Fort Lauderdale's first and only openly gay City Commissioner has decided to run for mayor, guaranteeing a feisty race between three well-known individuals who have served in elected office.
Dean Trantalis confirmed that he will announce Monday that he is running for mayor in the March 2009 election. Trantalis had been vague about his political intentions earlier this week although a Dolphin Democrats board member had said Trantalis told him he planned to run for mayor.
Trantalis served on the City Commission between 2003 and 2006. He decided not to run for a second term.
Trantalis' entry into the race has not drawn cheers from all gay political leaders because some had already agreed to support City Commissioner Cindi Hutchinson, an ally to the gay community. Both Hutchinson and Trantalis publicly critized Mayor Jim Naugle last year when he angered the gay community by making comments about gay sex in park bathrooms.
Hutchinson said Trantalis initially supported her campaign and participated in her kickoff fundraiser. But she said he sent her an email last week stating that he planned to run.
Trantalis said he initially supported Hutchinson but ultimately decided that he should run.
"I don't mean to leave my friends in a lurch but at the same time I have to do what I feel is necessary to advance the goals I feel we need to achieve,'' he said.
State Rep. Jack Seiler and defense attorney Steve Rossi are also candidates to replace term-limited Naugle.
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