Second openly gay candidate files for Fort Lauderdale mayor

Former City Commissioner Dean Trantalis is no longer the only gay man seeking the Fort Lauderdale mayor's job in 2009.

On Monday, Earl Rynerson submitted paperwork at City Hall to launch his campaign. Rynerson, a former San Francisco City Commissioner, owns CLAD Tile and Stone in Fort Lauderdale.

The gay community has been energized by the mayoral race after term-limited  Mayor Jim Naugle made a series of comments last year -- including about sex in public bathrooms -- that angered gay residents.

City Commissioner Cindi Hutchinson -- another candidate in the race -- spoke out against  Naugle last year.

Other candidates include defense attorney Steve Rossi and term-limited State Rep. Jack Seiler.

To announce his candidacy, Rynerson sent ''Fort Lauderdale Image Polishing Kits'' that include gloves, pre-moistened towels and instructions that include throwing politicians in the trash.