over an e-mail some considered racially offensive, is dropping out of the race to regain the position.

In an interview, Carter blamed her situation on news coverage, saying news reports "destroyed me."

Carter was one of several candidates for the post in an election to be held next week. The person serving in the voluntary position is one of three county representatives on the governing board of the state party.

Carter, who has been active in the local GOP for decades, resigned in February after an e-mail she forwarded to friends in the party was leaked to reporters.

"I'm confused," it states. "How can 2,000,000 blacks get into Washington, DC in 1 day in sub zero temps when 200,000 couldn't get out of New Orleans in 85 degree temps with four days notice?"

She later sought to rescind her resignation, but state party Chairman Jim Greer declared her resignation final. Carter then campaigned briefly in the special election to fill the post.

The events led to some degree of controversy in the party at local and state levels. Some Republicans backed Carter and said she should remain; others said she should go.

At one point, state party Vice Chairman Allen Cox sent an e-mail soliciting support for Carter.

Four candidates for the post remain: Mel Jurado, Tina Pike, Anne Voss and Heather Weintrobe.

Reporter William March can be reached at (813) 259-7761.

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