Obama Campaign Office Opens in St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG – The Pinellas County headquarters for President Barack Obama's re-election campaign officially opened Saturday with a ribbon-cutting and visit from R. T. Rybak, one of five vice chairs for the Democratic National Committee.

More than 200 people showed up for the grand opening of the Obama for America Office in downtown St. Petersburg, at 951 Central Ave.

"Yes we can" and "Do it again" were chanted by supporters as Rybak was introduced to the crowd.

"This is the worst Republican field we've ever seen," Rybak told the Obama supporters. Rybak, a third-term Minneapolis mayor, said that the 2012 election is not just about re-electing Obama but also about not voting into office any of the GOP candidates.

"Republicans are buzzing into the state, throwing a bunch of mud at each other, having a few debates and then leaving," Rybak said. "The good news is we are staying."

The only member of the GOP field Rybak mentioned by name was Republican frontrunner Mitt Romney, who appears to have widened his lead in Florida, leading up to Tuesday's primary. 

Although Romney is gaining strength in the Republican field, Rybak questioned the former Massachusetts governor's skills to serve as U.S. president.

If you were at a dance, Rybak said, and the last girl without a date finally asked you to dance, "that doesn't make you Casanova," Rybak said. 

Rybak noted that coming from Minnesota he appreciated the warm Florida weather, but he anticipated a cold front coming through.

"But a bad wave has come in," he said about the GOP field of candidates. "The good news, after Tuesday they are all going to wash out."

The Obama for America team hosted several events across the state this weekend.

JACKSONVILLE

• Duval Volunteer Organizing Training with DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz
  • Saturday, Jan. 28
  • Duval DEC, 4811 Beach Boulevard Jacksonville

PALM BEACH

• Boca Raton Office Opening With Congressman Ted Deutch
  • Saturday, Jan. 28
  • Boca Raton OFA-Florida Office, 6020 N Federal Highway, #2

TAMPA

• Temple Terrace Phone Bank
  • Sunday, Jan. 29, 1 p.m.
  • Private Residence, 3008 River Grove Drive 

GAINESVILLE

• Gainesville Weekend of Action House Party
  • Saturday, Jan. 28
  • Private Residence, 901 NW 8th Ave

ORLANDO

• Orlando Weekend of Action Phone Bank
  • Saturday, Jan. 28
  • Orlando OFA-Florida Office, 1516 E. Colonial Dr., #203

TALLAHASSEE

• Tallahassee Phone Bank
  • Saturday, Jan. 28
  • Florida Democratic Party Office, 214 S Bronough St.

FORT MYERS

• Naples Virtual Phone Bank Training and Phone Bank
  • Saturday, Jan. 28        
  • Collier County DEC Office, 13040 Livingston Rd., Ste. 6. Naples, FL 34109

MIAMI/BROWARD

• Miami Gardens Phone Bank
  • Saturday, Jan. 28,
  • Miami Gardens OFA-Florida Office, 4797 NW 183rd Street 

• Pinecrest Volunteer Team Phone Bank
  • Saturday, Jan. 28
  • Private Residence, 8235 SW 133 Street