Saint huddles with Republican Inner Circle

[Paragon]

http://www.tampatimesonline.com/articles/local_12072003.php

TAMPA BAY - Tampa businessman Howard Saint is joining the already crowded field of candidates vying for the 2004 GOP gubernatorial nomination. A meeting yesterday afternoon at Saint’s downtown offices was attended by both local luminaries and high-ranking state officials, leading to speculation that when Acting Governor Fernandez steps down, he will formally endorse Saint. This despite persistent rumors over the years linking Saint to organized crime figures such as the Trafficante brothers and the LoScalzo family. Fernandez’s office was already on the defensive yesterday, as Press Secretary Allan Simes was peppered with questions regarding their relationship.

“Governor Fernandez regards Howard Saint not only as a close political ally, but a personal friend. In his role as Chamber of Commerce President, which he has filled with distinction over the last two years, Mr. Saint has fostered the continued downtown revitalization, and encouraged the relocation of several out-of-county businesses to this area. The governor regards the spread of these continuing, unsubstantiated rumors of Mr. Saint’s purported ‘underworld connections’ as not only scurrilous, but quite possibly actionable.”

Despite the governor’s statement, however, those rumors continue to fly. Unnamed sources within both the Tampa Sheriff’s office and FBI divisional headquarters have confirmed that Saint is the target of a series of ongoing investigations. Most political insiders believe that unless he is formally cleared by law enforcement, Saint will have a difficult time raising funds within the state, despite the web of close relationships he enjoys.